Child Support Modification Attorney in Colleyville, Texas

Child support plays a crucial role in making sure that children’s needs are met following a divorce or separation. However, life is full of changes, and what once worked may no longer be feasible for either parent. 

This is where child support modifications come into play. In Texas, modifying child support orders is possible but requires a thorough understanding of the legal process, which is where a knowledgeable modifications attorney can help.

At Tefera Law Firm, PLLC, we recognize that financial situations and life circumstances are rarely static. Whether you're seeking to increase or decrease your child support payments, our experienced family law attorney is here to guide you through the modification process. 

We understand that your child's needs and your ability to provide for them can change over time, and we’re dedicated to helping you to make sure that your support orders reflect these evolving realities.

Understanding Child Support Modifications in Texas

Texas courts allow for child support modifications when there’s a material and substantial change in circumstances. This may include a change in income, job loss, relocation, or changes in the child’s needs, among other factors. 

The primary goal of the court in any family law matter is to serve the best interests of the child, and child support orders are no exception.

Whether you’re the parent paying support or the one receiving it, it’s important to understand the legal criteria and the process involved in requesting a modification. Not all changes in circumstances will warrant a modification, and the court will carefully evaluate your case before approving any changes. This is why having an experienced family law attorney by your side is critical.

At Tefera Law Firm, PLLC, we help parents throughout Colleyville, Keller, Grapevine, Southlake, Watauga, Hurst, Euless, Bedford, North Richland Hills, Fort Worth, Arlington, and neighboring areas including Dallas and Denton, as well as Tarrant County work through the challenges of child support modifications. 

Our Texas child support modifications attorney is well-versed in the state's family laws and will work to help make sure that your case is presented in the best possible light.

When Can You Request a Child Support Modification?

In Texas, there are two primary circumstances under which you can request a modification of child support:

1. A Material and Substantial Change in Circumstances: The most common reason for seeking a child support modification is when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the original child support order was issued. This can include:

   • A significant change in either parent’s income (e.g., job loss, salary increase, or demotion)

   • A parent has remarried and their financial situation has changed

   • Changes in the child's medical, educational, or extracurricular needs

   • Relocation of one of the parents that affects the ability to maintain current support levels

   • Changes in the custody arrangement or the amount of time the child spends with each parent

It’s important to note that the change must be significant enough to justify a modification. A minor fluctuation in income or a temporary situation will likely not be considered sufficient grounds for a modification.

2. Three Years Have Passed Since the Last Order: Texas law also allows for a child support modification if it has been at least three years since the last child support order was issued, and the monthly amount of child support would differ by either 20% or $100 based on the current income levels of the parents.

These are the general criteria, but every case is unique. At Tefera Law Firm, PLLC, we take the time to understand your specific situation and provide guidance on whether your circumstances qualify for a child support modification.

The Process of Modifying Child Support in Texas

The process of modifying child support in Texas involves several steps, and it’s essential to follow the legal procedure correctly to avoid complications. Here is an overview of what you can expect:

1. Filing a Petition to Modify Child Support

To initiate a modification, you must file a petition with the family law court that issued the original child support order. The petition must outline the reasons for requesting a modification and provide evidence to support your claim. This might include documentation of income changes, medical bills, or other relevant financial information.

Working with a family law attorney can help make sure that your petition is complete, accurate, and presented in a way that clearly demonstrates why a modification is necessary. At Tefera Law Firm, PLLC, we help our clients gather and present the necessary evidence to strengthen their case.

2. Serving the Other Parent

Once the petition is filed, the other parent must be served with the legal paperwork, notifying them of your request for a modification. They’ll have the opportunity to respond to the petition and either agree to or contest the modification. 

If both parents agree to the modification, the process is typically quicker and less complicated. However, if the other parent contests the modification, a hearing will likely be scheduled.

3. Court Hearing

If the modification is contested, a hearing will be held in family law court. Both parents will have the opportunity to present their case, and the judge will review the evidence to determine if a modification is warranted. 

The court will base its decision on the best interests of the child, taking into account factors such as:

• The financial resources of both parents

• The child’s needs, including education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities

• The custody arrangement and the time the child spends with each parent

Our experienced family law attorney at Tefera Law Firm, PLLC, will represent you during the hearing, making sure that your rights and your child’s best interests are protected. We’ll prepare you for the hearing and present a compelling case on your behalf.

4. Issuing the Modified Order

If the court approves the modification, a new child support order will be issued. This new order will replace the previous one and will be enforceable moving forward. If either parent fails to comply with the modified order, they may be subject to legal consequences, including wage garnishment or contempt of court charges.

5. Enforcing the Modified Order

It’s important to follow the modified child support order once it’s issued. Failing to comply with the order can result in significant legal consequences. If the other parent isn't complying with the new order, you can take legal action to enforce it. 

At Tefera Law Firm, PLLC, we’re here to help you enforce child support orders to the best of our ability and help make sure that your child receives financial support.

Can Child Support Be Decreased?

In some cases, the parent paying child support may seek a reduction in their payments. This typically happens when the paying parent experiences a significant reduction in income, such as losing their job or facing a demotion.

A court may reduce child support payments if it determines that the paying parent’s financial situation has changed substantially and that the reduction is in the child’s best interests.

However, it’s important to understand that courts are very careful when reducing child support, as they’re primarily concerned with making sure that the child’s needs are met. It’s not enough to simply show that your income has decreased; you must also demonstrate that your child’s well-being won’t be compromised by a reduction in support.

Our family law attorney at Tefera Law Firm, PLLC, can help you determine whether you have grounds for requesting a decrease in child support and represent you throughout the modification process.

Increasing Child Support

On the other hand, the parent receiving child support may request an increase in payments if the child’s needs have grown or if the paying parent’s financial situation has improved significantly. 

For example, if the child has developed medical conditions that require additional care, or if the paying parent has received a significant promotion, an increase in child support may be appropriate.

If you believe that your current child support order no longer meets your child’s needs, Tefera Law Firm, PLLC, can assist you in requesting a modification to increase support payments. 

Our family law attorney will work diligently to present evidence supporting your request and help make sure that your child receives the financial resources they need to thrive.