Modifications of Child Custody and Financial Support
Enforcement of Child Support or Conservatorship Orders
Issues involving children (conservatorship, child support, visitation) are resolved at the time of a divorce settlement. However, circumstances change, and either parent may petition for post-judgment modification of those agreements.
Houston, Texas, family law and child support lawyer Liza A. Greene has developed a network of outside resources in the community, including investigators, physicians, therapists, and counselors to address and resolve these issues. She represents mothers and fathers in the greater Harris County area and surrounding communities of Texas.
Child Custody Modification
Custody, known as conservatorship in Texas, and parental involvement, can be revisited, subject to approval by a family court judge. The parent seeking to modify conservatorship or possession must show a material change in circumstances. Common scenarios include:
• Changes in primary conservatorship — Switching primary custody (as when a teenager expresses a wish to live with the other parent), or a motion to alter sole managing conservatorship to shared conservatorship.
• Modifications of possession and access — Life changes such as new employment or remarriage might require a new parenting agreement to address overnight visits, pick-up times, vacations, and other specifics.
Ms. Greene can help draft the language if both parents are in agreement, or represent one party in litigation if the modification is contested.
Parent Relocation
Parents who have primary conservatorship are usually required under the original divorce settlement to remain in Harris County or contiguous counties. That parent would need a modification of conservatorship to relocate out of state or farther away within Texas.
Courts require a compelling reason to move, and remarriage is not of itself sufficient grounds. The move must be in the best interests of the child. If the non-primary parent is active in the child's life, the petition is less likely to be approved. The Law Office of Liza A. Greene, P.C. represents clients in relocation modifications.
Modifying Child Support
Child support obligations can be modified for a "material or substantial change" in income, such as unemployment or a new job or promotion. The level of support can also be modified to reflect a change in expenses and income if it has been at least three years since the previous order. Ms. Greene will ensure that the court has accurate financial information.
Enforcement of Child Support and Custody
In addition to modification of a prior order, it is often necessary to seek legal assistance to enforce the terms and conditions of an existing order.
• Nonpayment of child support — Courts are strict and offer several legal remedies, including enforcement petitions to garnish wages or levy bank accounts, or to put the delinquent parent in jail for non-support.
• Interference with custody or visitation — If a parent refuses court-ordered access or repeatedly fails to comply with the terms of the parenting agreement, the court can order jail time, make-up time with the child, or even change custody and give conservatorship to the other parent.
Experienced Protection of Your Rights
Liza A. Greene has practiced since 1981, and is Board-Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She offers the trial experience, knowledge of state laws, and strong legal advocacy to protect the interests of her clients and their children. Call today for an initial consultation.
Liza A. Greene serves clients in the greater Houston, Texas, and Harris County area, including Sugar Land, Katy, Hempstead, Spring, and surrounding communities in Fort Bend and Waller counties, and throughout the state of Texas.
Liza A. Greene
Myres Dale & Associates
1717 St. James Place
Suite 450
Houston, Texas 77056
Telephone (713) 622-1600
Fax (713) 622-1610
E-mail Liza A. Greene
