How and When to Modify a Divorce Decree in Texas

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, we 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, we 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.

Here is another common scenario that might necessitate a change in child support: A parent agrees to pay a specific amount of support, but later, a sudden change in income, employment, or other financial circumstances makes it impossible for the parent to continue the current amount of support ordered by the court.

Fortunately, court orders are not written in stone. Modifying child support and child custody in Texas is possible if there’s a good reason to do so. With the help of the right family law attorney, you can submit a petition to modify a divorce decree in Texas and find common ground on a new agreement that works for you, your former spouse, and your family.

With a deep knowledge of family law, Goranson Bain Ausley divorce lawyers support families in Texas to make sure that court orders continue to reflect their children’s best interests. From custodial rights and possession schedules to child support payments, our Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, Granbury, and Plano attorneys can help you decide whether it makes financial and legal sense to seek a modification of court orders.

• Child Support

  As your child grows, their needs change. There are many circumstances in which child support may need to be modified. If your former spouse has not kept up with their child support payments, the child support order may need to be enforced. An experienced attorney can walk you through your options.

• Conservatorship

  Conservatorship is a term that refers to a party’s court-ordered custody of a child. There are various types of conservatorships based on the unique situation and what is in the best interest of the child. There are instances where a conservatorship may not be permanent and may need to be modified or situations where in which the conservatorship needs to be enforced. A Goranson Bain Ausley family law attorney can help.

• Possession and Access

  As circumstances in your life change, you may wish to modify the terms of your possession schedule and how much access you have to your children. One of our experienced family law attorneys can help you write a possession order that fits your needs and those of your children.

• Property Division Enforcement

  If your former spouse is not upholding their end of the divorce decree outlining the division of property, there are steps you can take steps to receive what has been granted to you. If your former spouse is not complying with the divorce decree, you are likely going to need the help of an experienced divorce attorney.

• Enforcement of Out-of-State Divorce Decrees

  When moving to Texas from out of state, questions can arise about jurisdiction and the enforcement of a divorce decree, especially when it comes to child visitation, child support, and alimony. Our experienced attorneys can provide answers.

Our Services