Modification Lawyer Texas | Child Custody, Child Support, Spousal Maintenance, Possession Schedule, Geographic Restriction Modifications, Material And Substantial Change Filings, Agreed Orders, Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

A view of Texas is shown, where residents seeking modification lawyer services can find local guidance.

At Hargrave Family Law, we empower families across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and beyond to modify existing custody, possession, and support orders without reopening old conflict.

Our skilled attorneys bring robust experience to strategically managing child and spousal support obligations, including complex support calculations that include business earnings, executive compensation, and asset-linked income.

A modification is a formal, court-approved change to an order already in place, usually involving a change in circumstances that affect the parenting schedule, conservatorship terms, child support, or spousal maintenance.

We apply non-adversarial, collaborative techniques when approaching modifications in order to facilitate reaching resolutions, and focus on doing so with discretion around your finances and your professional standing. The goal is a revised order you can actually live with, one that provides stability for your children and allows them to thrive.

What Texas Clients Say About Hargrave Family Law

“From the first consultation, I felt heard, supported, and truly understood.” Ava H

Modification matters start with listening to our clients, not just reviewing paperwork.

“My children and family dynamic were always the top priority.” Erin B

Revisiting an order is about preserving stability for the children and family living under it.

“Someone regularly checked in with me to see if I had questions or needed anything.” Allison B

Steady communication with our clients keeps a demanding process from becoming overwhelming.

“They helped me prepare, ease my fears, and provided such clarity and confidence.” Kim G

We empower clients to make informed decisions, such as gaining clarity on what qualifies as a material and substantial change, which is required for a modification.

“They were personable, caring, thorough and have been amazing all around.” Liz R

Thorough work matters when a modification involves a family’s finances, especially complex income involving business partnerships or executive compensation.

Working With Hargrave Family Law

Board Certified In Family Law

Our team includes lawyers and paralegals who are Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by only a small fraction of Texas attorneys. This matters when the stakes are high and issues are complex.

Non-Adversarial By Design, At Every Stage

Revisiting an order does not require reopening old conflict. We apply the same resolution-focused methods to modifications that we use in original cases, including resolving changes outside the courtroom using creative solutions.

Experience With Complex Income And Assets

Modifications tied to business ownership, executive compensation, partnership distributions, or equity shares require careful analysis, not a simple paycheck comparison. Our team brings years of strategic experience with sophisticated and complex income when evaluating changes to spousal or child support.

Peer-Recognized Standing

We have members of our team with an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, an Avvo rating of 10.0, multi-year recognition by both Texas Super Lawyers® and The Best Lawyers in America®. Our team as a whole is also consistently recognized by Best Firms of America® with a Tier 1 ranking.

Legal Counsel That Protects Your Privacy And Your Time

Our non-adversarial approach aims to keep you and your finances out of the courtroom. We help you focus on strategies that will move your case forward toward resolution, not mired in fruitless public conflict that also chews through your time and money.

Our Modification Services in Texas

Child custody modifications
Child support modifications
Spousal maintenance modifications
Possession and access schedule changes
Relocation/Geographic restriction modifications
Material change filings
Agreed modification agreements

WE WILL SPEAK FOR YOUR RIGHTS

Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your options. You may find that you are entitled to payment if your claim was denied or underpaid.

Schedule a Case Evaluation

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Who We Are

Hargrave Family Law is a boutique family law firm founded in 2017 that proudly serves clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our attorneys have extensive experience with complex marital estates, including determining how non-traditional, complex income structures play into support calculations.

Jennifer Hargrave built this firm around a single mission: empowering good people to resolve family law matters in line with their core values and without sacrificing their dignity. We use non-adversarial, collaborative techniques that minimize conflict and keep the focus on resolution, setting you up to continue to thrive after the case is over.

That approach applies to modifications the same way it applies to any case, whether the change involves a relocation, a shift in business or executive income, or a revised possession schedule due to a non-traditional work schedule.

As your legal advocate, we will give you the information and resources to make informed decisions, help you craft creative solutions that protect what matters most, and empower you to move forward with the confidence and peace of mind you deserve.

From First Call To Resolution

1. Complimentary Case Evaluation With Our Client Intake Specialist

Your first conversation is a confidential conversation with our Client Intake Specialist, who first listens to learn about your situation and your goals. You’ll then talk with them about your options, and there is no pressure and no obligation to proceed.

2. Review Of The Existing Order

An attorney will help you determine if there has been a “material and substantial change” since the original order, which is necessary in Texas in order to request a modification. This will apply to support calculations, possession language, conservatorship changes, and any provisions tied to income, bonuses, or business interests.

3. Gathering Evidence Of Changed Circumstances

Whether the change in circumstances involves relocation, a shift in earnings, remarriage, or other changes that are not in the best interest of the child, we then discreetly assemble the necessary financial and factual documentation.

4. Filing The Modification Petition

Once the documentation supports the desired modification, we file a petition with the court that holds continuing jurisdiction over your case. Filings are drafted with restraint, keeping sensitive details private wherever possible, as well as with clarity surrounding the change being requested.

5. Negotiation Or Mediation

Most modifications resolve through negotiation or in mediation, always using the same non-adversarial techniques that guide our collaborative work. The goal is an agreement both parents can live with, but at the end of the day, one that is built around your children’s stability and best interests.

6. An Agreed Order or a Court Hearing

If terms are agreed or settled, we present an agreed order for the judge’s approval. If a contested issue remains, your attorney is your legal advocate in court to represent your interests, and a judge will decide the outcome.

7. Final Modified Order

The final modification order signed by the judge replaces the prior terms in the original order and becomes enforceable, giving your family a workable framework for the next chapter.

Common Questions About Modifications

How Often Can A Custody Order Be Modified In Texas?

There is no fixed limit, but Texas courts require a “material and substantial change” in circumstances since the last order, and they are reluctant to revisit arrangements repeatedly. This can be a relocation, a change in income, or other changes that affect the children.

For example, if you are seeking to change the person with the exclusive right to designate the child’s primary residence within one year of the prior order, you must also file a supporting Affidavit meeting specific statutory grounds.

Texas also allows modification when three years have passed and the guideline support amount would differ by either \$100 or 20 percent from the current order. An attorney can talk through options with you.

Does Moving Out Of State Count As A Material And Substantial Change?

A relocation that meaningfully disrupts the existing possession schedule generally qualifies. Many Texas orders include a residency restriction limiting the child’s primary residence to a specific county or contiguous counties, which means a move may require modification before it happens.

Can Child Support Be Modified Without Going To Court?

Parents can reach an agreement, but it only becomes enforceable when a judge signs an agreed modification order. At Hargrave Family Law, most support modifications are resolved through negotiated agreements rather than contested hearings. Regardless, changes should always be formally modified by a judge to protect you and your children.

How Are Modifications Handled When Income Comes From A Business Or Executive Compensation?

Courts look at “net resources”, including distributions, bonuses, equity compensation, and self-employment income, not just salary. These calculations require careful characterization and documentation, and we regularly work alongside CPAs and financial advisors to present income accurately while also keeping sensitive business information appropriately protected.

How Long Does A Modification Take In Texas?

An agreed modification can often be finalized in a matter of weeks once terms are settled and the agreed order is drafted and signed. Resolution of contested matters depend on the court’s docket/calendar. Especially in Dallas, Collin, Denton, or Tarrant County, cases commonly run several months.

Is Mediation Required Before A Modification Hearing?

Most Dallas-area family courts order mediation before setting a contested hearing, and many local standing orders make it a prerequisite. This works in your favor: mediation is confidential, keeps details out of open court, and usually resolves the matter much faster and more economically than litigation.

Will Filing A Modification Reopen The Conflict We Already Resolved?

It can but does not have to. Our collaborative, non-adversarial approach applies to modifications exactly as it does to any other matter we handle, with the goals of preserving your children’s stability and your working relationship with their other parent as a focus.

Does A Modification Really Need Board-Certified Counsel?

When the stakes are high and involve complex income and business ownership, an attorney with Board Certification in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization is a true asset. That distinction can especially matter when an order touches financial information and records that can affect professional reputation and corporate good will.

Local Resources in Texas for Modifications

Texas Judicial Branch
Texas Office of the Attorney General Child Support Division
State Bar of Texas Family Law Section
TexasLawHelp
Texas State Law Library
Texas Access to Justice Commission
Texas Access to Justice Foundation
Collaborative Divorce Texas
Lone Star Legal Aid
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
Texas Advocacy Project
Texas Court Help

Talk To A Dallas-Fort Worth Modifications Lawyer Today

When life circumstances have outgrown your original order, a modification can be handled with the discretion that allows you to reach resolution without undue conflict. Our team at Hargrave Family Law regularly guides parents and former spouses across Dallas, Collin, Denton, Tarrant, and other contiguous counties through a modification and on to continued success as parents and thriving community members.

We walk our clients through custody, support, and possession schedule changes using non-adversarial techniques that protect your children’s stability and your privacy, bringing your matter to final resolution so you can get on with your life. With attorneys and paralegals Board Certified by the Texas Board of Specialization, we provide the robust, strategic legal advocacy our clients and their children need.

Call us to schedule a complimentary case evaluation with our Client Intake Specialist. It is a confidential conversation about your options, and our goal is to empower you to make informed decisions and move forward with confidence and the peace of mind you and your children deserve. Reach out, we’re here to help.

Contact Us

Call Our Office With Any Questions or To Schedule a Complimentary Case Evaluation

Call Hargrave Family Law

How We Support our clients

PERSONALIZED GUIDANCE
We provide clear, strategic legal guidance designed to protect your interests and help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE
We draw on extensive family law experience to protect your interests and strategically advocate for the future you’re envisioning.
ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN
We provide compassionate, strategic advocacy for parents. ensuring the child’s well-being is considered and remains at the heart of every decision.
ASSET PROTECTION
We provide thoughtful, strategic counsel to safeguard your assets and secure the financial foundation for your next chapter.
BUSINESS OWNERS
We offer strategic guidance tailored to business owners, protecting both personal and professional interests while preserving the value you’ve worked hard to build.
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
We craft creative, customized solutions that honor your family’s unique needs while protecting what matters most.

Choosing an experienced Attorney

Navigating divorce can be overwhelming, but with Hargrave Family Law, you don’t have to face it alone. Our experienced Dallas family law team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, offering the clarity, compassion, and advocacy you need to move forward with confidence. We focus exclusively on family law, helping clients begin anew with dignity and hope. We invite you to schedule a complimentary case evaluation, where our Client Intake Specialist will listen to your concerns, discuss your goals, and help you explore your options—empowering you to make informed decisions and start writing the next chapter of your life.

Meet them All

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Jennifer Hargrave

Owner & Managing Partner

Professional woman in navy dress, office background

Misty Cole

Senior Attorney

Smiling woman with short gray hair indoors

Donna Tomlinson

Senior Attorney

Katherine Zimmermann

Senior Attorney

Smiling professional woman in office building lobby

Hannah Rector

Senior Attorney

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LaQuisha Batson

Associate Attorney

Carie Silvestri

Of Counsel

additional resources

Don’t Face This Alone

Part of our mission is to offer the resources you need to move forward and reclaim peace. We invite you to explore the wealth of resources and information available from our dedicated Dallas family law team. We’ve listed just a few below.

View all resources

FAQ

Have questions? we have answers

Will my spouse find out if I contact a divorce attorney?
The fact that you have reached out to contact a divorce attorney is privileged information and should remain protected. If you are concerned that your communications are being monitored, you need to bring that to your attorney’s attention right away, so we can help you protect your communication for that initial contact. I would recommend that you go ahead and use a phone that your spouse doesn’t have access to. If you have a phone at work or a friend’s phone, that can be helpful. Also, you may want to set up another email account that you can use for communication with your attorney. We want to make sure that all of your communication throughout the divorce process remains privileged and protected.
What is common law marriage (in Texas)?
It is quite possible to be married, even if you never had a formal marriage ceremony, you didn’t go to the courthouse, and you didn’t sign a marriage certificate! Marriage can come about by what’s called a “common law marriage.” So, if you live together, and you intended to be married, and you held yourselves out to other people as married, then you may in fact be married. That means if the marriage has come to an end, the relationship has come to an end, and you may also need a divorce in order to bring an end to that relationship. If you have any questions about whether you are married under the laws of Texas, we’d love to talk with you and help you figure out whether your next step is to file for divorce.
Do I need a premarital agreement?
If you are preparing for marriage, you may want to consider a premarital agreement as part of your marriage planning. Many people have the mistaken notion that a premarital agreement is simply planning the divorce before the marriage. And I’m going to tell you in my experience that simply isn’t the case, whether you’re in Texas or you’re in any other state, that state is going to impose rights and responsibilities with regard to your marital property. Wouldn’t you rather sit down with your intended spouse and talk about what those rights and responsibilities are, where the two of you are actually making the decisions about how you’re going to hold that property. If you own a business, if you have children from a prior marriage, if you have significant assets that you’re bringing into the marriage, or your partner has significant assets that a premarital agreement may be right for you at Hargrave Family Law, we like to work with our clients to make sure that the premarital agreement is a constructive part of marriage planning in Texas.
What grounds do I need to file for divorce (in Texas)?
In the state of Texas, couples no longer have to go through the painful process of proving grounds in order to get a divorce. In fact, Texas is a no-fault state, which means you simply have to show that the marriage has become insupportable, or in other words, the marriage is broken. Does that mean there aren’t reasons for the divorce? Of course not. There are always reasons for divorce. We no longer have to prove those reasons. At Hargrave Family Law, we know if you’ve been living in a broken marriage, it’s been a painful journey, and we want to help you bring us into that journey so you can start the next chapter of your life.
What is collaborative divorce?
A collaborative divorce allows couples who are beginning the divorce process to make the commitment to each other that they’re going to work together to resolve the issues that need to be settled. Instead of going to court and litigating the issues in front of the judge, they’re going to work with a team of dedicated professionals, including their lawyers, a mental health professional, and a financial professional who are all committed to helping them reach a final resolution. We find that our clients who engage in the collaborative divorce process enjoy the perfect privacy it provides for their families, and they enjoy the control. So there isn’t somebody else who’s making these decisions for them. And they also enjoy a stronger co-parenting relationship after the divorce is finalized.
Can I modify my custody agreement?
In the state of Texas, it is possible to modify the provisions of the original order. In order to do so, we need to show the court that there’s been a material and substantial change in circumstances. This applies whenever we’re changing child support.
- If somebody’s got a new job, and they’re making a significant amount of money, then it may be time to modify.
- If a parent has moved out of state, it may be time to modify the possession schedule,
- or if the parents are no longer able to reach agreements for any number of reasons regarding important aspects of the child’s care, then again, that may be time to modify.
In order to determine whether you’re eligible for a modification, you’ll need to meet with an attorney and see if your circumstances meet the threshold requirements in order to request the court for change, or the parties may simply agree to the changes in which case most of the time, the court will adopt those changes.
Should I empty our bank account before filing for divorce?
Emptying a bank account before filing for divorce will have serious consequences and will most certainly increase the tension and conflict in your divorce process. Before taking such a step, we strongly urge you to talk with your lawyer and make sure you’ve considered all your options. What we don’t want to do is take a step early on in the process that can make negotiating a desirable settlement, more difficult, if not impossible, later on.

You should also read this post on addressing your finances in a divorce.
I’m concerned my spouse will be abusive to our kids, what can I do?
If there has been any history of abuse in your home, whether that abuse has been directed against you or your children or any other family member for that matter, you need to take steps to put a safety plan in place as you prepare to leave your marriage.

We know that the decision to divorce is a very difficult one, especially if you’ve been in an abusive relationship. We also know that there is a heightened risk associated with the decision to divorce. We’re going to help protect you and make sure that there are safety measures in place so that you don’t have to risk hurting yourself or your children in the divorce process.
I was just served divorce papers. What should I do?
Being served with divorce papers can be a scary and intimidating time for many people. Not surprisingly when it comes to questions about divorce, we get this one a lot! The first thing you need to do is simply take a breath. You’re going to be okay. Divorce is a legal proceeding. And being served with papers is simply the formal way that your spouse lets you know that he or she has initiated that process.

Second, you’re going to find in the petition that there may be standing orders or a temporary restraining order. These are important to pay attention to because they may limit what you’re able to do – with your finances, for example.

There are other guidelines that are set forth in those orders that are very important, and you need to pay attention to them. Also, there’s a timeline that comes with the service of process, and that means that you need to get an answer on file. And there also may be a hearing date that’s scheduled. The very best thing you can do right now is to pick up the phone and contact a lawyer, so you can learn more about what this means for you.
I’ve decided to file for divorce, what can I do to prepare?
If you are in a broken marriage, and you’ve decided to file for divorce, the very best thing you can do to help prepare for that divorce is to gather information. First, you’re going to want to gather information about your household finances and understand where your accounts are.

If you have a financial advisor, take time to meet with him or her. Get copies of tax returns, and now is also a great time to get a copy of your credit report. In addition to financials, you want to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself emotionally. And by that, I mean take time to do the things that you love to do, spend time with people who love and support you. And finally, when it comes to preparing for divorce, one of the most important steps you can take is to meet with a divorce lawyer who can help you plan for the divorce and make sure you understand and know all your options.
How can I tell my spouse I want a divorce?
Having decided you want a divorce, your first big challenge is how to break the news to your spouse. Check the post, Honey, I want a Divorce for tips on making the divorce conversation easier.
How long does it take to get divorced (in Texas)?
In Texas, just because you file for divorce doesn’t mean you have to get a divorce. Sometimes couples are able to reconcile in the divorce process. If that’s something that you think might be an option, we want to know that early on, so we can help you select a process that provides the space for that to happen. And we can also put you in touch with resources that we think may be helpful.

You can also read te post How long does it take to get divorced in Texas?
Can I spy on my spouse during the divorce?
Before you take any steps, to spy on your spouse, whether you are installing a GPS tracker, you’ve got keylogger software, or you have any listening devices in your home, you need to make sure you speak with a lawyer. So many of these techniques for getting information about your spouse without their permission are illegal and can actually cause harm to your legal case. We want to make sure you get all the information that you need in the legal avenues that are available so that you can have the very best outcome possible.
How can I make divorce easier on my kids?
If you are beginning the divorce process, the very best thing you can do for your children is to let them know that they are loved by you and by the other parent. Here are some tips we found to help make divorce easier on your children.
- Keep your routines as stable and steady as possible
- Remind them that they are loved by both parents and be supportive of the children’s relationship with the other parent.
- Make sure you’re not disparaging or discouraging the other parent,
- Make sure your child has time to do the things they love to do and to spend time with their friends and their family members.
- And finally, if you find that your kiddos are experiencing disruption in their sleep or eating patterns or that they’re experiencing sadness, this is a great time to get a child therapist involved to help support your child.
You should also read Breaking the News: & Tips for Telling Your Kids About Divorce and find out more information on parenting through divorce on our blog.
Can I date during my divorce?
When facing divorce, it’s understandable that you may want to move on to your next stage in life as quickly as possible. Maybe you’ve found a companion you’d like to spend time with while your divorce is concluded. Divorce attorney Jennifer Hargrave discusses the legality of dating after filing for divorce and how to tell if you are in a common-law marriage in the state of Texas.