Can child support be changed after a divorce?

In Québec, child support orders can be changed after a divorce when there is a material change in circumstances, such as an increase or decrease in income, a change in custody arrangements, or evolving needs of the child. Section 17 of the Divorce Act authorizes courts to vary, suspend, or rescind a support order, while articles 594–596.1 C.c.Q. provide the same mechanism under provincial law. For straightforward cases—such as predictable income adjustments or new dependents—parents may apply through SARPA (Service administratif de rajustement des pensions alimentaires pour enfants), avoiding court involvement. Any change must be supported by updated financial disclosure and proof that circumstances have changed substantially.