Visitation Orders EnforcementDomestic Relations
Visitation Enforcement
Visitation Enforcement Services are offered as a part of Travis County's Cooperative Parenting Program.
Domestic Relations Office attorneys and staff are considered "Friends of the Court" and do not represent you or any party. Domestic Relations Office attorneys and enforcement officers decide what enforcement remedies will be used based on the particular facts of your case.
What is Visitation Enforcement?
Visitation Enforcement helps non-custodial parents who are being denied access to their children receive their visitation rights. Child access can only be enforced according to what is stated in your final Travis County court order. There are three main components of the Visitation Enforcement program:
1. Case management - The visitation compliance officer will gather relevant information, maintain necessary contact with applicants, provide guidance throughout the enforcement process, and initiate referrals to other community resources as needed.
2. Legal Intervention - An in-house attorney will review court orders and initiate court proceedings to enforce visitation as deemed necessary.
3. Cooperative Parenting Classes - Focus groups provide parents with helpful tools that encourage a healthy family environment for their children, during and after parental conflict.
What services do you provide?
- Services for resolving child access and visitation issues include:
- conflict resolution meetings between parents**
- telephone conferences, appointments with parents**
- legal action through civil contempt for denial of possession
- legal action to request counseling for the children if necessary
- classes for parents to enhance cooperative parenting skills
- access to monitored neutral children exchange sites- Kids Exchange Network
- referrals to mediation - Dispute Resolution Center
- reunification plans
**Accomodations are always made in cases where a protective order is in effect.
Who can apply for services?
Non-custodial parents who have been denied access to their children, have high conflict with the co-parent, or have ongoing conflict during exchanges. You must have a final Travis County court order, which states your visitation rights.
Note: Not all cases will qualify for court action. Determination of legal criteria for enforcement is made on a case-by-case basis by the visitation attorney.
Is there a charge?
There is a $20.00 one-time application fee for services.
How can I apply for these services?
- To apply for services you must attend an orientation meeting. Orientation is held every Tuesday at 1:30 pm at the Domestic Relations Office (1010 Lavaca). You may attend any orientation without giving prior notice. You must bring a copy of your final Travis County court order at this time. If you don't have a copy, you may obtain one from the District Clerk's Office loacated in the courthouse across the street from Domestic Relations offices.
- Complete the application provided during the Orientation, or click Application
for Enforcement to download a copy.
Return the completed application with your $20.00 dollar fee payable to:
Travis County Domestic RelationsMail your payment to:
Travis County Domestic Relations Office
P.O.Box 1495
Austin, Texas 78767Or drop off at Domestic Relations Office
1010 Lavaca
Austin, Texas 78701
Step 1: Attend Orientation
NOTE: Beginning March 1, 2007, Visitation Enforcement Orientation will move to Wednesday afternoons at 1:30.
Step 2: Complete Application
What is expected of me if I enroll in the enforcement program?
-
Once enrolled you will be expected to comply DRO requests for information,
including but not limited to:
- a copy of your final Travis County court order or other orders defining your visitation rights,
- contact information from both yourself and the custodial parent (if known), and
- history of access
to the children.
It is also required that all applicants attend:
1. each of the six cooperative parenting classes,
2. a conflict resolution meeting with the custodial parent, and
3. all court hearings.
How can I change my court order?
-
To change your court order or visitation rights, you will need to go to
court. You may contact the following agencies for affordable legal assistance
if you do not have an attorney already:
- Legal Aid 512-374-2700
- Lawyer Referral 512-472-8303
- Travis County Self Help Center 512-854-9019
For additional information please contact the visitation compliance officer at (512)854-9696.
Last Modified: Friday, May 15, 2009 2:33 PM