Child support is a primary source of protection, financial well-being, and rights provision for children following their parents’ marriage dissolution or separation. It ensures their access to quality healthcare, education, and basic necessities required for a healthy, fulfilling life. However, parents must understand that certain life changes, such as employment shifts and income fluctuation, can affect child support.
These alterations can give rise to questions regarding child support amount reevaluation before the three-year mark in Texas. In this blog, you will learn what the Texas family and child support law says about changing child support amounts and its necessary guidelines.
When to Reevaluate Child Support Amount in Texas
The first step to successfully assessing and amending your child support amount is knowing when to do it. Child support orders are typically in effect until a child turns 18 or when they graduate high school. But in the meantime, you may be required to change the child support amount if:
- You’re facing a significant change in your income
- Dealing with a financial hardship
- Considering a job change
However, Texas law only allows such modification once every three years under substantial income/job changes.
The Standard for Modifying Child Support Amount
You can request a child support modification before the 3-year mark in Texas if your job change completely alters your ability to meet the financial obligations. This is especially important if you lose your job or gain a significant increment, which qualifies your child for material changes in child support.
You must initiate the modification by filing a court petition with the original child support order, providing necessary proof and documents, and justifying the impact on income.
Factors Affecting Child Support Modification
While job change serves as a solid ground for child support modification, the court will also assess your family situation and your overall ability to fulfill the obligation in the long run. That’s why we recommend you seek legal counsel as child support changes before the 3-year mark in Texas are limited and mandate expert advocacy.
Seek Professional Legal Assistance in Texas Now!
Our team of expert family law, child custody, and family court lawyers in Texas can help evaluate your child custody terms and plans while ensuring your rights as a parent. Our experience in family law solutions speaks volumes of our expertise, professionalism, integrity, and honesty. We work in our client’s favor to ensure the best possible outcomes with comprehensive legal counsel and support.
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