The Harris County Domestic Relations Office: Family Court Services, Alternative Dispute Resolution,
12/02/2022
PARENT WORKSHOPS
The Harris County Domestic Relations Office (DRO) is now offering a variety of Parent Workshops for parties with cases pending or finalized in the Harris County Family Courts.
1. Making A Fresh Start - This 4-hour parent education and family stabilization workshop was developed in-house and meets the requirements of Texas Family Code Sec. 105.009. This workshop is directed toward divorced, separated, or never married parents to provide the tools needed to build positive co-parenting relationships. The workshop will be facilitated by Barbara Lynch Schnack, former Director of Family Court Services, and will be taught in an online in-person format. Free.
2. Visitation Supervisor Training - This 3-hour Visitation Supervisor Training will provide guidance and training for relatives and friends who have been given the task of supervising a parent’s parenting time with their children. In this workshop, the visitation supervisor will learn the basics of their role, including the need to remain neutral, but observant and present at all times. There is no cost.
3. Building New Beginnings - Lastly, the DRO is developing a 12-hour parenting workshop for parents who have struggled to build or maintain constructive co-parenting relationships. This workshop will offer in-depth insights into why conflict persists and why it is necessary for the well-being of both children and their parents to let go and “build a new beginning,” as well as strategies for improved communication and conflict resolution. This course will be offered in an online in-person format, and will also be facilitated by Barbara Lynch Schnack. We anticipate this workshop will be available in Spring, 2023.
All workshops will also be facilitated in Spanish by our qualified DRO staff. Each will be offered on a reoccurring basis based on demand. A certificate of completion will be filed with the Court for parties who attend all sessions. Parties can already register online at www.dro.hctx.net by navigating to the “Parent Workshop” tab.
11/23/2022
11/18/2022
MEDIATION ANNOUNCEMENT:
While the DRO delivers mediations via ZOOM, we are routinely experiencing participation from venues that create barriers to commitment, comprehensiveness, good faith, and reliability. To secure agreements, parties should be present in settings that lend themselves to the mediation process.
Beginning December 1, 2022, attorneys and litigants must participate in the mediation session from (1) their attorney's office or (2) the DRO mediation suite (1310 Prairie, Suite 720, Houston, Texas 77002). Self-represented litigants must participate in mediation from the DRO mediation suite. Failure to participate from one of these locations will result in the cancellation of the mediation session and a subsequent reset fee.
08/15/2022
The Harris County Domestic Relations Office (HCCO) was recently recognized with a 2022 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its Family Law LegalLines program. The award honors innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. The program is a partnership between the Domestic Relations Office and the Houston Bar Association which began in August 2020.
08/01/2022
CHILD SUPPORT AWARENESS MONTH
August is Child Support Awareness Month! The DRO provides wrap-round child support services that include medical and dental support. Whether it is establishing, collecting, modifying, or terminating, the DRO is here to assist.
07/18/2022
GLOBAL HUG YOUR KIDS DAY
Global Hug Your Kids Day is celebrated on the third Monday of every July, which is July 18 this year. The day celebrates the bond between parents and children. The purpose of this day is simple — hug your children to express how much you love them. Hugging is a simple act of reassuring comfort, safety, and trust. Everyone can do with a hug, especially children. And when you hug your kids, you’ll realize that it makes you happy, too! A natural expression of love and a stress reliever, don’t forget to wrap your kids in a bear hug today.
One challenge a parent may face is sharing their child's time with the other parent when the parents do not live together. This situation can be challenging for parents to handle when they were never married or are angry after a divorce. Worries, resentment, and feelings of loss can result in problems surrounding possession and access. Children deserve emotional support from both parents.
If the court-ordered times of possession and access with your child are being denied by the other parent or if a parent is not following the possession schedule, the Domestic Relations Office may be able to assist. Our staff of attorneys, mediators and mental health professionals are specially trained and highly experienced with possession and access issues.
04/18/2022
TERMINATION OF CHILD SUPPORT GARNISHMENT
High School Graduation is around the corner. If your child has turned 18 or will soon graduate from high school, this Office may provide services to terminate a garnishment order for child support.
If you have multiple children and your order provides that the child support obligation is reduced as each child emancipates, this Office may notify your employer to reduce the garnishment amount.
You may call for an appointment to determine if your obligation should end by calling 713-274-7300. Thank you to parents who have satisfied their child support obligation.
04/12/2022
04/02/2022
WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY
April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. According to the National Autism Association, Autism affects 1 in 59 children. The bio-neurological developmental disability usually presents itself by the age of three, and it is more prevalent in boys than girls.
Today, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes, and communities around the world will Light It Up Blue in recognition of people with autism and those who love and support them.
Whether you have autism, love someone who does, or are looking to support a diverse, accepting, and kind community – help create a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential.
03/21/2022
Today is National Teenager Day.
Get Ready for Some Eye Rolls and Sneak in A Quick Hug!!
You might tell your teenager how lucky they are that you are cool and so much better than their friends’ parents.
If we believe the teenage attitude isn’t personal and that our teenager still loves you, we forget all of the inconsiderate, incredibly irritating stuff. After all, even with the attitude, we do so much for our kids the other 364 days of the year—the laundry, the driving, the financial sacrifices, the worrying.
Remember at some point, you will no longer have a teenager to celebrate. This bewildering and tender time of adolescence which blew in one day will end—almost as suddenly as it began.
03/09/2022
MEDIATIONS
The Domestic Relations Office provides mediation services for parties involved in a divorce, suit affecting a child, modification of a court order, and parentage action pending in the Harris County Family District Courts. Cases are mediated at no cost (Free) Monday through Friday via ZOOM.
To be eligible for this service, your case must involve a child who is 18 years of age or under and the parties must meet income requirements. The Court may order mediation or the parties may agree to mediate at the DRO.
DRO mediators have the advanced training necessary to mediate conservatorship, access, child support, and property issues. Resolution involves each party looking at what is best for their children. Executed mediation agreements are binding on the parties. If an agreement is reached, the parties will avoid a costly court trial.
02/16/2022
From Our Partner Agency:
TEXAS LEGAL SERVICES CENTER is offering free, virtual clinics to assist noncustodial parents with making their spring break and summer election possession choices by the coming deadlines. You may register at https://www.tlsc.org/parenting.
Non-custodial parents will work with attorneys to create holiday parenting schedules based on their possession orders. Attorneys will also provide access/visitation, modification, and enforcement information. The clinic is open to all non-custodial parents — including those who do not have a standard order.
Parents can chat with a TLSC Attorney about parenting legal issues like visitations, custody, and modifications to those types of court orders. LiveChat is available on txaccess.org during operating hours.
Non-custodial parents will work with attorneys to create holiday parenting schedules based on their possession orders. Attorneys can also answer access / visitation, modification, and enforcement questions. The clinic is open to all non-custodial parents — including those who do not have a standar...
02/01/2022
GIVE KIDS A SMILE - NATIONAL CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
The DRO promotes healthy kids by encouraging parents to provide not only medical insurance but dental insurance. February is National Children’s Dental Health month to increase awareness about dental hygiene and dental insurance. If your court order does not provide for medical or dental support contact our Legal Services Division to find out if we can help you. This is one of the many services our Legal Services Division handles free of charge.
01/14/2022
On Monday, January 17, 2021, we will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a man of faith, compassion, and dedication. He reminded us all that “human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability,” and that “the time is always ripe to do right.” He challenged us all to live up to the ideals enshrined in our founding documents – that we are all created equal, endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
At the DRO, we recognize the human dignity in all of the people we serve. Our services are provided to all equally. We recognize that each individual has unique gifts and value to offer their children. As we remember Dr. King, let’s recommit ourselves to the standard he set, the legacy that lives on, and the challenge that remains.
11/15/2021
November is Family Stories Month, which is an excellent time to share stories and learn about family history, on top of making new memories! Here are some ideas to get rolling as you start celebrating the holidays:
• Prepare a list of questions or memory prompts and ask family members to share their stories during family gatherings. Don’t be surprised if someone remembers events differently!
• Email questions in advance to spark memories.
• Offer to compile stories in a family memoir book.
Enjoy the time with family and making more stories. Most of all, have fun and celebrate each other!
11/04/2021
Thank you to everyone who has been using the new required Record of Support (ROS) Order form, effective September 1. As a reminder, this form must be submitted with all child support orders in Harris County. It is available on our website at https://dro.harriscountytx.gov for your convenience.
11/02/2021
Did you know the DRO has a Community Supervision Unit that supervises parents who have: (1) denied the other parent possession/access to their child; (2) violated child-related injunctions; or (3) failed to pay their child support? Probationers report monthly to an officer who monitors the court-ordered terms and conditions and seeks to remove barriers preventing compliance with the Court’s order. In addition, Community Supervision Officers assist with job searches to ensure parents receive income and their children receive timely child support. A partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission and other resources enables the production of a DRO weekly job resource guide that is given to each unemployed probationer and shared with the Child Support Associate Judges. Learn more at https://dro.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/Employment-Assistance.aspx?Category=Weekly%20Job%20Resource%20Guide
10/19/2021
The statistics are staggering, the effects are lingering. On average, more than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the U.S. will experience r**e, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (https://ncadv.org/). October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). While DVAM elevates the depth of this issue and the need for action, we recognize how it touches hundreds in our community, including our precious children. The NCADV offers webinars, discussions, and other resources to help educate everyone.
NCADV is the voice of victims and survivors. We are the catalyst for changing society to have zero tolerance for domestic violence. We do this by affecting public policy, increasing understanding of the impact of domestic violence, and providing programs and education that drive that change.
The 2021 Texas Legislature amended the Record of Support (ROS) referenced in Section 105.008, Texas Family Code. The revised ROS replaces the Harris County Child Support Information Sheet and is available on our website at https://dro.harriscountytx.gov. The ROS is necessary to open a child support account at the Texas State Disbursement Unit and ensure timely disbursement of child support. In addition, the ROS allows parties/attorneys to enroll in the Harris County FOCAS program by selecting IV-D child support services. Parties enrolled in FOCAS receive wrap-around child support services at NO cost. Should you have any questions, please contact our office at 713-274-7300.
07/28/2021
Did you know the DRO employs mental health professionals (LPC, LMFT, and LMSW) who conduct Child Custody Evaluations? The evaluation process follows guidelines in TFC Chapter 107 and concludes with a forensic report providing conservatorship and access/possession recommendations. Evaluations assist lawyers, parents, and Family District Courts with determining the best parenting arrangement for families. Learn more at https://dro.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/Child-Custody-Evaluations.aspx
07/25/2021
Celebrating all parents for the teamwork you put into raising your children as their protectors, teachers, providers, and role models.❤
07/22/2021
We just found out about this day celebrating the bond between parents and their kids. Hugs and more hugs!!
07/07/2021
Hurricane season is here again! Are you ready? Keep yourselves and your loved ones safe – www.readyharris.org can help, with a disaster kit checklist and more.
The recent extraordinary winter weather caused burst pipes and other damage to homes and businesses across the county. Harris County is working with government and private sector agencies to coordinate resources to help those left in need. We will post information on the ReadyHarris recovery pag...
07/01/2021
Make this Fourth of July memorable by counting your blessings and truly appreciating your freedom.
06/18/2021
You are everything in your child's eyes. Happy Father's Day!
05/28/2021
The Domestic Relations Office is reopening many of its services for in-person appointments. Please contact us at 713-274-7300 to schedule your appointment for services.
09/03/2019
The DRO's Visitation Center is expanding. Over 330 cases have been referred to us in the last 15 months. The Center opened its 5th site on August 31, 2019 at The Church at Bethel's Family in Southwest Houston. Our 6th site is projected to open on September 21, 2019 at St. Stephen's United Methodist Church in Northwest Houston, and our 7th site is projected to open in October/November 2019 at St. Thomas Presbyterian Church in West Houston.
Since existing sites cover Northeast, Southeast, Central, and Midtown Houston, we are in every quadrant and growing!!
Address
1310 Prairie Street , 10th Floor Houston, TX 77002
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Contact The Business
Send a message to Harris County Domestic Relations Office:
The Harris County Domestic Relations Office consists of four distinct, yet inter-dependent divisions: Family Court Services, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Legal Enforcement and Community Supervision. Specifically, the DRO provides the following services:
a. Adoption Evaluations
b. Visitation Enforcement
c. Mediations
d. Child Custody Evaluations
e. Supervised Group Visitation
f. Child Support Enforcement
g. Parenting Coordination
h. Child Support Terminations
i. Parenting Classes
j. Issue Based Investigations
k. Community Supervision
l. Parent Conferences
Through these services,
Parents discover that mediation is a preferred alternative to litigation.
Parents understand and keep children out of parental conflict
Parents are aware of the consequences of failing to follow court orders.
Children receive both emotional and financial support from each parent.
Children are afforded quality time, in a safe environment with both parents.
Children timely receive the financial support needed to grow up and thrive in life
The Harris County Domestic Relations Office (DRO) is now offering a variety of Parent Workshops for parties with cases pending or finalized in the Harris County Family Courts.
1. Making A Fresh Start - This 4-hour parent education and family stabilization workshop was developed in-house and meets the requirements of Texas Family Code Sec. 105.009. This workshop is directed toward divorced, separated, or never married parents to provide the tools needed to build positive co-parenting relationships. The workshop will be facilitated by Barbara Lynch Schnack, former Director of Family Court Services, and will be taught in an online in-person format. Free.
2. Visitation Supervisor Training - This 3-hour Visitation Supervisor Training will provide guidance and training for relatives and friends who have been given the task of supervising a parent’s parenting time with their children. In this workshop, the visitation supervisor will learn the basics of their role, including the need to remain neutral, but observant and present at all times. There is no cost.
3. Building New Beginnings - Lastly, the DRO is developing a 12-hour parenting workshop for parents who have struggled to build or maintain constructive co-parenting relationships. This workshop will offer in-depth insights into why conflict persists and why it is necessary for the well-being of both children and their parents to let go and “build a new beginning,” as well as strategies for improved communication and conflict resolution. This course will be offered in an online in-person format, and will also be facilitated by Barbara Lynch Schnack. We anticipate this workshop will be available in Spring, 2023.
All workshops will also be facilitated in Spanish by our qualified DRO staff. Each will be offered on a reoccurring basis based on demand. A certificate of completion will be filed with the Court for parties who attend all sessions. Parties can already register online at www.dro.hctx.net by navigating to the “Parent Workshop” tab.
MEDIATION ANNOUNCEMENT:
While the DRO delivers mediations via ZOOM, we are routinely experiencing participation from venues that create barriers to commitment, comprehensiveness, good faith, and reliability. To secure agreements, parties should be present in settings that lend themselves to the mediation process.
Beginning December 1, 2022, attorneys and litigants must participate in the mediation session from (1) their attorney's office or (2) the DRO mediation suite (1310 Prairie, Suite 720, Houston, Texas 77002). Self-represented litigants must participate in mediation from the DRO mediation suite. Failure to participate from one of these locations will result in the cancellation of the mediation session and a subsequent reset fee.
The Harris County Domestic Relations Office (HCCO) was recently recognized with a 2022 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its Family Law LegalLines program. The award honors innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. The program is a partnership between the Domestic Relations Office and the Houston Bar Association which began in August 2020.
CHILD SUPPORT AWARENESS MONTH
August is Child Support Awareness Month! The DRO provides wrap-round child support services that include medical and dental support. Whether it is establishing, collecting, modifying, or terminating, the DRO is here to assist.
GLOBAL HUG YOUR KIDS DAY
Global Hug Your Kids Day is celebrated on the third Monday of every July, which is July 18 this year. The day celebrates the bond between parents and children. The purpose of this day is simple — hug your children to express how much you love them. Hugging is a simple act of reassuring comfort, safety, and trust. Everyone can do with a hug, especially children. And when you hug your kids, you’ll realize that it makes you happy, too! A natural expression of love and a stress reliever, don’t forget to wrap your kids in a bear hug today.
One challenge a parent may face is sharing their child's time with the other parent when the parents do not live together. This situation can be challenging for parents to handle when they were never married or are angry after a divorce. Worries, resentment, and feelings of loss can result in problems surrounding possession and access. Children deserve emotional support from both parents.
If the court-ordered times of possession and access with your child are being denied by the other parent or if a parent is not following the possession schedule, the Domestic Relations Office may be able to assist. Our staff of attorneys, mediators and mental health professionals are specially trained and highly experienced with possession and access issues.
TERMINATION OF CHILD SUPPORT GARNISHMENT
High School Graduation is around the corner. If your child has turned 18 or will soon graduate from high school, this Office may provide services to terminate a garnishment order for child support.
If you have multiple children and your order provides that the child support obligation is reduced as each child emancipates, this Office may notify your employer to reduce the garnishment amount.
You may call for an appointment to determine if your obligation should end by calling 713-274-7300. Thank you to parents who have satisfied their child support obligation.
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