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;(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;(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, Chapter 158; and(13) provide parenting coordinator services under Chapter 153.(b) A court having jurisdiction in a proceeding under this title, Title 3, or Section 25.05, 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.Amended by Acts 2021, Texas Acts of the 87th Leg. - Regular Session, ch. 53,Sec. 1, eff. 9/1/2021.Amended by Acts 2015, Texas Acts of the 84th Leg. - Regular Session, ch. 1252,Sec. 3.05, eff. 9/1/2015, op. to a suit affecting the parent-child relationship that is filed on or after March 1, 2016.Amended By Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 832, Sec. 7, eff. 9/1/2007.Amended By Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 172, Sec. 20, eff. 9/1/2005.Amended By Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 199, Sec. 5, eff. 9/1/2005.Amended By Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1023, Sec. 50, eff. 9/1/2001.Amended By Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 859, Sec. 3, eff. 9/1/1999Amended By Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1191, Sec. 1, eff. 6/18/1999Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 702, Sec. 10, eff. 9/1/1997Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. 4/20/1995. Renumbered from Family Code Sec. 203.005 and amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 475, Sec. 1, eff. 9/1/1995.