What Is The New Law In Texas September 2023?

The world of family law is always changing in an effort to make divorce, child custody, and child support proceedings more equitable and just for everyone involved. Of course, if you are currently working through family law issues, these changes can have an immediate impact on your case. It’s important to discuss these changes with the Sugar Land family law attorneys at Wong Fleming to understand what may happen with your case.

A number of the changes that went into effect on September 1 focus on child support and ensuring that children get the financial support they deserve. Other areas of focus include protective orders and privacy rights.

Whether you’re in the middle of a child support modification, a child custody battle, or an ongoing divorce, it’s never too late to reach out to the divorce attorney’s intake assistants at Wong Fleming for help with your case. Call them at 281-340-2074 to set up a consultation now.

Inheritances and Overdue Child Support

One major legal change affects those who are overdue on child support and receive an inheritance. Under this law, someone who receives an inheritance while behind on child support cannot transfer the inherited property to someone else. The inheritance must instead be used to clear the owed child support. Transferring the property to a third party is viewed as a way to try to get out of paying what is owed.

Child Support Liens

Child support liens have long been an option for a custodial parent who is owed substantial child supportt. This lien ensures that they receive what they are due when the property owner attempts to sell or transfer the property. Prior to September 2023, liens had to be renewed every 10 years to remain valid. Now, child support liens remain in effect indefinitely. This law also allows expired child support liens to be renewed.

Child Support When You Do Not Have a Job

Everyone knows someone who has intentionally avoided employment in order to skip out on child support payments.SB 870 addresses this issue and how it leaves children without the financial security they need. The court can now order child support obligors to get a job so they can make payments. Additionally, the court can enroll obligors into employment programs to help them seek work—whether or not they agree to it. This should make it harder for obligors to continue leaving the support of their children to the other parent.

Child Support When a Drunk Driver Kills a Parent or Guardian

One of the most widely discussed changes has garnered national attention. Under House Bill 393, someone convicted of intoxication manslaughter will have to make restitution payments if the person they killed was the parent or guardian of any minor children. Payments must continue until the child finishes high school or turns 18. While this is technically a criminal law, it is of interest in family law because the restitution payments are essentially child support.

Tracking and Monitoring Another Person’s Location

A change to Texas Family Code allows the court to forbid one or both parties in a suit from monitoring the other’s property or motor vehicle. This extends to physically following or monitoring the property and utilizing a tracking application or device. This update is crucial, since it is now so easy to track someone via phone app, tiny physical trackers, and other types of technology. Non-custodial parents may also use tracking devices on their children’s items or phones to essentially track the location of the other parent, an issue sure to come up in court.

Protective Orders After Family Violence

Another update to the Texas Family Code addresses protective orders. If the court finds that family violence has occurred, the court will provide a protection order to the victim of that violence.

Choose the Family Law Attorney's at Wong Fleming for Your Family Law Needs

With an experienced and compassionate family legal team by your side, you can tackle your family law concerns with minimal stress and anxiety. Are you ready to find out how Wong Fleming can support you through this challenging time? Set up a consultation now. Just call us at 281-340-2074 or visit our website to learn more about from our family law lawyers.