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​FOCAS (Focus on Collections and Services) Program

"Child Support" signThe Harris County Domestic Relations Office assists parents in obtaining the financial support necessary for their children to grow up and succeed in life.  Harris County enhanced its child support services by implementing the "FOCAS" Program, a partnership of the Domestic Relations Office, Family District Courts, and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).  

FOCAS is an early intervention program.  Every new divorce decree and paternity order is Five hands painted with smiling facesautomatically enrolled into the FOCAS program, pursuant to Harris County Family Trial Division Local Rule 14.  Cases where a child is receiving Medicaid or temporary assistance to needy families are transferred and monitored by the Office of the Attorney General.

FOCAS monitors child support and medical support obligations from the date of the Court Order and engages in efforts to keep obligors in compliance.  Support obligations are enforced through income withholdings, tax intercepts, liens, litigation and other methods.  In addition, FOCAS offers parent locator services; assistance with enrolling children in health insurance plans; provides employment referrals; provides review and adjustment of child support orders; and more. 

​FOCAS is an early intervention program

Participation in the FOCAS Program is discretionary with the custodial parent. 

 

​Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can child support or medical support be changed?

    Only the Court can modify the child support or medical support order.  It cannot be done by agreement of the parties.  Grounds for a modification include a material and substantial change in the circumstances of a child or a person affected by the order.  A parent subject to child support or medical support whose case is in the FOCAS Program may request a review of the ordered child support amounts by contacting the Domestic Relations Office.​

  • How can my child support be increased/decreased?

    If your case is in the FOCAS Program, contact the office and request an application.​

  • How do I obtain a copy of my Court Order?

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

  • I have been served by the FOCAS program. Do I need to hire an attorney?

    It is your decision whether to hire an attorney or represent yourself.  We do not represent ​you or the other party.  We represent the State of Texas.

  • Will the DRO “modify” child support in FOCAS cases?

    ​Yes. The DRO will review and adjust child support orders pursuant to the Texas Family Code.

  • Will DRO attorneys review and clarify orders in FOCAS cases?

    ​DRO attorneys will review and clarify any necessary child support provisions prior to the Court Order being entered into the Program.

  • When enforcing support, does the DRO represent the custodial parent?

    ​No, the DRO represents the State of Texas.

  • If in FOCAS, may a custodial parent hire private counsel to enforce or modify support?

    ​Yes. The custodial parent has discretion to hire private counsel, who will notice the DRO of the pending litigation.

  • Will FOCAS enforce possession & access provisions of an Order as well as child support?

    ​No. However, all noncustodial parents who reside in Harris County may apply to the DRO for possession enforcement services.  Possession enforcement services are detailed in a different page on this website.

  • How does the FOCAS Program work?

    ​When a divorce or parentage case is finalized in Court, the Order is entered into the Texas Child Support Enforcement System (TXCSES). Critical FOCAS Program and child support information, including the opt out form, is mailed immediately to both parties. DRO begins monitoring and enforcing support immediately, utilizing TXCSES.  When a delinquency occurs, the noncustodial parent is notified and enforcement efforts begin.

​FOCAS Documents

URLUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
  
Child Support Direct Payment Affidavit
Weekly Job Resource Guide
Compliance Details
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​Father and son

 

 

Mother and son

 

 

Father and sons reading book 

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For suggestions or comments regarding this site please email us at webcomments@hctx.net.

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