Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship
SAPCR
If you have had a child out of wedlock and need to formalize custody and child support arrangements, you will need an Original SAPCR. If you are divorced and need to make changes to existing arrangements to reflect a change in circumstance, then you will need to file a Suit to Modify a SAPCR.
We offer uncontested and contested SAPCR services - Contact us now for a consultation.
About SAPCRs
What is a "SAPCR"?
A Suit Affecting a Parent-Child Relationship ("SAPCR") is a document that sets out the terms of the child or children's care.
Will I have to go to court?
It depends.
How much does it cost?
UNCONTESTED SAPCR
Cost: $500 for up to
one (1) hour of legal services.
For clients who just want the legal documents, we will collect all the information needed to complete your SAPCR documents (Petition for SAPCR, Waiver of Service and Final Order). You will be responsible for the filing of the documents and payment of court costs, if any.
Cost: $500 for up to
one (1) hour of legal services.
FULL SERVICE
Cost: $1000 for up to
two (2) hours of legal services. Court Costs will be charged separately.
Will one of us need to pay Child Support?
Your Final Order must show how you and the other conservator intend to look after the best interests of the children.
In all likelihood, one party will be expected to pay child support in an amount equal to the Texas child support guidelines and/or provide health insurance for the child. It is possible to agree to not have child support, but you will need to meet certain conditions – conditions that are subject to change in Texas Law.
Even if you do agree to no child support, it is generally frowned upon by the courts and it is possible for a judge to step in and make amendments to the Final Order at his or her discretion.
You can use the child support calculator on the Attorney General’s website to work out an estimate of how much you are expected to pay in accordance with the guidelines.
Is it true that once a child reaches twelve (12) years old, he or she can choose which parent to live with?
Unless you and the other conservator agree to abide by the child’s wishes then an application will need to be made for the child to confer with a judge.


Lauren Carrington Smyth
Managing Partner