How and When to Modify a Divorce Decree in Texas
Modification and Enforcement
A divorce doesn’t sever ties between former spouses completely, especially when children are involved. If you believe the court orders involved in your case need modifying or enforcing, our lawyers can advise you on what to do next and how to file a petition to modify a divorce decree in Texas.
Life rarely stands still for long. Children grow up fast, and their needs develop along the way. If circumstances have changed since the time of the original court order concerning your children, our attorneys can help you assess whether your custody order or child support payments are still reasonable or need to be modified.
When Might You Revise Original Agreements After a Divorce?
When it comes to divorce, not all court orders stand the test of time. Child custody, child support, and other child-related rulings are not necessarily permanent. When unforeseen events arise that materially and substantially alter the situation, it can become necessary to revisit and revise the original agreement through a motion to modify a divorce decree in Texas.
There are some factors you cannot control, be it the needs of your growing child, your job situation, or family health. These are common reasons why your current child custody, child support, or spousal agreement may no longer best serve your family’s needs and why you may need to modify a divorce decree in Texas.
Here is a common scenario that impacts the parenting schedule: At the time of the divorce, the parents agree to a certain schedule for the children to spend time with both parents. But, years later, the children are older, perhaps one of the parents has remarried, and the circumstances have changed to such a significant degree that the schedule is no longer in the best interest of the children. This situation may require a motion to modify a divorce decree in Texas to rectify it and find a new custody and visitation solution that works better.
Enforcement of Texas Family Court Orders
It is challenging to live your life if your former partner does not satisfy their court-ordered obligations. If your former partner does not comply with the terms of a court order, you may be able to ask the court to enforce it.
Circumstances in which you may be able to request enforcement of an order include:
- If you’re a recipient of child support and the person ordered to pay fails to comply
- If someone refuses to turn over property awarded to you in a divorce or refuses to comply with their financial obligations pursuant to your divorce decree
- If someone fails to stay current on spousal maintenance payments or to maintain health and life insurance when required
- If a visitation schedule is not being adhered to
If you are experiencing any of the above difficulties, our team of family lawyers is here to help. Our lawyers will review your court orders and advise you on whether it is possible for you to request a court to enforce your existing order and the likelihood of your request being successful.
Get Help From Our Trusted Texas Family Law Attorneys
What do you do if you feel that present conditions justify the modification of a past family law judgment? Your first step should be to talk to an experienced attorney who is well-versed in this complex area of law. Call us to schedule a consultation today with one of our Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Granbury, Midland, Plano, or San Antonio family law attorneys. We can answer your questions and help you make informed decisions that are in your family’s best interest.
Awards & Credentials
- Thomas P. Goranson 1997
- Thomas L. Ausley 1997
- Diana S. Friedman 1998
- Thomas A. Greenwald 2003
- Kathryn J. Murphy 2004
- Eric Robertson 2007
- Kelly Ausley-Flores 2009
- Cindy V. Tisdale 2010
- Kristal Thomson 2014
- Aimee Pingenot Key 2015
- Kristen A. Algert 2017
- P. Lindley Bain 2020
- Ryan R. Bauerle 2022
- Lindsey Obenhaus 2023
- Charla Davies 2024
- John J. Kappel 2024
- Angeline Lindley Bain 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2009 2008
- Hayley Collins Blair 2021 2018
- Kevin Davidson 2025
- Jeff Domen 2025
- Esther R. Donald 2025
- Diana S. Friedman 2017 2016 2015 2013
- Thomas P. Goranson 2011 2009 2008
- Thomas A. Greenwald 2022 2018 2012 2011 2009 2008
- Aimee Pingenot Key 2025 2024 2020 2019 2017
- Beth E. Maultsby 2010
- Kathryn J. Murphy 2024 2023 2020 2019 2018 2017 2010 2009 2008
- Lindsey Obenhaus 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021
- Katie Flowers Samler 2020 2019 2018
- Thomas L. Ausley 1980
- Gary L. Nickelson 1984
- Kathryn J. Murphy 1995
- Diana S. Friedman 1996
- Kristen A. Algert 1997
- Thomas A. Greenwald 1997
- Eric Robertson 1997
- Kelly Ausley-Flores 2000
- Curtis W. Harrison 2002
- Cindy V. Tisdale 2003
- Jeff Shore 2006
- Clint Westhoff 2006
- Jeff Domen 2009
- Kristal Thomson 2009
- Angel J. Berbarie 2010
- P. Lindley Bain 2012
- Aimee Pingenot Key 2012
- Kevin Davidson 2017
- Charla Davies 2017
- Rob Frazer 2018
- Ryan R. Bauerle 2018
- Hayley Collins Blair 2019
- Lindsey Obenhaus 2019
- Katie Flowers Samler 2019
- Jonathan James 2020
- John J. Kappel 2020
- Chris Nickelson 2021
- Chandler Rice Winslow 2023
- Kristiana Butler 2024
- Cassidy Pearson 2024
- Angelica Rolong Cormier 2024
- Mona Hosseiny Tovar 2026
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