Opinion ID: 1690481
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: materiality of changes

Text: Gordon argues that the referee erred in finding that the changes of circumstance were material. Courts that have the power to award child support also have the power to modify the amount or method of payment whenever circumstances change materially. Burrell v. Burrell, 359 N.W.2d 381, 383 (N.D.1985). A substantial change in the financial circumstances of either parent can be material to support of a child. Schmidt v. Schmidt, 432 N.W.2d 860 (N.D.1988). A disparity from the recently published administrative guidelines for setting support has not eliminated the need for a material change of circumstances to authorize a court to adjust support, a majority of this court has ruled. State ex rel. Younger v. Bryant, 465 N.W.2d 155 (N.D.1991); Garbe v. Garbe, 467 N.W.2d 740 (N.D.1991). Still, a finding of significantly changed income for the obligor alone may be material enough to allow adjustment of child support. The referee found material changes in Gordon's significant financial success, in the change in Trevor's custody, and in Linda's leaving employment to stay home with her children. Gordon acknowledges that his income has increased since the divorce from $25,000 annually to $120,000 in 1989. Even so, he argues that this is not material because the needs of the children and of Linda are adequately met in the Clutter household that has an adjusted gross income of over $163,000 annually. Moreover, Gordon argues, Linda's decreased earnings since the divorce, from $20,000 annually to nothing currently, is entirely voluntary. Gordon adds that his custody of Trevor is not a factor that materially increases Linda's need for child support, but instead decreases it. In all, Gordon argues, the changes are not material enough to increase his support obligation. Whatever the equitable cast of these arguments, they go to the amounts of support more than they go to the materiality of the changes. The fact that Gordon's income has more than quadrupled is material enough to authorize an increase of child support. Illies v. Illies, 462 N.W.2d 878 (N.D.1990) (Material changes for child support where parent's income increased from $1,287 to $1,871, even though primary custodial parent's income increased from $1,029 to $2,675). See also State ex rel. Younger v. Bryant, 465 N.W.2d at 159. Alone, Gordon's significant financial success justified reconsideration of his child support obligation.