Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act

Problems arise where a parent and a child do not reside in the same state. To deal with jurisdictional problems in establishing and enforcing child support obligations, the federal government enacted the Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act in the 1950s. Although it has been mostly replaced by the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, enacted in 1998, URESA still applies in some situations.

Attachments in Child Support Actions

Courts may use the legal process of attachment to separate property, whether real or personal and place it under the control of the court when the owner of the property fails to comply with his or her child support obligation. In some circumstances it may also be used to bring a person before the court, compel an appearance, or arrest a fund in the hands of a third person who may be liable to pay it over to the court.

Restriction on Visitation Rights

In order to protect a child, a court will sometimes impose restrictions on the rights of a noncustodial parent to visit with a child. The extent of the restrictions is based upon what the court finds will best protect the child while still fostering the relationship between the child and the parent.

Child Support Guidelines

Federal law requires each state to adopt some form of child support guidelines. Courts in each state are required to follow the guidelines in establishing child support obligations.

Possessory Conservatorship in Custody Awards

There are times when a court finds it necessary to appoint someone to be responsible for a minor child. In Texas, that means the appointment of a "managing conservator." When a managing conservator is appointed, the court may appoint a "possessory conservator," which is an order setting the times and conditions for possession of or access to the child.