The Child Support Review Process in Texas

Many divorcing or divorced couples are able to put their differences aside in order to negotiate custody and child support agreements that are in the best interests of their children. The state encourages this type of co-action, and offers these parents an alternative to having a judge decide child support, called the Child Support Review Process in Texas, or CSRP.

How can I use CSRP?

CSRP is available to separated or divorced parents, parents with a pending divorce, or parents who never married. Parents can use CSRP to negotiate a number of details that are essential to the wellbeing of their children, including:

• Establishing paternity
• Setting or modifying child support
• Ensuring the child has health insurance and other medical support
• Determining a visitation schedule
• Enforcing child support orders
• Claiming retroactive child support

What are the benefits of CSRP?

There are a number of benefits to choosing CSRP over allowing a judge to settle child support disputes in court. Some of the most important to many parents include:

• Saving time: CSRP works with the parents’ schedules to set a meeting time and makes every effort to come to a resolution quickly. If parents choose court instead, they will receive assigned court dates and may require more than one visit.
• Reducing stress: CSRP allows parents to negotiate child support in an informal setting, which is typically much less stressful than a formal hearing in court.
• Strengthening the co-parenting relationship: Children benefit from having parents who are willing to work together to make decisions about their wellbeing. CSRP can help create a solid foundation for future cooperation between parents.
• Ensuring privacy: Because negotiations during the CSRP occur in a child support office, the details discussed are not a part of the public court record. This may be important if there are sensitive issues that play a role in determining support.

What does the Child Support Review Process entail?

CSRP allows parents to avoid court by giving them the opportunity to discuss their situation with a child support officer. This meeting typically takes place in a private area at the local child support office.

While most child support officers prefer both attend the conference in person, some will allow parents to attend via conference call. The officer will walk the parents through the process of determining how much child support Texas law expects and negotiating an agreement. Often, parents can reach this agreement in a single meeting.

The child support officer will then document the agreement, and file the order with the court. The judge will review and sign the order, which then becomes legally binding.

Child support attorney Julie Johnson represents both men and women in all realms of divorce. If you are facing divorce in the Dallas area, even an uncontested one, having a lawyer on your side can be an asset. Contact our office today at 214-265-7630.