Separating from the mother of your children was likely one of the hardest decisions you have ever had to make. As you navigate the post-divorce world, you must learn how to share custody and pay child support. If your existing Texas child support order no longer works for you, you may want to seek a modification.
Texas judges think about the best interests of children when drafting child support orders. They also generally consider the number of children a non-custodial parent supports, his or her income and a few other factors. As you may suspect, when circumstances change, judges may need to modify the child support order to ensure they continue to provide for the best interests of the children involved. Here are three ways to pursue a modification of a child support order in Texas.
1. Prove circumstances have changed
Child support orders are legal documents. If you have lost the financial means to pay, you could face significant legal consequences. On the other hand, you may now have the ability to pay more to provide for your child. Either way, if you can prove your circumstances have changed, a judge may agree to modify your child support order.
2. Wait for some time to pass
If your circumstances have not changed, you may have difficulty modifying your child support order. You are not out of luck, however. If you wait three years, you can request a review of your payment structure.
3. Agree on new terms
Finally, you may be able to modify your child support order by negotiating with your child’s other parent. Even if you both agree on new terms, however, you must ask a judge to approve the child support agreement.
Like all good parents, you want what is best for your child. If your current child support order is not working, you have some options for modifying it. By understanding the ways to tweak child support in Texas, you can develop a plan for improving your situation.
