Agreed Modification of Child Custody Orders in Texas
Life changes after divorce — and sometimes your custody, visitation, or support orders need to change with it. When both parents agree, 2500Divorce.com handles the entire modification for a flat fee.
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$3,000 Flat Fee — Agreed Modifications Only
Flat fee covers attorney representation and all document preparation. Court filing fees billed separately at cost — typically $250–$350. Financing available. See our full Texas divorce cost guide →
Why Verbal Agreements Are Not Enough
It is extremely common for divorced parents to informally agree on changes to their custody arrangement — switching weekends, adjusting pickup times, changing who carries health insurance. These informal agreements feel easier in the moment. But they carry serious risk.
If a dispute arises later, Texas courts enforce the written order on file — not what was verbally agreed. A parent who has been following an informal arrangement for years can find themselves suddenly in violation of the original order. Schools, doctors, government agencies, and courts all operate on the written order, not private agreements.
Without an updated written order, you risk:
Being found in contempt for violating the original order · Child support being calculated on outdated terms · Schools or medical providers refusing to honor the new arrangement · One parent unilaterally reverting to the original order · Future disputes with no written record of what was agreed
What's Included in the $3,000 Agreed Modification
All of the following as applicable to your case:
- Review of your existing custody and support orders
- Draft of updated Agreed Order of Modification
- Updated conservatorship provisions (if applicable)
- Updated possession and access schedule (if applicable)
- Updated child support calculation (if applicable)
- Updated medical support provisions (if applicable)
- Court filing with the correct county district court
- Both parents guided through signing and finalization
Both parents must agree on all updated terms. For contested modifications, see Fritz & Phillips, P.C. →
What Qualifies as a Material and Substantial Change?
Texas law generally requires a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order was signed before a court will modify custody. However, when both parents agree to the modification and it serves the child's best interest, courts will typically approve it without requiring formal proof of changed circumstances.
✓ Typically Qualifies
- A parent relocating to a new city or state
- Significant change in either parent's income
- Child's changing needs as they grow older
- New safety concern or substance abuse issue
- Remarriage materially affecting the child's home
- Child's stated preference (age 12+)
- Breakdown of the existing arrangement
- 3+ years since last order, support differs by 20%/$100
✗ Typically Does Not Qualify
- Minor scheduling inconveniences
- General lifestyle disagreements
- Temporary work schedule changes
- Personality conflicts between parents
- Disagreement with the other parent's parenting style
- Small income fluctuations
Types of Modifications We Handle
Conservatorship (Legal Custody) Modifications
Conservatorship determines who has the right to make major decisions for the child — education, healthcare, religious upbringing. If parents agree to change from sole to joint conservatorship (or vice versa), or to adjust which rights each parent holds, we prepare the updated order and obtain court approval.
Possession and Access (Visitation) Schedule Modifications
The most common modification — updating when each parent has the child, how holidays are divided, and how transitions work. Whether you're moving from the Standard Possession Order to a custom schedule or adjusting weekend rotations, our attorneys draft language that is clear, specific, and enforceable.
Child Support Modifications
Child support can be modified when there has been a material change in either parent's income or the child's needs, or when it has been at least three years since the last order and the support amount differs by 20% or $100/month from current guidelines. We calculate the correct amount under Texas law and incorporate it into the updated order.
Geographic Restriction Modifications
Most Texas custody orders include a geographic restriction limiting where the primary parent can live. If a parent needs to relocate outside that restriction, a modification is required before moving. When both parents agree on the new arrangement, we prepare the updated order including any changes to possession and support necessitated by the move.
The Agreed Modification Process
Free consultation
We review your existing orders and the changes you and the other parent have agreed on.
Document drafting
Our attorneys prepare the Agreed Order of Modification with all required provisions correctly drafted.
Both parents review and sign
Each parent reviews every provision and signs the agreed order. Fully remote — electronic signatures.
Court filing
We file the agreed order with the correct county district court on your behalf.
Judge approval
The court reviews the modification and signs the order, making it legally enforceable. Most agreed modifications complete in 4–8 weeks from engagement to court approval.
When Both Parents Don't Agree
If you and the other parent cannot reach agreement on modified terms, the modification becomes contested. Contested modifications require filing a Petition to Modify, potential temporary orders hearings, mediation, and possibly trial. These cases require full litigation representation.
Contested modifications — Fritz & Phillips, P.C.
Fritz & Phillips, P.C. handles contested custody modifications, emergency custody orders, enforcement of existing orders, relocation disputes, and all other contested family law matters throughout Southeast Texas. Call (713) 930-2500 to discuss your situation.
Counties We Serve for Custody Modifications
We file agreed modifications with the correct district court in your county. Modification jurisdiction is typically in the county where the original order was entered or where the child has lived for the past 6 months.
Ready to Update Your Custody Order?
Free consultation. $3,000 flat fee. Both parents must agree. Most modifications completed in 4–8 weeks.
Contact an Attorney Or call (713) 930-2500 · info@2500divorce.com