Tex.
Fam. Code Section 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 (Special Appointments, Child Custody Evaluations, and Adoption Evaluations);(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 (Enforcement);(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 (Issuance of Administrative Writ of Withholding), Chapter 158 (Withholding from Earnings for Child Support); and(13)
provide parenting coordinator services under Chapter 153 (Conservatorship, Possession, and Access).(b)
A court having jurisdiction in a proceeding under this title, Title 3, or Section 25.05 (Criminal Nonsupport), Penal Code, may order that child support payments be made through a domestic relations office.(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.
Source:
Section 203.004 — Powers and Duties, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.203.htm#203.004 (accessed Apr. 20, 2024).
