It is common for parents to have recurring questions or clarifications about their child support orders. To help provide prompt guidance on this topic, here are three frequently asked questions about child support processes in Texas:
How long do I have to pay for child support?
Your child support payment obligations will last until your youngest child turns 18 or graduates from high school. However, there are some exceptions to this standard termination rule.
For example, if one of your children has special needs that prevent them from being self-supported, the court may order an indefinite extension of your support payments.
When can I update my child support order?
You can file a petition for an update of your child support order if:
- Your existing order is at least three years old, or
- You and your children are going through a “material and substantial change” in circumstances
Although each case is unique, four common examples of these changes include experiencing growth in your family’s size, relocating to a new state, getting a job promotion or being sent to prison.
How can I modify my child support amount?
If you, your ex-partner or your children meet any of the said conditions, you may file a modification request of your child support order with the Texas court that has jurisdiction over your children.
It is important to note that your modification request must be fair for both parties and pursued with your children’s best interests in mind. Your petition also needs to include your reason for the change and supplemental documents that can help prove it.
Your children will be okay
By understanding your rights and learning about the answers to the common questions about Texas’ child support processes, you can move forward with your intended change with knowledge over their proper legal timeline.
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