Dallas Divorce Lawyer Blog
You have a final family order, whether it is an order in suit affecting the parent-child relationship, final decree of divorce, etc., and you would like it modified. You are either the parent receiving child support and you want the amount increased or you are the parent paying child support and you want it decreased. Or, there has been a change that would require the conservatorship or visitation modified. It is not an uncommon question and the Texas Family Code does specify particular deadlines and requirements with respect to filing a modification.
For child support, Texas Family Code Section 156.401 states that final orders can be modified if either (a) there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances for a party or the child after the order was entered; or (b) it has been three years since the order was last entered or modified AND the monthly amount either differs by 20% or $100 from the amount that it should be under the child support guidelines. So, it has been less than three years but something has happened that would require a change in child support then you can seek a modification. For instance, did the parent paying child support get a new job after your orders were rendered and they are now making more money? Or, did the obligor lose their job and they are no longer making any money? Additional instances of material and substantial change in circumstances would also be (a) the obligor parent had another child that they are financially responsible for; (b) health insurance has changed (lost or new premiums); or (c) the children are now living with the obligor parent or another person.
That brings us to modifying orders as to conservatorship and/or possession or access. If you are seeking to modify the parent who has the exclusive right to designate the primary residence of the child in less than one year from the orders being rendered, Texas Family Code Section 156.102 governs. If you do so, you must attach an affidavit to your pleadings and the affidavit must allege specific facts that the child’s present environment may endanger the child’s physical health or significantly impair their emotional development. Not only must these allegations be made, but you also have to prove this. If you do not have this, you will have to wait more than one year to change who has the exclusive right to designate the child’s primary residence. If you are modifying in more than a year, your burden is a material and substantial change in circumstances of a party or the child AND it must be in the best interest of the child. In fact, best interest of the child is the ultimate burden in every family law case.
Contact Guest & Gray today to schedule your consultation. Bring your orders that you currently have in place and be prepared to discuss how those orders have changed. We can guide you in the right direction.