In Texas, a Judge can modify a child support order when certain legal grounds are met.  Although there are multiple legal grounds to modify a child support order, the following are the two most common:

1. At least three years has passed since the current child support order was rendered; and the modified child support amount would be 20% or $100.00 more or less than the current ordered amount.  
2. The circumstances of the child, or a party affected by the current child support order, have materially and substantially changed after the date the order was rendered, or if the order is based on a settlement agreement, after the date the agreement was signed.

Some changed circumstances may include:

• A parent’s income has significantly increased or decreased
• A parent becomes unemployed or underemployed
• A parent has an additional biological child
• The child’s medical, educational, or other needs have changed
• A parent’s court ordered visitation or custody time with the child has changed
• The current child support order no longer reflects the child’s best interest
• When modifying child support, the Judge can change the child support amount, the medical support (the order to pay the child’s health insurance premium), and the dental support (the order to pay the child’s dental insurance premium).

Have financial circumstances changed and you need a new child support order? Contact Child Support Modification Lawyer Paula Pierce-Nichols to find out your legal options.