Child Custody and Support Newsletters

Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act

The Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act was passed in 1998 to amend the Child Support Recovery Act by making it a felony to fail to pay to pay child support for a child located in another state.

Income Withholding for Child Support Actions

Wage withholding is a method of paying child support by having the obligation taken directly out of the parent's pay by the employer. Some parents voluntarily agree to wage withholding; others have it imposed upon them by a court.

Jurisdiction Issues in Child Support Cases

Before a court can issue an order of child support, the court must assure itself that it has jurisdiction over the parties. Under the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act (UEFJA) and the Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act (URESA) courts in other states will recognize and enforce lawfully issued child support orders.

Parent Locator Services for Child Support Collection

The federal Parent Locator Service is available to help locate the parent of a child in order to establish a child support obligation and to collect past due amounts.

Possessory Conservatorship in Custody Awards

There are times when a court finds it necessary to appoint someone to be responsible for a minor child. In Texas, that means the appointment of a "managing conservator." When a managing conservator is appointed, the court may appoint a "possessory conservator," which is an order setting the times and conditions for possession of or access to the child.