Life changes. A court order that was fair and appropriate when it was signed may no longer reflect the current reality of your family's situation. Texas law provides a legal mechanism for modifying court orders, but only when the right legal standard is met. As your modification attorney in Houston, Hirani Law Firm helps clients understand when a modification is legally possible and fights to achieve the best possible outcome for their updated circumstances.
Child Custody & Conservatorship
Modifications to conservatorship and the right to designate the primary residence of a child are among the most significant modifications possible. They require meeting a high legal standard.
Child Support
Both upward and downward modifications of child support are possible when there has been a significant change in either parent's income or the child's needs.
Visitation / Possession Schedule
A possession schedule can be modified to better accommodate the schedules of the parents and the needs of the children, provided the legal standard is met.
Spousal Support
Spousal maintenance orders can often be modified or terminated when the circumstances of either party change significantly.
Triggering Events for Child Custody Modifications
Common triggering events for a custody modification include: a parent relocating (or threatening to relocate); a parent's living situation or marital status changing; evidence of abuse, neglect, or substance abuse; the child's expressed preference (if 12 or older); or a parent's failure to comply with the existing order.
Triggering Events for Child Support Modifications
Common triggering events for a child support modification include: a significant increase or decrease in either parent's income (generally 20% or more); a change in the child's healthcare needs; a change in the primary residence of the child; or it has been three years since the last order and the amount would be different by 20% or $100 if calculated today.
Filing the Petition
The modification process begins with filing a Petition to Modify the Parent-Child Relationship or Petition to Modify Child Support with the appropriate court.
Temporary Orders
In urgent situations — such as when a child's safety is at risk — we can request Temporary Orders from the court that take effect immediately while the modification case is pending.
Negotiation or Trial
Like the original order, a modification can be reached through agreement between the parties or, if no agreement can be reached, through a contested hearing before a judge.
Responsive Advocacy
We move quickly to address changes in your circumstances and file for modification promptly so you are not waiting in a situation that is no longer appropriate.
Protecting Your Children
When circumstances change, children are often the most affected. We fight for modification outcomes that put your children's current best interests first.
Efficient Process Management
We manage the modification process efficiently, keeping your costs down while fighting effectively for the changes you need.