Family Law Issues During COVID-19

Note: Many of the circumstances explained below are no longer applicable due to all restrictions being lifted. Please check with the court you are in for current information. 

You can read Coronavirus and Child Visitation learn how the COVID-19 crisis, border closings, and shelter-in-place orders affect your child visitation rights and obligations.

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid published a COVID-19-specific frequently asked family law questions page for parents to read as well. 

To learn about vaccine decisions for children, you can read Health Care and Vaccination Decisions for a Child.

Note: Some of the circumstances explained below may have changed. Please check with the Office of the Attorney General or with the court clerk for current information. 

You can learn about how job loss during the COVID-19 crisis affects your obligation to pay child support and the legal standard if you need to change your obligation amount. 

Use I need to change a custody, visitation, or support order (Modification) to learn how to change (modify)an existing custody, visitation, child support, and medical and support order. The necessary forms are included.  

If you had a child support negotiation scheduled, it is possible that it will be held by telephone or videoconference. If you log on to your child support account, there may be a link where you can request a virtual negotiation. You can also chat with Office of the Attorney General Child Support Division customer support service specialists if you log on to your child support account and click the chat icon for help.  

Talk to a lawyer about how the federal CARES Act may apply to your child support situation with regards child support arrears and the tax rebate check for which some households are eligible.  

If you are on the Treasury Offset list for owing child support arrears or if your child support payments are more than 90 days delinquent your check will probably be reduced by the amount you owe in child support. You should contact the Texas Attorney General Child Support Division in order to work out arrangements to resolve your debt. To find out if your name is on the Treasury Offset list call the toll-free IRS number at (800) 304-3107. 

The Texas Children's Commission compiled information about resources related to CPS cases. You can also read more about child abuse protection on our website. 

The Department of Family and Protective Services published While Your Child is in DFPS Care During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Guide for Parents. Check the DFPS website for COVID-19 updates. 

Some courts are holding virtual hearings depending on your case. You should contact your court administrator if you have questions about their virtual hearing options.

Read your court’s local rules and standing orders for information. Local rules are important because some courts may have specific guidance about what to do in this situation. TexasLawHelp.org is regularly updating its coronavirus-related material about court operations during the crisis.

Please read Family Violence and COVID-19 for support. If you need help finding a shelter or other services, you can find a domestic violence legal aid organization in your area through the Legal Help Directory. 

Note: Some of the circumstances discussed in the provided resources may not apply anymore. Please check with a legal aid organization or your county website for current information. 

This COVID-19 Family Violence Safety Planning Checklist can help you plan to leave a dangerous situation.  

Legal Aid of Northwest Texas created a video answering some frequently asked questions about family violence in the time of COVID-19.

Note: Some of the circumstances discussed in the article may not apply anymore. Please check with your school district, on the county website, or with the court clerk in your case for current information.

Read Coronavirus, Family Law, and School to learn how the COVID-19 crisis affects your child's education.

Note: Some of the circumstances discussed in the video may not apply anymore. Please check on your county website or with the court clerk in your case for current information.

Watch Legal Aid of Northwest Texas’ COVID-19 Family Violence FAQs video covering the following topics: 

• What should I do if I want to leave an abusive situation right now?
• What is a protective order?
• Are there different types of protective orders?
• Are courts open now for getting protective orders?
• May I still file a protective order on my own during the pandemic if my court is closed to the public?
• What if I have children with my abuser?
• What about other types of cases besides protective orders? Are courts still hearing divorce and custody cases?

Note: Some of the circumstances discussed in the video may not apply anymore. Please check on your county website or with the court clerk in your case for current information.

Watch Legal Aid of Northwest Texas’ Co-Parenting During COVID-19 video for answers to frequently asked questions, including how the pandemic may affect parenting orders and how to change a court’s visitation orders.