Following a Texas divorce, courts frequently order child support payments from one parent to the other to ensure children’s needs are met. While these orders typically remain in place until a child reaches adulthood, life circumstances don’t always stay the same. When significant changes occur, Texas law allows parents to seek modifications to existing child support arrangements.
Understanding when and how you can request a modification is essential to protecting your rights and your child’s welfare. At Sanchez & Farrar Law Firm, PLLC, our experienced Austin and New Braunfels child support attorneys help parents through the child support modification process.
If you’re facing changed circumstances that affect your ability to pay or your child’s needs, contact us today at (512) 535-0807 for a free consultation.
Texas law doesn’t permit child support modifications for arbitrary reasons. According to the Texas Attorney General, your modification request must satisfy specific eligibility criteria before a judge will consider approving a new order.
The primary basis for modification involves demonstrating that circumstances for one or both parents have changed in a material and substantial way since the original order. Texas courts recognize several qualifying changes:
Texas provides an alternative pathway for modification requests. Even without proving a material and substantial change in circumstances, you may qualify for modification if:
This provision recognizes that over time, standard calculations based on updated income information may naturally result in significantly different amounts, even when no dramatic life changes have occurred.
Regardless of how clear-cut your modification case appears, you must continue making child support payments at the current ordered amount until a judge signs a new order. Failing to pay support while your modification case is pending can result in arrearages and penalties.
Texas law imposes a 6% annual interest charge on overdue child support. This interest accrues automatically and cannot be waived by the court, even if your modification is eventually approved. Missing payments can also lead to serious enforcement actions, including wage garnishment, license suspension, and contempt of court charges.
Child support modification cases involve complicated Texas family law statutes and procedures. Small procedural errors can delay your case or result in unfavorable outcomes.
At Sanchez & Farrar Law Firm, PLLC, we bring extensive experience in Texas family law matters to every client’s case. We’ll help you:
Child support orders exist to ensure children receive the financial support they need, but these orders must reflect current realities to be fair and sustainable. Whether you’re the paying parent facing financial hardship or the custodial parent whose child’s needs have increased, a modification may be appropriate.
Contact our Austin or New Braunfels office today to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and help you take the right steps toward modifying your child support order. Contact us to get started. Let us put our experience to work protecting your interests and your child’s future.
We serve Austin, New Braunfels, and throughout Texas.
Sanchez & Farrar PLLC – Austin Office
314 E Highland Mall Blvd
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 535-0807
Sanchez & Farrar PLLC – New Braunfels Office
To learn more about the services offered by Sanchez & Farrar, PLLC, call our firm or send us an email. We have offices in New Braunfels and Austin.
