Houston Family Law Enforcement Lawyer

Farias Law Firm, based in Houston, Texas, is dedicated to protecting families by providing professional guidance in child custody and child support enforcement matters. Whether you have a custody dispute, are seeking enforcement of support orders, or are aiming to modify existing arrangements, our empathetic and strategically driven team of Houston family law enforcement lawyers gives you personalized, solution-oriented advocacy.

Call Farias Law Firm today at 713-226-7999 to speak with someone who can help protect you and your family.

Protecting Parental Rights in Texas Custody Cases

In Texas, every parent retains foundational rights regarding their child, and courts recognize that these rights can only be limited when doing so serves the child’s best interests. These rights include:

The right to make decisions concerning the child’s upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religious training.
The right to access and possess the child, meaning having physical custody and time with the child.
The right to receive information about the child from caregivers, including teachers, doctors, or counselors.
The right to consent to major life decisions regarding the child, such as marriage, armed forces enlistment, and medical or psychiatric treatment.
The right to receive child support from the other parent, when applicable.

These rights may be altered if a court determines that doing so serves the child’s best interests. However, unmarried fathers may need to establish paternity before exercising their legal rights.

Joint Custody, Visitation, and Enforcement Tools

Texas law favors joint custody, also known as joint managing conservatorship, where both parents share custodial roles and have designated times of possession and access (visitation). When one parent fails to honor the court-ordered schedule, Farias Law Firm can assist by filing a petition for enforcement to ensure your custodial time is upheld.

Our Houston family law enforcement attorneys craft visitation plans centered on your child’s best interests, negotiating terms that preserve strong parent-child bonds. When mediation is possible, we work to reach amicable agreements, and if those efforts fail, we are fully prepared to advocate for your rights in court.

Child Support: Ensuring Financial Stability for Your Child

Child support in Texas is calculated by considering both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and the specific needs of the child, including healthcare, educational expenses, and other essential costs. At Farias Law Firm, our Houston family law enforcement lawyers work to ensure that child support orders are based on accurate financial disclosures and truly meet your child’s needs.

We take the time to review every detail, from income verification to any special circumstances, so that the court has a complete picture. If the other parent fails to comply, we are prepared to act quickly to enforce the order and protect your child’s well-being.

Modifying Child Support Agreements

Life changes happen; job loss, health concerns, relocation, or significant changes in the child’s needs can all warrant a modification of an existing support order. Texas law requires proof of a “material and substantial change in circumstances” before the court will approve adjustments.

At Farias Law Firm, we help you build a compelling case by gathering financial records, employment documentation, medical reports, and any other evidence necessary to support your petition. Our goal is to ensure that the updated order remains fair and continues to meet your child’s needs in a just and appropriate manner, both now and in the future.

Enforcing Support Orders

When a parent fails to comply with support obligations, serious legal tools exist in Texas:

Contempt of court, which may result in fines or jail time.
Liens against real or personal property.
Wage garnishment to recover overdue payments.
License suspension, potentially including driver’s, professional, or recreational licenses.

You can trust our Houston family law enforcement attorneys to guide you through these options to help ensure your child receives the financial support they deserve.

Mediation First, Court When Needed

We understand that family law disputes are emotionally charged. As a matter of practice, Farias Law Firm employs negotiation and mediation as a first resort to resolve custody and support disagreements. These methods help maintain relationships and preserve emotional well-being.

Nevertheless, we always remain ready to pursue enforcement or modifications via court, including filing petitions or motions where necessary, always with the focus on the child’s well-being.

Petitions for Enforcement, Step by Step

When court orders are violated, we can file a petition for enforcement on your behalf. This includes:

A clear accounting of amounts owed or unpaid.
The original court order.
Documentation demonstrating non-compliance.

Once submitted, our Houston family law enforcement lawyers will vigorously advocate to enforce the order and protect your child’s legal and emotional interests.

Why Choose Farias Law Firm?

Farias Law Firm distinguishes itself through:

Personalized attention: We understand that each family’s situation is unique, and we tailor our strategies accordingly.
In-depth local knowledge: Our familiarity with courts in Harris, Brazoria, and Galveston counties provides a strategic edge.
Committed advocacy: Whether in mediation or court, we are committed to protecting your parental rights and your child’s future.
Proven results: Our focus on family law cases ensures compassionate, professional, and effective legal representation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I modify an existing child custody order?
You must demonstrate a material and substantial change in circumstances, such as a change in a parent’s living situation or the child’s needs, and submit a complete petition that clearly explains why the modification benefits the child.

What if the other parent is not following the custody agreement?
You may file a motion to enforce the custody order. The court can impose remedies, including sanctions or even custody modifications, to ensure compliance and protect your child’s best interests.

How is paternity established when the father’s name isn’t on the birth certificate?
You can sign a voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form, or the court can order genetic testing to establish paternity and confirm the father’s legal rights and responsibilities.

Taking the Next Step

You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. At Farias Law Firm, we stand ready to protect your parental rights and ensure your child’s emotional and financial needs are met, whether through negotiation, mediation, or enforcement in court.

Call us today at 713-226-7999 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Let our Houston family law enforcement attorneys help you move forward with confidence and clarity.