01 Apr Adjusting Child Support When Your Child’s Needs Change
When children grow up, their needs change. What worked a few years ago may not work today. That’s why adjusting child support is important—it helps ensure your child gets the help they need as they grow, whether it’s for school, health care, or extra activities.
Why Adjust Child Support?
Child support is not set in stone. When your child’s needs change, it may be time to adjust the support amount. For example, if your child needs special tutoring, extra medical care, or even new school supplies, those extra expenses might not have been covered before. Adjusting child support helps keep the financial assistance in line with your child’s changing needs.
When Should You Consider an Adjustment?
There are several signs that it might be time to adjust child support:
- Increased Expenses: If your child’s costs have gone up—like higher school fees or extra medical treatments—you might need more support.
- Changes in Income: If either parent’s income has significantly increased or decreased, it can affect the amount of support.
- Major Life Events: Big changes, like a move to a new school or a new health condition, may require a review of the support order.
- Evolving Needs: As children grow, both parents and courts may see that a different amount is needed for a stable and secure upbringing.
How Does the Process Work?
Changing child support isn’t as hard as it may seem. The first step is to speak with a family law attorney who understands Texas law. They can explain your options and help you gather the necessary documents. Here are the basic steps:
- Review Your Current Order: Understand what your existing child support agreement covers and how it was calculated.
- Gather Evidence: Collect records that show the increased needs. This might include school bills, medical records, or proof of extra expenses.
- File a Petition: With your attorney’s help, file a request to adjust the child support. The court will review the changes in your child’s needs along with both parents’ financial situations.
- Attend a Hearing: In some cases, you may need to attend a court hearing where a judge decides whether to modify the support order.
How We Can Help
At Navarrette Family Law, we know that every family is unique. Adjusting child support is not just a financial issue—it’s about ensuring your child gets what they need to succeed. Our experienced team will guide you through the process, making sure you have the right documentation and a strong case.
We understand that changes in your child’s needs can be stressful, and navigating the legal system can seem confusing. We’re here to help make the process as smooth as possible and to protect your child’s future.
Child support should always reflect your child’s current needs. As those needs change, so should the support. By keeping open communication and working with a knowledgeable attorney, you can ensure your child gets the resources they deserve.
If you think it might be time to adjust your child support, contact Navarrette Family Law today. Let us help you secure the best future for your child.