By skyforbes 
Ever looked at your child support order and thought, “Wait… this can’t still be right”? Maybe your income has changed, your child’s needs have evolved, or life just doesn’t fit the math anymore. You’re not alone — and that’s exactly why Texas Child Support Agreement Review Services exist.
At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we know that support agreements aren’t just about numbers on paper. They’re about real families, real budgets, and making sure your child’s needs are met without creating chaos for either parent. This article breaks down how these reviews work, when to request one, and how the latest updates to the Texas Family Code — including the new 2025 guideline cap increase — could impact your child support payments.
You’ll find practical tips to apply today, stories of real Texas parents who got their agreements back on track, and insights from our experienced family law attorneys who’ve helped thousands of families do the same. Whether you’re paying or receiving support, this guide will help you understand your rights, avoid costly mistakes, and create a plan that truly supports your child’s life — not just the court’s paperwork.
So grab a cup of coffee and stick around — by the end, you’ll know exactly how to review, update, and protect your child support agreement with clarity, confidence, and expert guidance from Texas attorneys who care about your family’s future.
Key Takeaways
- Texas child support is governed by Chapter 154 of the Texas Family Code.
- As of September 1, 2025, the guideline cap on net monthly resources rises from $9,200 → $11,700 (§154.125(a-1)).
- Reviews should occur every three years or when a material and continuing change happens (§156.401).
- Proper documentation — income, insurance, childcare — is key to accurate calculations.
- A professional review minimizes disputes and ensures compliance before court.
CTA #1: Book a 15-Minute Strategy Call — Leave knowing your three biggest levers for a fair, updated support order.
Why Child Support Reviews Matter
Child support is not a “set-it-and-forget-it” order. Life changes — new jobs, medical needs, relocations — make regular reviews essential. Under Texas Family Code §154.001, courts require both parents to share financial responsibility for their child. When circumstances shift, the numbers must too.
Without periodic updates, one parent may overpay or the other may fall short of what the child actually needs. Professional review services ensure payments stay accurate and prevent costly enforcement actions later.
Understanding “Net Resources” Under Texas Law
Here’s where confusion peaks — and where parents often lose money. Net resources, defined in §154.062, include all income sources such as wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment, severance, retirement, and even certain benefits. It excludes means-tested assistance (like TANF) and a few reimbursements.
Judges also scrutinize deductions: taxes, union dues, and health insurance for the child. One overlooked paystub line — like recurring overtime — can inflate obligations unfairly. A review by an experienced attorney at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC ensures that every income and deduction entry is properly documented and explained.
If income exceeds the cap, §154.126 allows deviations when the child’s proven needs justify it. An attorney can present documentation — tuition, therapy, or transportation — to support adjustments.
When and How Often to Request a Review
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) typically reviews orders every three years or when income changes by 20 % or $100. But private reviews through a family-law attorney can occur anytime.
For step-by-step guidance, see the firm’s resource: When and How Often Can Child Support Be Reviewed in Texas.
Common triggers include:
- Substantial income changes or job loss
- New medical/dental insurance premiums
- Increased childcare or education costs
- Modified custody or possession schedules
How Professional Review Services Work
Texas Child Support Agreement Review Services at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan combine financial precision with legal insight. The process generally involves:
- Document Gathering: Pay stubs, tax returns, insurance records, and childcare receipts.
- Financial Analysis: Application of §154.062–§154.125 guidelines to calculate updated obligations.
- Legal Compliance Check: Ensuring terms meet statutory standards for enforceability.
- Negotiation Strategy: Identifying fair adjustments or deviations under §154.123 (best-interest factors).
- Court or OAG Submission: Presenting finalized, compliant agreements for approval.
Parents who bring signed or draft agreements expedite this process, providing a clear base for negotiation and faster court approval.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Relying on outdated forms or templates. They rarely reflect new statutes or income-cap changes.
- Under-reporting variable income. Judges notice patterns — if overtime or bonuses recur, they’re “income.”
- Skipping medical and dental support. §§154.181–154.187 require both parents to share these costs.
- Ignoring modification procedures. Under §156.401, changes must be substantial and continuing — not temporary.
These oversights lead to arrears, enforcement actions, or contempt findings. Professional guidance prevents them.
Mini Case Snapshots (Real Results)
Case A: A Houston father paying support based on a pre-promotion salary sought review after his raise. Using §154.125(a-1) and accurate paystub data, the court recalculated his obligation downward due to added insurance costs — saving him nearly $400 monthly.
Case B: A Cypress mother discovered her ex-spouse’s new self-employment income wasn’t disclosed. Under §154.062(b), our firm verified earnings via tax transcripts, resulting in a balanced order and retroactive arrears credit.
Case C: A Katy parent facing a job loss filed for modification under §156.401(b)(1). The court temporarily adjusted payments until reemployment, avoiding enforcement penalties.
Each reflects a principle we uphold: educate families, protect futures, and ensure child-centered outcomes.
Your Options for Legal or Administrative Review
Parents may request an Administrative Review through the OAG or pursue a Private Attorney Review.
- Administrative Review: Start by completing the Request for Administrative Review Form. This route suits straightforward cases but may take months.
- Private Review: Ideal for complex finances, interstate issues, or self-employment. Attorneys apply the Family Code directly and negotiate enforceable results faster.
If a prior judgment contains errors or was entered without due process, a Bill of Review may reopen the case. Download the firm’s Bill of Review eBook for details.
Documentation: What to Bring
Preparation is power. Bring:
- Current pay stubs (3 months minimum)
- Federal tax returns (2 years)
- Proof of health and dental coverage
- Childcare and extracurricular invoices
- Existing court order or draft agreement
- Written log of possession schedule and travel expenses
CTA #2
Book a 15-Minute Strategy Call — Leave Knowing Your 3 Biggest Levers.
Our attorneys will identify immediate opportunities to update your order under the 2025 guideline increase and current Family Code provisions.
Fascinations: The Details Parents Ask About
- The one paystub line judges scrutinize most? — Employer-paid insurance contributions.
- When overtime becomes “recurring income.” — After six months of steady pattern.
- How to present childcare invoices for reimbursement. — Under §154.123, attach receipts and request proportional division.
- Why bonuses can trigger mid-year recalculation. — They alter net resources under §154.062(c).
- The fastest way to correct an error without court. — Administrative review via OAG, then agreed order submission.
Objection Handling: Common Concerns
“What if I lose my job?”
File for modification immediately under §156.401(b); arrears accumulate until changed officially.
“I’m self-employed — how do they calculate that?”
They examine business gross income minus ordinary expenses (§154.062(c)). Our firm helps document this cleanly.
“My co-parent lives out of state.”
The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA, Chapter 159) governs these cases; our attorneys handle multi-state enforcement regularly.
“Will bonuses or commissions increase support?”
Yes, if recurring. Non-recurring income may justify deviation under §154.123 factors.
Conclusion:
Life has a way of changing faster than we expect — new jobs, new schools, new routines — and sometimes our child support agreements just can’t keep up. The good news? You don’t have to face that confusion or uncertainty alone. With the right legal guidance, you can make sure your agreement truly fits your life today and continues to protect your child’s best interests tomorrow.
At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, our attorneys believe that every parent deserves clarity and peace of mind when it comes to child support. Whether you need a quick review, a modification, or just some professional insight into your options under Texas law, we’re here to help you find stability and fairness without unnecessary stress.
If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time for a review, take this as your sign to act. A simple conversation with a knowledgeable Texas Family Law Attorney can save you time, money, and frustration down the road — and bring you closer to an agreement that truly reflects your family’s reality. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about numbers — it’s about protecting your child’s future and your peace of mind.
FAQ: Texas Child Support Agreement Review Services
What triggers a child support review in Texas?
Every three years or any substantial and continuing change — such as income, insurance, or custody — under §156.401.
Can I modify child support without going to court?
Yes, through an OAG administrative review if both parties agree; otherwise, a court modification is required.
Do medical and dental costs affect the guideline amount?
Yes. §§154.181–154.187 mandate each parent share medical/dental support separate from base support.
What if my co-parent doesn’t disclose all income?
Your attorney can subpoena records or use IRS transcripts under §154.062(b) to verify hidden income.
How long does the review process take?
Administrative reviews may take 90–120 days; attorney-led reviews often conclude faster, depending on negotiation and court schedules.
Can support be increased above the cap?
Only if the child’s proven needs justify it (§154.126). Documentation like therapy or private-school invoices is essential.
Learn more about Texas Child Support Agreement Review Services