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AN ACT
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relating to the powers and duties of a domestic relations office. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 203.004(a), Family Code, is amended to |
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read as follows: |
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Sec. 203.004. POWERS AND DUTIES. (a) A domestic relations |
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office may: |
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(1) collect and disburse child support payments that |
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are ordered by a court to be paid through a domestic relations |
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registry; |
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(2) maintain records of payments and disbursements |
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made under Subdivision (1); |
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(3) file a suit under this title, including a suit to: |
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(A) establish paternity; and |
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(B) enforce, clarify or modify a court order for |
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child support or for possession of and access to a child; [and |
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[(C) modify or clarify an existing child support |
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order;] |
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(4) provide an informal forum in which alternative |
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dispute resolution is used to resolve disputes under this code; |
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(5) prepare a court-ordered child custody evaluation |
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or adoption evaluation under Chapter 107; |
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(6) represent a child as an amicus attorney, an |
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attorney ad litem, or a guardian ad litem in a suit in which: |
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(A) termination of the parent-child relationship |
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is sought; or |
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(B) conservatorship of or access to a child is |
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contested; |
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(7) serve as a friend of the court; |
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(8) provide predivorce counseling ordered by a court; |
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(9) provide community supervision services under |
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Chapter 157; |
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(10) provide information to assist a party in |
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understanding, complying with, or enforcing the party's duties and |
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obligations under this code [Subdivision (3)]; |
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(11) provide, directly or through a contract, |
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visitation services, including supervision of court-ordered |
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visitation, visitation exchange, or other similar services; |
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(12) issue an administrative writ of withholding under |
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Subchapter F, Chapter 158; and |
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(13) provide parenting coordinator services under |
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Chapter 153. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |
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______________________________ |
______________________________ |
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President of the Senate |
Speaker of the House |
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I hereby certify that S.B. No. 567 passed the Senate on |
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April 19, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. |
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______________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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I hereby certify that S.B. No. 567 passed the House on |
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May 4, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 144, Nays 1, two present |
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not voting. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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Approved: |
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______________________________ |
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Date |
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______________________________ |
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Governor |