Texas Family Code 203.004 – Powers and Duties
(a) A domestic relations office may:
(1) collect and disburse child support payments that are ordered by a court to be paid through a domestic relations registry;
(2) maintain records of payments and disbursements made under Subdivision (1);
(3) file a suit under this title, including a suit to:
(A) establish paternity; and
(B) enforce, clarify or modify a court order for child support or for possession of and access to a child;
(4) provide an informal forum in which alternative dispute resolution is used to resolve disputes under this code;
(5) prepare a court-ordered child custody evaluation or adoption evaluation under Chapter 107;
(6) represent a child as an amicus attorney, an attorney ad litem, or a guardian ad litem in a suit in which:
(A) termination of the parent-child relationship is sought; or
(B) conservatorship of or access to a child is contested;
(7) serve as a friend of the court;
(8) provide predivorce counseling ordered by a court;
(9) provide community supervision services under Chapter 157;
(10) provide information to assist a party in understanding, complying with, or enforcing the party’s duties and obligations under this code;
(11) provide, directly or through a contract, visitation services, including supervision of court-ordered visitation, visitation exchange, or other similar services;
(12) issue an administrative writ of withholding under Subchapter F, Chapter 158; and
(13) provide parenting coordinator services under Chapter 153.
(b) A court having jurisdiction in a proceeding under this title, Title 3, or § 25.05, Penal Code, may order that child support payments be made through a domestic relations office.
Terms Used In Texas Family Code 203.004
- Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
- Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.
(c) A domestic relations office may:
(1) hire or contract for the services of attorneys to assist the office in providing services under this chapter; and
(2) employ community supervision officers or court monitors.