Can Child Custody and Support Orders Be Enforced or Changed?

 Posted on March 13, 2025 in Divorce

During a Texas divorce, parents of minor children have to make child custody arrangements, now called conservatorship. Child support may also be part of your arrangements. These guidelines can also apply to unwed parents. Whether you reached an agreement with the other parent or the court handed down its decisions, those arrangements became court orders when your divorce was finalized. 

Your child support and custody arrangements were based on what worked at the time they were written. Sometimes, things change as time passes, and those orders may no longer be relevant. Depending on which side you are on, you may need to request modifications or enforcement. You can trust our skilled Collin County, TX modification lawyers to protect your best interests.

What Changes Could Allow Modifications?

You cannot request modifications just because you do not like the terms in your child custody or child support court orders. You have to prove that some material change to your circumstance happened to have grounds for requesting a modification, such as:

• A custodial parent who needs more child support to care for the children properly

• A non-custodial parent who is struggling financially and cannot meet child support obligations

• Parental relocation

• A parent losing a job or getting a substantial raise

• A parent becoming injured or ill, making it difficult to care for the children

• A parent’s criminal activities that could endanger the children

• A change in the children’s needs

It is best to modify these orders through the proper legal channels rather than making an informal agreement with the other parent.

Why Is an Informal Agreement Ill-Advised?

Court orders are legally binding, which gives the court the right to enforce them. Informal agreements, whether oral or written, do not give you any rights if the other party fails to meet the agreed-upon terms.

When you deviate from your existing orders, your co-parent could accuse you of violating them. A violation could result in wage garnishment, the suspension of your driver’s license, or contempt of court charges. Another reason to work with a lawyer and go through proper channels is that we can protect your best interests.

Are Child Support and Child Custody Orders the Only Ones That Can Be Modified or Enforced?

Divorce agreements cover a lot of areas. Property division, maintenance, and other obligations stipulated in those agreements should be followed. Even if your ex is making monthly child support payments, he or she might not be contributing to your children’s healthcare or education expenses as required. If something dictated in your divorce-related court orders is not fulfilled, call our office to learn how we can help.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Knowledgeable Frisco, TX Modification Attorneys

When your existing court orders no longer work for you, an experienced Denton, TX enforcement lawyer from The Law Office of Linda Risinger can help you with modifications or enforcement. Call 972-294-6533 or contact us online today to set up your free case review.