Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB358

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the grounds for modification of a child support order.

Impact

The implications of this bill are significant for family law and child support proceedings in Texas. By allowing modifications based on smaller differences in support amounts and a shorter waiting period, HB358 enables parents to adapt to changing financial situations more readily. This is particularly important in cases of job loss, change in income, or significant changes in the child's needs. The law seeks to align child support orders more closely with current financial realities, providing parents with greater flexibility and responsiveness in fulfilling their obligations.

Summary

House Bill 358 focuses on the modification of child support orders in Texas. The bill modifies Sections 156.401 and 233.013 of the Family Code, specifically outlining new criteria under which a court can modify existing child support orders. The key changes include reducing the timeline required for modifications from three years to two years and adjusting the threshold for modifications based on changes in support amounts from 20% to 10% or from $100 to $50. These changes aim to make it easier for parents to seek adjustments to their child support obligations as circumstances change.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB358 appears to be positive among advocates for child welfare and family law reform. Supporters argue that the bill represents progressive steps toward adapting family law to reflect the realities of modern life. However, there may be some contention from parties who believe the adjustments could lead to increased disputes over child support modifications or concerns about the lower thresholds leading to more frequent modifications. The bill's proponents emphasize that the overall goal is to benefit children's welfare and ensure support is more adaptive to their needs.

Contention

While there are benefits to the streamlined modification process outlined in HB358, critics might raise concerns about its potential to encourage frivolous modification requests or create an incentive for non-custodial parents to seek reductions in support obligations. Additionally, there could be worries about how these changes might affect custodial parents' financial stability, especially if the modifications become too frequent and disruptive. Balancing the need for fair child support obligations with the need for stable financial support for children remains a critical challenge in the discussion around this bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3332

Relating to the child support obligation of certain obligors who are or were incarcerated.

TX HB2581

Relating to the allocation of child care expenses for a child subject to a child support order.

TX HB3446

Relating to court-ordered financial support by parents of an adult with a medically determinable disability.

TX SB869

Relating to suits affecting the parent-child relationship, including the payment and enforcement of support ordered in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

TX HB3379

Relating to orders for the conservatorship of, possession of or access to, or support of a child in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

TX HB2246

Relating to suits affecting the parent-child relationship, including the payment and enforcement of support ordered in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

TX HB2688

Relating to the modification of certain orders in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

TX SB590

Relating to a court order for retroactive child support, including for retroactive child support beginning on the date of the child's conception.

TX HB2948

Relating to the modification of a possession order and temporary possession of a child when a conservator of the child is incapacitated.

TX SB870

Relating to certain Title IV-D cases and other cases with respect to child support or Title IV-D agency services and to practices and procedures for the operation of the Title IV-D agency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.