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Domestic Relations Office

Domestic Relations Office

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Child Support FAQs
Compliance Details
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Answer
Who Qualifies For Our Services?
  

To qualify for our services, the Harris County Family Courts must have authority to decide your case.

You must have the correct address of the other parent.

An interview is required to determine whether a case can be accepted.

How Long Will It Take?
  

​All lawsuits have to comply with procedures set out by the Texas Family Code. Since each court has different docket schedules, it is not possible to give the date your lawsuit will be completed. If you are having a problem in one of the areas of family law handled by this Office, you should make an appointment now. More specific time frames can be given once we know the facts of your case, what type of legal action my be required, and what Court will be hearing your case.

What Will It Cost?
  

The Domestic Relations Office is a fee for service agency.


The application fee is $25.00 and is not refundable. Since there are many types of lawsuits, all fees for services are discussed with the applicant during the interview.


An Attorney Consultation is available for a fee of $50.00. This fee is not refundable, but may be credited to the fees for other services.

How Do I Apply?
  

​To make an appointment, please call (713) 274-7300.

What type of child support is paid?
  

Ongoing, medical, retroactive and/or arrearage child support. Review the child support section(s) of your order for the amounts due. For questions, contact the DRO at (713) 274-7300.

Where to pay?
  

Your order directs where child support must be paid. Most orders direct that child support is paid to the:

Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit
P. O. Box 659791
San Antonio, Texas 78265-9791

How do I pay my child support?
  

Payment options:

1)      Pay directly to the State Disbursement Unit (SDU) by mail- State Disbursement Unit, P.O. Box 659791, San Antonio, TX 78265-9791. Please ensure you include your name,  10 digit case number, and your cause number on your form of payment:

  • personal check
  • money order
  • cashiers check

2)       Pay by credit card online at www.tx.smartchildsupport.com or by phone 1-855-853-8286

3)      Pay in person with cash:

  • Money Gram locations including Walmart, CVS, and ACE Cash Express. Use receive code: 14681. Website to find locations: www.MoneyGram.com/locations);
  • Fidelity XPressPay locations (to find nearest location call 1-800-621-8030, option 7020 or view www.fidelityexpress.com )

4)      Pay by electronic bank draft. Website to set up account and register: www.tx.smartchildsupport.com

5)      Pay by cash, credit card, or checking account using kiosks located within the Harris County Civil Courthouse (205 Caroline, Houston, TX 77002) and Harris County Juvenile Justice Center (1001 Preston, Houston, TX 77002)

6)      Pay by income withholding. You, the court, the payee or the FOCAS Program may notify your employer to withhold support from your wages. If you pay by income withholding, you must pay your support yourself until your employer begins to withhold. If your employer is unable to withhold the full amount, you must pay the difference yourself to the SDU.

Can the Domestic Relations Office help me if my case is not in the FOCAS Program?
  

You may qualify for services is you meet certain qualifications.  Contact us at 713-274-7300 for a determination on whether your case qualifies.​

How do I obtain a copy of my Court Order?
  

Contact the Harris County District Clerk's Office at 713-755-5758.​

Compliance Details
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