Ruiz & Associates, PLLC

For Your Free Consultation. Call 210-899-4853

Ruiz & Associates, PLLC
Email

CALL

Protection for Your 

Family And Freedom

San Antonio Child Custody And Support Modification Lawyer

Last updated on August 5, 2026

After you receive a court order regarding child custody, child support or another family law issue, your life circumstances might change significantly. This could prompt the need for a modification request. In certain situations, you can petition the court to adjust an existing order to better suit your current life. At Ruiz & Associates, PLLC, we assist clients in the Bexar County area with all aspects of post-judgment modifications. George C. Ruiz, our modification attorney, can represent you during the petitioning process, at the court hearing and at trial, if necessary.

We understand how important it is to modify an existing order to fit your new life. When it comes to advocating for your family legal needs, attorney Ruiz can be a bulldog when necessary. While he usually helps clients achieve positive solutions out of court, he is not afraid of a trial – especially when it comes to protecting your parental rights.

Experienced Guidance For Custody Modifications In San Antonio

A child custody modification is the legal process of changing an existing court order regarding parental rights. Under Chapter 156 of the Texas Family Code, you must demonstrate that a material and substantial change in circumstances has occurred. Moreover, modification must be in the child’s best interests.

Common reasons for modification include:

  • One parent relocates outside the geographic restriction
  • A parent’s work schedule changes
  • A child’s new educational or medical needs
  • Concerns about a parent’s neglect or unsafe living conditions
  • The child is at least 12 years old and informs the judge of their preference

You can file a Petition to Modify the custody order with the Bexar County District Clerk’s Office. Afterward, serve the other parent with a formal notice and wait for their response. Texas courts encourage parents to negotiate to reach an agreement. However, if you cannot reach an agreement, our divorce lawyer can help move the dispute to trial.

Navigating A Support Modification Request With A Trusted Texas Attorney

A support modification allows the court to adjust an existing child support order. The courts may approve a support modification when:

  • A parent experiences a significant increase or decrease in income
  • A parent becomes disabled
  • The child develops additional medical, educational or special needs.
  • The parenting schedule changes
  • It has been at least three years, and the requested child support modification would result in a difference of at least 20% or $100 per month

To seek modification, gather financial records and other documentation. Then, file a petition with the Bexar County District Clerk’s Office. The other parent is formally served with the notice, responds and the negotiations begin. Our family law attorney can help represent your interests throughout the negotiation or litigation process.

When Am I Able To Request A Modification In Texas?

Courts only grant modifications if your life has changed substantially. Examples include:

  • Job loss
  • Significant increase or decrease in income
  • Relocation
  • Addiction or serious mental illness
  • Domestic abuse

If you and your former partner agree on a modification, you can sign a document to amend your existing court order. However, if you do not agree, a judge must decide whether to grant a modification. When issuing a modification for custody (conservatorship) arrangements, the court uses the standard of the child’s best interests.

What Constitutes A “Substantial Change In Circumstances” In Texas?

A “material and substantial change in circumstances” refers to a significant and permanent life change that renders the original court order no longer in the child’s best interests. Texas courts look for changes such as:

  • A significant increase or decrease in a parent’s income
  • A parent’s relocation
  • Changes in work schedule
  • Medical conditions affecting a parent or child
  • Evidence of abuse, neglect or substance abuse
  • Changes in the child’s educational needs

Courts request evidence such as employment records, tax returns and medical records. Our divorce attorney will work to protect your parental rights.

Schedule A Free Consult With A Texas Modification Lawyer

If you need a family law attorney for the process of seeking a post-judgment modification, Ruiz & Associates, PLLC, is ready to represent you. We offer free initial consultations. Reach out to us at 210-899-4853 or send us an email to learn whether you have a shot at a modification.