Self-Represented Services

Home Self-Represented Services Request for Order Review

The Domestic Relations Office (DRO) assists self-represented parties with understanding their duties and obligations in certain family law matters. The staff provides legal information and education to help parties complete their paperwork and represent themselves in family law cases. The staff does not give legal advice nor does it represent a party in a case or at a hearing. There is no confidentiality or attorney-client relationship created between the office and a party.

Parties may be referred by the court, or seek assistance on their own. Parties should apply below and attach the appropriate documentation. IF YOU REQUIRE LEGAL ADVICE, YOU MUST CONSULT WITH A PRIVATE ATTORNEY.

ASSISTANCE WILL ONLY BE PROVIDED FOR CASES BEING FINALIZED BY AGREEMENT, WAIVER, OR DEFAULT. Cases will only be reviewed if:

  1. The other party has received notice of the lawsuit; and
  2. The mandatory waiting period has passed for the type of suit filed. 

EACH ORDER MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE FOLLOWING:

  1. For Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship, the following is required:
    1. the order must include conservatorship, rights & duties, possession/access, child support, medical support, and dental support language unless the case is a modification, and
    2. the following forms:
      1. Information on Suit Affecting the Family Relationships, 
      2. a Record of Support,
      3. Income Withholding for Support, and
      4. Medical Support Order.
  2. If you are not appearing in person, a Prove-Up Affidavit is required.
  3. If you are seeking a default judgment, Certificate of Last Known Address and Military Status Affidavit is required.
  4. Send the documents - do not send pictures of the documents taken by phone.

The DRO does NOT assist where the case:

  1. is contested;
  2. order is not written using a Texas Law Help form Texas Law Help; or
  3. involves modifying an order from another state (interstate issues); or
  4. involves complex property issues.

Additional information can be found at Texas Law Help and Texas Legal Answers.
Child support may be calculated by utilizing the Attorney General Child Support Calculator.
Submit your request here: Request for Order Review