North Carolina § 50-56 - Modification of award for alimony, postseparation support, child support, or child custody based on substantial change of circumstances.

Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 50-56 — Modification of award for alimony, postseparation support, child support, or child custody based on substantial change of circumstances., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 50-56. Modification of award for alimony, postseparation support, child support, or child custody based on substantial change of circumstances.

A court or the arbitrators may modify an award for postseparation support, alimony, child support, or child custody under conditions stated in G.S. 50-13.7 and G.S. 50-16.9 as provided in subsections (b) through (f) of this section. Unless the parties have agreed in writing that an award for postseparation support or alimony shall be nonmodifiable, an award by arbitrators for postseparation support or alimony under G.S. 50-16.2A, 50-16.3A, 50-16.4, or 50-16.7 may be modified if a court order for alimony or postseparation support could be modified under G.S. 50-16.9. An award by arbitrators for child support or child custody may be modified if a court order for child support or child custody could be modified under G.S. 50-13.7. If an award for modifiable postseparation support or alimony, or an award for child support or child custody, has not been confirmed under G.S. 50-53, upon the parties' written agreement these matters may be submitted to arbitrators chosen by the parties under G.S. 50-45. G.S. 50-52 through G.S. 50-56 shall apply to this modified award. If an award for modifiable postseparation support or alimony, or an award for child support or child custody has been confirmed pursuant to G.S. 50-53, upon the parties' agreement in writing and joint motion, the court may remit these matters to arbitrators chosen by the parties as provided in G.S. 50-45, in which case G.S. 50-52 through G.S. 50-56 apply to this modified award. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the provisions of G.S. 50-55 apply to modifications or corrections of awards for postseparation support, alimony, child support, or child custody. History (1999-185, s. 1; 2005-187, s. 14.) Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2005-187, s. 14, effective October 1, 2005, and applicable to agreements made on or after that date, in subsection (a), substituted "as provided" for "in accordance with procedures stated"; in subsection (b), added "in writing" and substituted "under" for "pursuant to" preceding "G.S. 50-16.9"; in subsection (c), substituted "under" for "pursuant to"; in subsection (d), substituted "under" for "pursuant to", added "written", substituted "under G.S. 50-45 " for "as provided in G.S. 50-45 , in which case", and added "shall"; and in subsection (e), added "in writing." For applicability, see Editor's note.

Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 50-56

What does North Carolina General Statutes § 50-56 cover?

Section 50-56 ("Modification of award for alimony, postseparation support, child support, or child custody based on substantial change of circumstances.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite North Carolina § 50-56?

A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 50-56" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of North Carolina law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.

How does North Carolina § 50-56 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.