Looking to reduce or increase your child support payment? Let us aid you in the process.
Looking to reduce or increase your child support payment? Let us aid you in the process.
Child support modifications are a common occurrence and can be requested when parents’ financial situations change substantially. At Toombs Imel & Associates, we understand that life happens and modifying the amount of child support is necessary.
It is important for both parties to understand what constitutes a significant enough change in order to modify the agreement and how to file for such changes.
Ways to Modify Child Support
Child support in Texas can be modified in three ways: (1) by agreement of the parties; (2) every three years if the child support differs from the guidelines by at least 20% or $100.00; or (3) when there has been a substantial change in circumstances.
Once you’ve established that your conditions qualify for alteration, a modified order must be approved by the court.
If approved by the court and the judge has signed the order, then both parties must adhere strictly to any new payment arrangements established by them; otherwise, legal consequences could ensue including wage garnishment, liens on property, contempt of court charges, and jail time.
Several reasons why one might need to adjust his or her child support payments:
- Decrease in income or job loss
- Increase in income due to a new job or pay raise
- Retirement
- Relocation
- Sickness
- Higher health insurance rates
- Change in a child's needs
Let Toombs Imel & Associates be your trusted advocate for all your child support needs.