Frisco Child Support Attorneys

• Travel expenses. Any significant costs incurred for long-distance visitation should be reflected in the child support arrangement.
• Possession schedules. We can seek adjustments for parents who spend equal time with their children.
• Other financial obligations. This includes any support provided to other children or high debt loads assumed during the marriage.

Accurate calculations form the foundation of a fair child support order. We sometimes see many cases where the opposing party attempts to hide income or underreport earnings, especially involving self-employment or cash-based businesses. Our team at Mohr Law Group can work with forensic accountants to reconstruct the true financial picture so that the court bases its decision on reality rather than incomplete data. Conversely, if you are the paying parent, we can diligently defend against inflated income assessments to prevent an unmanageable financial burden.

When Can I Modify a Child Support Order in Texas?

Life rarely stays static, and a child support order from years ago may no longer reflect your family’s current reality. Texas law allows for modifications, but you must meet specific legal standards to change the amount. Our lawyers can guide parents through this process, whether you need to request an increase to cover growing needs or seek a reduction due to a financial setback.

• Material and Substantial Changes

The most common ground for modification involves proving that a "material and substantial change" has occurred since the court issued the last order. A child support order cannot be modified simply because one parent feels it is unfair. 

Our attorneys often build child support modification cases around significant life events, including:

1. Major income fluctuations. This can occur when a parent loses a job, receives a significant promotion, or faces a long-term reduction in hours.
2. New financial responsibilities. When the paying parent legally adopts a child or has a new baby, the event alters the net resources available for support.
3. Changes in custody. A modification may be warranted when the child begins living with the other parent or the possession schedule shifts drastically.
4. Evolving needs. This includes when the child develops medical, educational, or psychological needs that require higher financial support.

• The Three-Year Rule

Even without a major life event, you may still qualify for a modification. Texas law permits a review if three years have passed since the last order was established or modified. To proceed under this rule, the new calculated amount must differ from the current order by either at least 20% or $100 per month.

For example, if the non-custodial parent's income has steadily risen over three years, the current guidelines might suggest a payment $300 higher than the existing order. This difference typically grants the court the authority to update the obligation without requiring proof of a “material and substantial change.”

How Do I Enforce a Child Support Order?

When your ex-spouse fails to meet their child support obligations, it places an undue strain on your entire household. Our team can file a motion for enforcement to alert the court of the violation, request immediate relief, and represent you at the enforcement hearing. 

Texas judges have broad authority to remedy issues of non-payment, including ordering the direct deduction of support payments from wages. In cases of chronic non-payment, we can petition the court to suspend the non-compliant parent's driver’s or professional licenses, place liens on property, or even order jail time for contempt. No matter the circumstances, we can act decisively to hold the other party accountable and recover the funds your family deserves.

If you need help with child support modifications or enforcement, we encourage you to discuss your options with our compassionate and capable attorneys. Call (469) 218-2802 or contact us online today.