Divorce is final, but your circumstances can change long afterward. Post-divorce modifications are designed to help people adjust certain parts of their divorce decree, such as child support, spousal maintenance, or child custody.
In order to get a divorce modification in Texas, you (or your former spouse) must demonstrate a material and substantial change in your personal circumstances. This might include:
Regardless of the reason behind your request, you must establish a cause or “change in circumstances,” for the court to approve the modification.
When it comes to divorce, child custody and child support are two of the most important—and most complicated—issues you’ll face. Although agreements regarding your children should be in your child’s best interest, “best interest” at the time of the divorce may not be the same several years later.
Few studies exist to tell us how different combinations of parental time-sharing impact children. Fortunately, psychiatrists and attorneys collaborate today to ensure a child’s best interests are protected during high-conflict child custody cases. Ugo Uche provides “Three rules for negotiating child custody” on Psychology Today to help guide you when considering a child custody modification.
In Texas, you can modify your child support order for two reasons:
Regarding child support modifications, the term “material and substantial change” is similar to the justifications for any other post-divorce modification. Often, the change in circumstances is financial, such as an increased or decreased income, or a change in medical insurance. You may also be able to ask for a modification if you or your former spouse becomes responsible for additional children.
At Boudreaux Hunter & Associates, LLC, we know that divorce is final, but your divorce agreement does not have to be. Our Houston post-divorce modification lawyers provide an empathetic, compassionate, and collaborative approach to divorce. This means we empower our clients to make the right decisions for their families and their futures, even in the face of complex or contentious divorce issues. Contact us at (713) 333-4430 or fill out our intake form and we will contact you ASAP.