Child Support Attorneys in Denton

Texas Child Support Lawyers

The Texas child support guidelines are used to determine the amount of child support to be paid by the noncustodial parent. These guidelines are somewhat flexible, however, and they are responsive to a change in circumstances that might justify modifying the amount of support owed.

 A skilled Denton child support attorney from Goline & Roland Law Firm can take advantage of the flexibility that is built into these guidelines to justify modification of the original child support order.

Child Support Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Do I Petition to Modify a Support Order?

If you are the child’s parent, you can file a modification petition with the court.

If you are not the child’s parent, you can still file a modification petition under certain circumstances, such as:

• If you are named as a party in the current child support order
• If you have been caring for and supervising the child for a certain amount of time
• If you are a legally approved relative of the child

What Kinds of Fees Will I Have to Pay to File a Modification Petition?

You must pay a filing fee and, if the other parent must be served with notice of your petition, a service fee. These fees vary by county and change from time to time. If you are financially unable to pay these fees, you can petition the judge to waive these fees by filling out a form.

Where Do I File a Child Support Modification Petition?

Generally, you are expected to file your petition with the court that issued the order you are seeking to modify. If the child has been living elsewhere in Texas for at least six months, you must still file with the original court, but you can ask the court to transfer the case to a court in your child’s new jurisdiction. It gets considerably more complicated if you or the child reside outside of Texas.

If the Other Parent and I Agree on Child Support Modification, Can We Execute the Change Without Going to Court?

No, you will have to go to court. A support order is a court order, and it can only be modified by a judge. This requirement is more than a mere procedural formality – even if you agree on the terms of support modification, the judge can still deny your modification petition based on the “best interests of the child” standard.

Don't wait to get started on your case. Contact our firm today.