Modifications to Child Support Agreements
Child support payments are often critical agreements established following a divorce in which children are involved. While support agreements are almost always established during the divorce process, changing circumstances and needs may cause a need for these agreements to be modified as time goes on. Changes to child support are not automatic. For the court to modify the amount of child support, one of the parents must request the change.
Either party may request a modification of child support when a financial situation changes or when the children’s needs change. Even if parents initially agree to a specific child support amount, a change in circumstances may give you the right to petition the court to modify the support payment. Depending on the circumstances of the children and both parents, the reasons for modifications can be varied, but might include things like a changed financial situation for either the paying or receiving spouse, a new marriage, or simply different needs of the child being supported. Whatever the reason for modification, it’s usually very important to know how these modifications can be made.
If you are seeking a modification to your child support agreement in The Woodlands, BB Law Group PLLC can help. Contact us today at (832) 534-2589 or online to schedule a confidential consultation.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Even though Texas utilizes a mathematical formula to determine child support, all child support orders are inherently complex. It’s important for the court to have the information that it needs in order to make an accurate determination on a child support payment amount. The other parent may not be forthcoming about their income or the true circumstances of the children. Having an attorney fighting for you can help the court reach the right result.
An experienced child support modification attorney in Texas knows what factors apply to the Texas child support formula. They can help you gather the information that you need to prove your case. With an experienced attorney by your side, you can skillfully present your case to the court so that the judge can see the entire picture and make the right decision.
You can ask for a modification of child support on your own, but you may not know if the state makes errors in your calculations. Mistakes could cost you and your children hundreds of dollars each month. In addition, it may take months to get into court the traditional way. An attorney for child support modifications can help you bring your child support modification petition straight to court for a hearing before a judge. By working with experienced counsel, you can avoid errors, build a strong case, and have it heard in court as soon as possible.
Why Choose Us?
If you’re considering bringing an action to modify your child support payments, our child support team has the in-depth knowledge, skill, and drive to help you succeed. At BB Law Group PLLC, our leader, Bryan J. Bleibdrey, is a seasoned trial lawyer with experience as a prosecutor. With prior experience in management and logistics, Bryan Bleibdrey knows that attention to detail and personal service are the keys to helping clients reach the right result in court. He begins each case with an individual, in-depth review.
When you work with the child support attorneys of the BB Law Group PLLC, you’re working with a skilled, passionate legal team that’s determined to advocate for you and for your children. It’s our goal to understand your objectives and work together to reach them. Child support modification is complex, but our unique training and experience give us the right perspective to get results.
Two Types of Child Support Modifications
Child support agreements can be modified in two primary ways, each of which will likely affect you or your child, whether you are paying or receiving child support. These two primary types of modification include:
Both of these modifications can change a parent’s financial circumstances dramatically. Thus, in order to protect yourself and your child and to ensure that you receive or pay a fair amount in child support agreements, it’s often essential to seek the support and guidance of a legal counselor when your child support payments are being modified.
Even when your circumstances change and you have grounds to raise or lower child support, it’s up to you to petition the court. If you need a child support modification, don’t wait until your situation becomes unmanageable. Filing a formal petition for modification of child support is the only way to change the child support amount in your case and have an order that fairly reflects Texas law as well as the true situation present in your case.
Do I Have Grounds to Modify Child Support in Texas?
In Texas, a modification of child support is based on a material change in circumstances. There are a number of life changes that may trigger a change in child support payments, including:
- Job loss of the noncustodial parent
- Salary, hourly pay, or other income increase of the non-custodial parent
- A change in the primary custodian
- Travel expenses associated with exercising parenting time
- The child’s special needs
- The costs of the child’s education
- A parent is financially responsible for other minor children
Either party may request an investigation of child support if it’s been three or more years since the last child support order. Even if it hasn’t been that long, any material change in circumstances is grounds for a modification of child support. If you believe your circumstances warrant a change in child support, whether you need more support from your ex or whether you want to pay less, you can contact BB Law Group PLLC for help modifying the order.
Contact Us
Child support modification can be a complex and stressful undertaking. When negotiating a child support agreement, you deserve to have both you and your child’s interests protected. How you handle your child support modification petition can ultimately impact the amount of support ordered in your case.
Our legal team at the BB Law Group PLLC has in-depth knowledge and experience handling child support modification matters, allowing us to adeptly guide all of our clients through the child support modification process. We’re ready to help you take all of the steps necessary to pursue your case and get the relief that you deserve in court. Call (832) 534-2589 or use our instant messaging feature right now to learn more about your personal situation, and how child support modifications could affect your future and the future financial security of your child or children.