Modification of Conservatorship and Child Support Under certain conditions, typically when the circumstances of someone affected by the decree have "materially and substantially changed" since the time the court entered the order sought to be modified. Either parent can petition the Court to change conservatorship, periods of possession, or child support at any time until the child is emancipated (for example, turns 18 years of age). The burdens of proof are different and sometimes difficult to meet. Thus, a word of advice: never enter into an agreement for conservatorship, periods of possession, or child support based on the assumption that it can always be modified later. You also should not enter into an agreement that you will pay no or a minimal amount of child support based on the assumption that a request for full child support will not be made later. CAUTION :Informal agreements between the parties are not binding on the Court. If you rely on the agreement of your former spouse that you can pay a lesser amount of child support or have possession of your child at times other than that stated in your decree, you may very well find yourself in contempt of court for violating the court's order. As long as the relationship between the former spouses remains cordial, informal arrangements will work fine. However, when the relationship inevitably goes south, your spouse may take you to court for contempt. If your former spouse agrees to give you primary possession of the children, and then demands return of the children several days later, you have no enforceable right to retain possession. If you and your former spouse are able to agree to arrangements other that that stated in the court's order, it is highly recommended to reduce them in writing and even more so to contact an attorney to have them reduced to the form of a court order.