Losing your job has a significant impact on your earning ability. This can make it more difficult to meet the demands of your child support obligations. With this in mind, it is important to question whether or not it is possible to inform the court about your change of circumstances and request to modify the terms of your order.
How can I modify the terms of child support?
You can modify the terms of your child support order by filing a petition with the court with continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over your case. In Texas, courts can modify child support orders when specific conditions are met.
For example, judges can modify orders if there is a proven material or substantial change in a parent’s circumstances. Losing your job means losing a major source of income, which means that under most circumstances, you are eligible to modify the terms of your child support order. Many parents in Texas who lose their jobs file petitions as soon as they lose their jobs.
Bear in mind that a judge must sign your new court order before it can become legally binding. To receive a signature, the court must examine the circumstances leading to the loss of your job. If the court believes that you left your job on purpose or that you are deliberately remaining unemployed, it may affect their decision regarding how much you will have to pay.
How should I proceed?
If you intend to file a petition to change the terms of your child support, you must first gather proof that supports your request. This means obtaining and presenting termination letters, layoff notices, final pay stubs and rejection email. You can also present recent bank statements as well as other documents concerning any payments you make. Modifying your child support obligations can be a stressful ordeal, but it may be necessary if your current earning ability makes it impossible for you to meet your initial requirements.