A child support order is typically issued in Texas to ensure that the custodial parent receives financial support from the non-custodial parent in order to provide for the child or children shared by both parties. After an order has been issued, there are a few reasons why a modification could be considered.
Income changes
One of the most common reasons for child support modifications is a lack of income or a decrease in income. When the order is issued, the amount that the non-custodial parent is ordered to pay is typically calculated based on the income of both parents. If that information changes in any way, whether it’s a decrease or an increase in how much is earned, then the order can sometimes be modified to reflect those changes.
Health issues
When there are health-related issues that have always been present or that suddenly occur for either the child or one of the parents, then it can often impact the finances of those who are involved. A modification order can be requested so that the custodial parent can get the financial support that’s needed or so that the non-custodial parent might not have as much of a burden on them if they are dealing with the issue at hand.
Schedules
If the visitation schedule changes or if the child wants to spend more time with the non-custodial parent, then the child support order could be changed as each party shares more of the financial responsibilities instead of one parent being responsible for more than the other.
Although a child support order is often set in place for the duration of the child’s life until they turn a certain age, there are legitimate reasons to ask for a modification.