Can You Change Your Divorce Agreement After It's Final? What Texas Law Says

Going through a divorce is hard enough but what happens if your circumstances change after your divorce is finalized? Can you go back and make changes to your Texas divorce agreement?

At Ashmore & Ashmore Law Firm, we’ve helped many families in Rockwall and Terrell, Texas , understand post-divorce modification. Whether it's child custody, support, or property division, we break it down in plain English so you know what can (and can’t) be revisited after the ink is dry.

Modifying Child Custody and Support After Divorce

Let’s start with the good news: yes, you can modify child custody and support orders after a final divorce decree has been entered. But there’s a process and some limits.

Generally, you need to wait at least one year from the original court order before requesting a change, unless something substantial has changed. Courts in Texas aren’t quick to allow changes just because your agreement didn’t “work out” or you’ve changed your mind.

What counts as a "substantial change"?

Here are a few examples that might qualify:

• Your child develops a special need or requires special education services.

• There’s been a significant change in a parent’s living situation.

• A parent becomes unable to care for the child due to illness or injury.

• There is new information that impacts the child’s well-being.

It’s important to remember that the best interest of the child is the court’s top priority. If something truly affects your child’s health, safety, or emotional well-being, it’s worth speaking with a family law attorney about pursuing a modification.

Can You Change Property Division After Divorce?

This one’s a bit tougher: the general rule in Texas is no, you cannot change property division after your divorce is final.

The terms are binding whether your property division was decided through a mediated settlement agreement or a final trial judgment. Courts treat these agreements as final unless you can prove something truly extreme happened like fraud.

What would fraud look like?

We’re not just talking about someone forgetting to list an old savings account. Think:

• Hidden offshore accounts

• Money used to buy property for a secret romantic partner

• Large assets deliberately left off disclosure forms

In short, unless your ex went full James Bond and stashed money away in another country or someone else’s name, the property division probably isn’t going to change.

When in Doubt, Talk to a Family Law Attorney

Every divorce is different, and every post-divorce situation has its own set of facts. If you're in Rockwall or Terrell, Texas, and you’re unsure whether you can modify your divorce agreement, reach out to our team at Ashmore & Ashmore Law Firm.

We’ll review your case, examine what’s changed, and help you determine whether the law allows modification.

If you think your divorce agreement no longer reflects your reality, give Ashmore & Ashmore Law Firm a call. We offer compassionate, experienced family law representation right here in Rockwall and Terrell, Texas, because you deserve clarity and support every step of the way.