There are a few steps a father can take to have his child support re-examined and possibly lowered.
Are you the father of a child in Texas and Mom is refusing to let you see or communicate with your child? Are you paying child support in Texas for your child, yet Mom tries to dominate all interaction between you and the child to suit her needs. Is this Parental Alienation in the present or a step commencing down that path?
To make sure your child support is set at a realistic amount, provide as much information as you can to about your financial situation. If you cannot pay the full amount one month, you should still pay something. A partial payment shows
that you are making an effort.
Did you know that if you become unemployed, and child support is not decreased, you will begin to accrue an arrearage which could lead to your child’s mother filing a contempt action.
If you have lost your job, are receiving a reduced salary, or otherwise have an involuntary loss of income, you need to file a petition for modification of child support immediately.
Sec. 156.401. GROUNDS FOR MODIFICATION OF CHILD SUPPORT.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (a-1), (a-2), or (b), the court may modify an order that provides for the support of a child, including an order for health care coverage under Section 154.182, if:
(1) the circumstances of the child or a person affected by the order have materially and substantially changed since the earlier of:
(A) the date of the order’s rendition; or
(B) the date of the signing of a mediated or collaborative law settlement agreement on which the order is based; or
(2) it has been three years since the order was rendered or last modified and the monthly amount of the child support award under the order differs by either 20 percent or $100 from the amount that would be awarded in accordance with the child support guidelines.
By immediately filing a modification action, this will protect you and prevent possible additional charges from incurring that you would not otherwise owe.