In most cases, a spousal support agreement can be modified once a decree or court ruling has been issued. An individual requesting a modification will have to base their request upon sound reasoning, such as a dramatic change in circumstances akin to losing a job or experiencing a prolonged health crisis. When a lump sum agreement has been approved, it cannot be modified. This includes lump sum arrangements paid in installments. Some spousal support agreements will have specific clauses making them non-modifiable. This status cannot be overturned except in extreme circumstances, such as if an appeal is filed alleging that the law was applied incorrectly in approving the support agreement.