Trusted Child Custody Attorney
High-Quality with a Personal Approach
Experienced Lawyer for Child Custody and Post-Divorce Modifications in Round Rock
need to be updated. These changes could stem from a variety of factors, such as shifts in employment, relocation, or the evolving needs of the child. At Winnie A. Bates, Attorney at Law, our modifications attorney helps parents make the necessary adjustments to custody and support orders to better support their children, ensuring that the orders continue to reflect the child’s best interests. Seeking a modification is both common and important, as it ensures the legal system adapts to your family’s changing circumstances.
With over 25 years of experience in Texas family law, our Round Rock attorney will guide you through the process of child custody and support modifications with care and professionalism. We are committed to addressing any concerns that may arise and ensuring that the modified orders reflect your family’s current needs. Whether it’s adjusting visitation schedules or recalculating support payments, we are here to help you achieve a fair and equitable resolution.
What Qualifies as a Substantial Change for Child Custody and Support Modifications?
Under Texas law, a substantial change in circumstances is required to modify a child custody and support order. Examples of such changes include:
- A significant change in a parent’s income, like a job loss
- A parent’s relocation, impacting the custody and visitation schedule
- A child’s evolving medical or educational needs
- A child (over 12 years old) expressing a preference for their living arrangements
- A parent’s remarriage or new cohabitation
- Evidence of neglect or unsafe living conditions
A skilled child custody and support modifications attorney can assess if your case qualifies for a modification. If approved, the court will update the order based on the best interests of the child.
Changes and Timeline for Child Custody Modifications in Texas
In Texas, child custody includes both conservatorship (who makes legal decisions for the child) and possession and access (visitation). A custody modification could change:
- Who determines the child’s primary residence
- The visitation schedule for weekends or holidays
- Rules regarding supervised visitation
Courts prioritize the child’s best interests, considering factors like the child’s wishes, the stability of each parent’s home, and each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs. The timeline for modifications can vary — agreed-upon cases may resolve quickly, while disputed cases often take several months. Temporary modification orders can also be issued to address urgent situations.
Can I Change Child Support?
If you believe your current child support order no longer fits your situation, don’t let outdated orders limit your ability to parent effectively. Contact Winnie Bates, Attorney at Law, Round Rock ,to discuss potential changes and get the legal support you need. Call us at (512) 341-9233 or visit our contact page.
FAQS
Life changes, and court orders sometimes need to change too. These FAQs explain when and how parents can update child custody and support arrangements under Texas law.
How does child custody work in Texas?
Texas uses “conservatorship” for custody and “possession and access” for visitation. Courts often favor joint conservatorship so both parents share rights and duties unless there’s a reason to limit one parent’s role.
Can child custody or visitation orders be modified?
Yes. Custody and visitation can be modified when there’s a substantial change in circumstances, such as relocation, schedule conflicts, or concerns about a parent’s ability to care for the child.
How is child support calculated in Texas?
Child support is based on a parent’s net monthly income and the number of children supported.Texas uses percentage guidelines, but the court can adjust the amount if special circumstances exist.
Can child support amounts be changed later?
Support can be modified when income changes significantly (increase or decrease) or when the child’s needs change. Either parent can request a review and modification.
What happens if a parent doesn’t pay court-ordered child support?
Nonpayment can result in wage garnishment, license suspension, or contempt of court. The Office of the Attorney General and private counsel can help enforce payments.
Can grandparents or other relatives request custody or visitation rights?
In limited cases, Texas law allows grandparents or relatives to seek custody or visitation if it’s in the child’s best interest and certain conditions are met.