Is your financial situation different than it was a year ago? If you’re a parent dealing with child support, even small changes in income, custody arrangements, or your child’s needs can make a big impact. Only 44% of custodial parents receive the full amount of child support owed to them—and many parents either struggle with unfair orders or can’t keep up with payments due to unforeseen life changes. When that happens, filing a child support modification can be the only realistic option.

But what comes next, once your request is granted?

At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we understand how confusing and stressful the aftermath of a modified support order can be. As a respected child support attorney team in Houston, we help parents on both sides—those who owe support and those who receive it—make sense of the legal and financial updates that follow.

If your request for modification has been approved, this blog will explain what to expect next, how the new order is implemented, how arrears (back payments) are addressed, and what steps you need to take to stay compliant and protect your rights.

When a New Child Support Order Takes Effect

Once your request for child support modification is approved by the court, the updated order does not apply retroactively to any payments made before the date of the request. It generally takes effect from the date the motion was filed—not from the date it was approved. That means:

• If you requested a change three months ago and it’s just now approved, the new amount could apply to those past three months.
• Any payments made during that time might be re-evaluated based on the new order.

The court will issue a written order outlining the new payment terms, and it becomes enforceable once signed by the judge. Both parties will receive a copy. If the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is involved in enforcing payments, they’ll also update their records accordingly.

Tip: Do not assume the other parent will notify the state or make changes themselves. Always follow up to confirm that enforcement agencies and payroll departments are working from the correct version of the order.

What Happens to Missed or Back Payments?

Many parents are unsure what happens to arrears after a modification. The answer depends on whether the support was overpaid or underpaid during the review period.

• If you were underpaying based on the new amount, you may now owe arrears. These will be added to your current balance and collected over time.
• If you were overpaying, refunds are rare. Courts typically won’t order repayment unless the overpayment was significant or clearly the result of a mistake.

Courts expect both parties to act in good faith, which means you should continue paying the original amount until the modification is officially approved. Skipping or reducing payments before the order changes can lead to enforcement actions—even if you know the amount will change later.

Your Responsibilities After Approval

The approval of your child support modification comes with important responsibilities. Here’s what you need to stay on top of:

Monitor Payment Processing

• Use the Texas Child Support Portal or any payment system your court order references to track updates.
• Double-check that payments are being applied correctly and consistently.

Keep Records

• Save copies of the new order, your payment receipts, and any communications with the OAG or the other parent.
• If there’s a dispute down the road, documentation will protect you.

Stick to the Order

• Pay the full amount, on time, every month. The court expects strict compliance.
• If your situation changes again, don’t wait—file a new request right away.

Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case

Even after a successful modification, some common errors can put parents back in legal trouble:

• Assuming the change is automatic. It’s not—orders need to be enforced and followed deliberately.
• Failing to notify relevant parties. Your employer, the OAG, and even your co-parent all need proper notice.
• Not adjusting your budget. If your payment changed, your financial planning should too.
• Ignoring arrears. Falling behind can lead to wage garnishment, license suspension, or even jail time—even after modification.

Are You Prepared for What Comes Next?

Getting your child support modified is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in making sure the new order is understood, followed, and enforced fairly. Whether you’re paying or receiving support, staying compliant protects you legally and ensures your child continues receiving what they need.

If you’re unsure how to move forward after a change to your support order, we’re here to help. At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we bring years of experience handling child support modification cases in Houston and surrounding areas. As a trusted child support lawyer team, we help clients take control of their legal and financial responsibilities with confidence.

Let us guide you through the next steps. Call Daniel Ogbeide Law at 832-321-7005 to speak with an experienced child support lawyer in Houston who can make sure your modified order is correctly enforced, and your rights are protected every step of the way.