Relating to the modification of certain orders providing for the support of a child.

Child support can follow the child's caregiver

Beginning September 1, 2025, a party or the child's caregiver can ask a Texas court to redirect child support. The caregiver must have had physical possession of the child for at least six months. The change concerns the sole managing conservator, or the joint managing conservator with the sole right to choose the child's main home. That person must have voluntarily given the caregiver primary care and possession for at least six months; been incarcerated or sentenced to incarceration for at least 90 days; given up primary care and possession in a Title 3 or Chapter 262 proceeding; or signed a Chapter 34 authorization agreement with the caregiver. A modified order gives the caregiver the right to receive and acknowledge support payments and manage them for the child's benefit. The court must also direct qualifying unpaid support to the person or entity with physical possession of the child. This covers support owed after possession was relinquished, incarceration began, or the authorization agreement was signed. It excludes amounts subject to offset or reimbursement under Family Code Section 157.008. A respondent's provided current mailing or email address can be used to serve the motion through Section 157.065 procedures or email through the state's electronic filing system. Related notices and documents can also be delivered through that electronic system. These changes apply only to motions filed on or after September 1, 2025; earlier motions remain under prior law.