The child support agreement is designed to make sure that children receive enough financial aid from each parent, regardless of whether they’re not with each other. However, life circumstances are able to change, which could necessitate changes to current child support agreements. In Texas, certain circumstances could need to be changed in order to meet the needs of the child and the financial requirements of parents. Three situations are common that might require a Texas modification to child support.
1. Significant Change in Income
The significant changes to the earnings of one parent are one of the major reasons for trying to change child support payments in Texas. The motives for this may include:
- Employer Reduced or Loss of income If one of your parents gets laid off or suffers drastic reductions in working hours, or has the chance to decrease the amount of their salary or have it reduced, they might have a difficult time paying the present requirements for child maintenance. If a parent is offered a position with an increase in salary, or is given a substantial increase or raise, the other parent may ask for a rise to support for children. support they pay.
- Promos or any the possibility of a new job An increase of income as a result of a rise in income, or the start of a business or job that has been successful may also be reasons to alter the child support.
The Texas Family Code allows for modifications if the increase in the income is large and significant and occurred minimum three years prior to the last change or if the amount that is currently being paid differs by 20 percent or $100 more than the amount that is to be provided in accordance with the the current guidelines.
2. Changes in the Child’s Needs
As children grow advanced in age and are financially self-sufficient the needs of their parents change. The situations that may require an adjustment to meet the child’s evolving needs could be:
- Education costs are more expensive. costs The price of tuition, tutoring or educational materials, and activities outside of school can be substantially increased as time passes.
- Medical conditions: When your kid has been recognized as having disabilities or has health conditions that require further medical or therapy accommodations and therapy, the cost may require adjustments.
- The cost of childcare Changes in necessities for childcare, such as the requirement for care after school or daycare services, might justify an adjustment in the child’s care.
They should be substantial and directly impact the financial resources needed to support the child.
3. Changes in Custody or Living Arrangements
Modifications to child support may be needed if the child’s custody arrangement changes or if arrangements are made regarding the parent’s residence. Examples include:
- Custodial Parental Modifications If children are placed with parents who are not custodial for prolonged periods of time or if there is an official transfer of custody, the financial burden could shift, requiring changes to the child’s custody.
- Modifications to Visitation Changes to Visitation Schedules The time of visits, for instance, if a parent spends more or less time with their child than initially scheduled, could affect their obligation to support their child.
- Parent Relocation If one of the parents is relocated to a new city or state, this could impact the cost of travel and living and might require a modification.
Filing for a Child Support Modification in Texas
For the purpose of requesting modifications to the law in Texas the parent looking to apply for the modification must file an application before the judge. The court will review the case and decide whether those proposed modifications meet the conditions to be modified. It is advised to consult an attorney who is knowledgeable in the area of family law to confirmation that the petition has been filed in a proper manner and supported by the proper documentation.
Conclusion
It’s a continuous condition, and fluctuation in the amount of income earned, child’s needs, or parent-child custody arrangement could provide reasons for the need to alter child support within Texas. Knowing the right time and method to make an adjustment can help ensure that the needs of your child are met and that both parents are contributing equally based on their current circumstances. If you think that a change in your child support arrangement is necessary, speaking to an attorney will help you navigate the procedure and ensure that the interests of your child remain the primary concern.