Can a Mediator Help Me Modify My Texas Child Support Order?

 Posted on July 19, 2022 in Divorce Mediation

As you may realize, mediation can be an essential tool for resolving a wide variety of family law issues related to divorce and divorce order modification. While many couples know that they can hire a mediator to help them negotiate their divorce decree, fewer people realize that a mediator can also be very helpful when it comes time to modify a decree. 

Child support is just one area that may require modification several times over the years.  Understanding when it is possible to modify child support payments, and then having the help of an attorney as you negotiate an appropriate change in payment amounts, can be a great way to help ensure the success of your petition. 

Can I Change Our Child Support Order at Any Time? 

Because Texas courts recognize that stability is essential for a child’s well-being, and because courts also want to prevent parents from antagonizing each other with frivolous lawsuits, there are strict limitations on when child support orders may be modified. To change a child support order, one of three things must be true: 

• Both parents must agree to make a change - While achieving an agreement can be difficult, especially when parents do not get along well, mediation can help parents come to an understanding so they save time and money by avoiding protracted court dates. With the help of a mediator, you can make your case to the other parent and hear their perspective, making it easier to achieve resolution. 
• A substantial change in circumstances - When either parent’s or the child’s situation has changed significantly, it may be necessary to modify a child support order. While your circumstances may allow you to argue the case to a judge and reasonably expect a favorable outcome, resistance from the other parent may make this less likely. This is where mediation can help. 
• At least three years have gone by since the order was established or last modified - Because a court wants to minimize unnecessary lawsuits, there is a time limit to modifications. However, the above two circumstances can overcome the need to wait for three years and mediation can facilitate a mutual agreement. 

Call a Plano, TX Child Support Order Modification Mediation Attorney

At Divorce Mediation Centers of America, our highly experienced Collin County child support mediation attorney Sharon Easley has the skill and knowledge to help you throughout your child support modification process, no matter which stage of life you are in. Whether you are just getting divorced or are modifying a support order after many years of co-parenting, she is ready to assist. Call our offices today at 469-406-4320 to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more about what we can do for you. 

Source: 

https://www2.texasattorneygeneral.gov/faq/cs-frequently-asked-questions-about-child-support-modifications