CONNIE MORENO OPERATIONS MANAGER
JUDY BRANHAM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DOMESTIC RELATIONS OFFICE 500 E. San Antonio Ave, RM LL-108 El Paso, TX 79901 Phone: (915) 834-8200 Fax: (915) 834-8299
CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE OF AN ENFORCEMENT CASE BY THE DRO The El Paso County Domestic Relations Office may enforce court orders for child support and visitation through the “Friend of the Court” program. When the DRO accepts an application for enforcement, the DRO does not represent the applicant or the respondent. The DRO represents only the interests of the court that rendered the order as the “Friend of the Court.” Each party to the case has the right to hire an attorney to represent him or her in any court action that may be taken by the DRO. The DRO reserves the right to accept or decline the enforcement of any case. Any person that is a party to a case may apply for services through the Friend of the Court program, as long as the following criteria are met: 1) The order to be enforced was issued by an El Paso court, or has already been transferred to El Paso if it was originally issued by a court outside of El Paso; 2) There is no litigation pending; 3) There is no open Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation; 4) There is no active protective order in place; 5) There is a FINAL access and possession order in place (this includes divorce decrees, modification orders, paternity decrees or orders establishing the parent-child relationship, and protective orders, but not temporary orders) and attached to this application; 6) The application includes allegations of three (3) alleged violations of the parenting schedule within the previous ninety (90) days. If possible, it is preferred that this be substantiated by three (3) reports from law enforcement agencies in El Paso County. However, a third party could be asked to help document the violations. This should be documented by using the form included with this application. 7) Applicant is current in payment of the annual service fee and any other DRO fees. If you wish to apply for services with the DRO, please complete an application (currently available at the DRO offices and on the DRO website, www.epcounty/dro) and return it to the DRO. Each application will be reviewed and the best course of action determined. You will be notified in writing of the DRO’s acceptance of your case. SCREENING INFORMATION AND POLICIES All enforcement applications and law enforcement referrals are submitted to the Friend of the DRO for screening. A copy of the most recent court order providing access and possession orders must be provided by the applicant.
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If your application is declined, a letter indicating the basis of the decision will be sent to the parent seeking enforcement. Your application may be declined if: 1) You previously participated in the Access and Possession Program and were uncooperative with the process or failed to comply with recommendations of El Paso County DRO staff; 2) The allegations are more than ninety (90) days old; 3) The alleged violations occurred at times and/or dates when you were not entitled to possession of the child(ren); 4) The order is not an El Paso County order and has not been properly transferred; 5) Litigation is currently pending in this case; 6) Services are being provided by Child Protective Services. If accepted, the following information will be provided to both parents: 1) The date and time for an Access Facilitation meeting. 2) Parties will be scheduled to participate in a court-order orientation class. 3) Parties may be referred to cooperative parenting classes as deemed appropriate. 4) An interim parenting plan will be developed, if appropriate. 5) Referral for monitored exchanges and/or supervised visits may be appropriate. Charges for visitation services must be paid by both parties. I certify that I have read, understood and agree to abide by the terms of these criteria. ___________________________________ APPLICANT SIGNATURE DATE SUBMITTED TO DRO: ___________________________________
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EL PASO COUNTY DOMESTIC RELATIONS OFFICE 500 E. SAN ANTONIO STREET, ROOM LL108 EL PASO, TEXAS 79901 (915)834-8200 HOURS – 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM APPLICATION TO ENFORCE ACCESS & POSSESSION RIGHTS
CAUSE NO.:____________________
DATE OF APPLICATION ______________________ GENERAL INFORMATION
The El Paso County Domestic Relations Office reserves the right to make the ultimate determination as to the filing of litigation to enforce access and possession orders. You may contact a private attorney to file enforcement action against the non-compliant party if your case is not accepted for litigation. It is the policy of this office to attempt to resolve disputes involving possession by access facilitation sessions and court order orientation classes. The person with primary possession will be sent a complaint letter. The letter advises the person with primary possession that a complaint has been received by the Domestic Relations Office that the possession order is not being followed; and unless the problem is solved, legal action may be taken. Every reasonable effort will be made to resolve the possession dispute without court action. However, should legal action be taken, please be aware that a motion to enforce an order by contempt may result in a person being incarcerated in the El Paso County jail. A copy of the most recent court order must be attached to this application. If you do not have one, you may obtain one from the District Clerk, Rm. 103, El Paso County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio, El Paso, Texas 79901. It is preferred that copies of at least three (3) police reports be attached to this application. If you do not have them, you may obtain them from the appropriate law enforcement agency. If this is not possible, a third party could be asked to help document the violations. Please use the attached form for this process. There must be three (3) alleged violations within the 90-day period prior to submission of this application, each substantiated by law enforcement officers or a third party. Both parties are required to participate in a court-order orientation seminar and an access facilitation meeting. If warranted, referral to cooperative parenting class, monitored exchanges or supervised visitation may be recommended. By applying for services through the El Paso Domestic Relations Office, you are agreeing to participate in all activities recommended by the El Paso County DRO staff. INFORMATION ABOUT PARTIES – (PLEASE PRINT) NAME OF APPLICANT: ________________________________________________ NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT: NAME: __________________________________
SOCIAL SECURITY NO.:_________________________________
ADDRESS: _______________________________
DRIVER’S LICENSE NO.:_______________STATE___________
CITY____________________________________
STATE: ______________________________ZIP:______________
HOME PHONE :(_____) ____________________
DATE OF BIRTH:_______________________________________
E-MAIL ADDRESS: _______________________________________ EMPLOYER:_____________________________
WORK PHONE:(_____)_________________HOURS:__________
ADDRESS:_______________________________
CITY:___________________STATE:______ZIP:______________
PERSON WITH PRIMARY POSSESSION OF CHILD (CUSTODIAL PARENT): NAME: __________________________________
SOCIAL SECURITY NO.:____________________________________
ADDRESS: _______________________________
DRIVER’S LICENSE NO.:__________________STATE___________
CITY____________________________________
STATE: _________________________________ZIP:______________
HOME PHONE :(_____) ____________________
DATE OF BIRTH:__________________________________________
E-MAIL ADDRESS: _______________________________________ EMPLOYER: _____________________________
WORK PHONE :(_____)____________________HOURS:__________
ADDRESS: _______________________________
CITY: ______________________STATE:______ZIP:______________
ALIASES/NICKNAMES: ___________________
HAIR COLOR:___________________EYE COLOR: ______________
RACE: _________________SEX:_____________
HEIGHT:________________________WEIGHT:_________________
A.
CRIMINAL HISTORY OF BOTH PARTIES (NOTE: DISCLOSURE OF THIS INFORMATION WILL NOT RESULT IN THE DENIAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR SERVICES, BUT IS NECESSARY TO EVALUATE THE LEVEL OF SERVICES NEEDED): 1. _____ PROTECTIVE ORDER AGAINST MOM? EXPIRATION DATE: ____________________________
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2.
_____
PROTECTIVE ORDER AGAINST DAD? EXPIRATION DATE: ____________________________
3.
_____
FAMILY VIOLENCE/ASSAULT ARREST?
4.
_____ DWI?
5.
______ ARRESTS FOR DRUG OFFENSES
6.
ARE YOU CURRENTLY ON PROBATION FOR CRIMINAL OFFENSES? _____ YES
7.
ARE YOU CURRENTLY ON PROBATION FOR FAILURE TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT (this will not affect review of your
_______ MOM
_____ DAD
_____ MOM _____ DAD
application but must be disclosed)?
_____ MOM _____ DAD
________ YES
______ NO
__________ NO
MOM’S OTHER CRIMINAL HISTORY: _____________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ DAD’S OTHER CRIMINAL HISTORY: _____________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8.
HAS CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES CONTACTED YOU WITH REGARD TO THE CHILDREN? ____ YES ___ NO IF YES, DATE OF LAST CONTACT: __________________________________ a.
WHAT WAS THE ALLEGATION? _________________________________________________________________
b.
WHO WAS THE ALLEGED PERPETRATOR OF ABUSE/NEGLECT? ____________________________________
c.
WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME OF THE INVESTIGATION/FINDINGS? _____________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ B.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE OTHER PARTY: (TATOOS, SCARS, GLASSES, ETC.) ______________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ AUTOMOBILE MAKE:____________________
MODEL:_________________________YEAR:____________________
COLOR:____________LICENSE PLATE NO._____________
OTHER INFORMATION:_____________________________________
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/OTHER LOCATIONS WHERE SERVICE MAY BE ATTEMPTED: _______________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHILD(REN) NAME:__________________________________
SOCIAL SECURITY NO.:____________________________________
ADDRESS:_______________________________
DATE OF BIRTH:________________PLACE____________________
_________________________________________
SEX:__________GRADUATION DATE:________________________
NAME:__________________________________
SOCIAL SECURITY NO.:____________________________________
ADDRESS:_______________________________
DATE OF BIRTH:___________________________________________
_________________________________________
SEX:__________GRADUATION DATE:________________________
NAME:__________________________________
SOCIAL SECURITY NO.:____________________________________
ADDRESS:_______________________________
DATE OF BIRTH:________________PLACE____________________
_________________________________________
SEX:__________GRADUATION DATE:________________________
NAME:__________________________________
SOCIAL SECURITY NO.:____________________________________
ADDRESS:_______________________________
DATE OF BIRTH:________________PLACE____________________
_________________________________________
SEX:__________GRADUATION DATE:________________________
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HISTORY OF COURT ORDERED POSSESSION A. LIST THE THREE MOST RECENT DATES WITHIN THE PAST 90 DAYS WHEN POSSESSION WAS DENIED. THESE DATES MUST COINCIDE WITH DATES AND TIMES IN THE MOST RECENT COURT ORDER ENTITLING YOU TO POSSESSION OF THE CHILDREN. THE DENIAL MUST HAVE OCCURRED AT THE PLACE WHERE THE ORDER REQUIRES PICKUP OF THE CHILD(REN). 1.
2.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (MONTH/DATE/YEAR) (DAY OF WEEK) (HOUR) ADDRESS OF EXCHANGE:__________________________________________________________________________________ CITY STATE ZIP LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY: ______________________________________ INCIDENT NO. ________________________ (Attach a copy of the report to this application) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (MONTH/DATE/YEAR) (DAY OF WEEK) (HOUR) ADDRESS OF EXCHANGE:__________________________________________________________________________________ CITY STATE ZIP LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY: ______________________________________ INCIDENT NO. ________________________ (Attach a copy of the report to this application)
3.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (MONTH/DATE/YEAR) (DAY OF WEEK) (HOUR) ADDRESS OF EXCHANGE:__________________________________________________________________________________ CITY STATE ZIP LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY: ______________________________________ INCIDENT NO. ________________________ (Attach a copy of the report to this application, if available)
PLEASE LIST ANY PEOPLE (OTHER THAN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS) WHO WITNESSED THE ALLEGED DENIAL OF POSSESSION. A. NAME: ________________________________ PHONE NO.:(_____)_________________________
B.
ADDRESS: _____________________________
RELATIONSHIP:____________________________
NAME: ________________________________
PHONE NO.:(_____)_________________________
ADDRESS: _____________________________
RELATIONSHIP:____________________________
4. AT ANY OTHER TIME WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN DENIED POSSESSION, HAVE THE POLICE BEEN INVOLVED? IF SO, LIST THE DATE AND CASE NUMBER, AND DESCRIBE THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE POLICE: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ PLEASE NOTE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER AND ATTACH IT TO YOUR APPLICATION. A.
WHEN WAS YOUR LAST VISIT WITH THE CHILD(REN)?______________________________________________________
B.
HOW LONG WAS THE VISIT? ________________________________________________________________________________ DID YOU END THE VISIT EARLY? ______ YES
______ NO
IF YES, WHY? ________________________________________________________________________________________________ DID YOU PICK THE CHILD(REN) UP ON TIME? ______ YES
______ NO
IF NO, WHY? ________________________________________________________________________________________________ C.
PRIOR TO YOUR LAST VISIT, DID YOU CONSISTENTLY FOLLOW THE POSSESSION SCHEDULE IN THE COURT ORDER? ____ YES
____ NO
____ SOMETIMES
IF NO, WHY NOT? ______________________________________________________________________________________________ IF SOMETIMES, WHY? __________________________________________________________________________________________ D.
HAVE YOU EVER FAILED TO PICK UP OR RETURN THE CHILD(REN) ON TIME ______ YES
______ NO
IF YES, HOW MANY TIMES? _______________________________________________________________________________ E.
HAS THE CUSTODIAL PARENT GIVEN YOU ANY REASON OR EXCUSE WHY POSSESSION HAS BEEN DENIED? _________ YES
________ NO
IF YES, WHAT IS/ARE THE REASON(S)? __________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ F.
HAVE THE CHILDREN LIVED CONTINUOUSLY WITH THE CUSTODIAL PARENT SINCE THE DATE OF THE LAST COURT ORDER? _________ YES
_______ NO
IF THE CHILD(REN) HAVE LIVED WITH SOMEONE OTHER THAN THE CUSTODIAL PARENT, PLEASE FOLLOWING:
COMPLETE THE
NAME OF CHILD(REN):_______________________________________________________________________________________ WITH WHOM THE CHILD LIVED:______________________________________________________________________________ RELATIONSHIP WITH CHILD(REN):____________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________ PHONE No.:(_____)_____________________ DATES THE CHILD(REN) RESIDED WITH THE ABOVE: 1.
BEGINNING___________________________ (MONTH/YEAR)
ENDING___________________________________ (MONTH/YEAR)
2.
BEGINNING___________________________ (MONTH/YEAR)
ENDING___________________________________ (MONTH/YEAR)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THE EL PASO COUNTY DOMESTIC RELATIONS OFFICE, ENFORCEMENT DIVISION REPRESENTS, AS “FRIEND OF THE COURT”, THE COURT WHICH HAS RENDERED THE ORDER. THE OFFICE REPRESENTS NEITHER THE APPLICANT NOR THE RESPONDING PARTY. ALL CASES WILL BE SCHEDULED FOR A FACILITATION SESSION PRIOR TO THE FILING OF ANY LITIGATION. FAILURE BY THE APPLICANT TO COMPLY WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS OFFICE STAFF MAY RESULT IN TERMINATION OF SERVICES. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS OFFICE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DISCONTINUE ENFORCEMENT SERVICES AT ANY TIME. EITHER OR BOTH PARTIES HAVE THE RIGHT TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY TO REPRESENT THEM IN ANY COURT ACTION. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS OFFICE HAS AN ATTORNEY REFERRAL LIST AVAILABLE. I SWEAR OR AFFIRM THAT I HAVE READ THE ENTIRE APPLICATION, I UNDERSTAND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN, AND THE INFORMATION I HAVE WRITTEN ON THIS APPLICATION IS COMPLETE, TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY BELIEF AND KNOWLEDGE, AND I AGREE WITH THE TERMS SET FORTH ABOVE. ________________________________________________ APPLICANT SIGNATURE
________________________________________________ DATE SIGNED
For office use only Services provided by FCS:
Parenting time increased? □ Yes □ No
□ Mediation □ Counseling / Access Facilitation □ Parenting Plan □ Education / Cooperative Parenting Classes □ Custody/Visitation
□ Guidelines/Ct order sem □ Monitored visit □ Supervised visit □ Neutral drop-off □ Pre-trial conference Date referred to FOC: ______________________
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CONNIE MORENO OPERATIONS MANAGER
JUDY BRANHAM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DOMESTIC RELATIONS OFFICE 500 E. San Antonio Ave, RM LL-108 El Paso, TX 79901 Phone: (915) 834-8200 Fax: (915) 834-8299
www.epcounty/dro WITNESS STATEMENT FOR ACCESS AND POSSESSION It is the responsibility of the Domestic Relations Office, as friend of the court, to provide access and possession services for this family. You can help the DRO in meeting this responsibility by being willing to witness an exchange attempt. Please confine your statements to what you have personally seen and answer each question as completely as possible. Use additional copies as needed. NAME OF WITNESS:
__________________________________ CAUSE NO:
COMPLETE ADDRESS: PHONE: Home
____________________
_______________________________________________________________ _________ _________________Alternate
__________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS: 1.
Name of the parent for whom you are completing this statement?
2.
What is your relationship with the parent?
3.
Name of the other parent?
4.
What is your relationship with the other parent?
5.
Date of Incident Time of Arrival
6.
Complete address for attempted exchange of the child
7.
Describe the Incident?
Day of the Week Time of Departure
Disclaimer: The witness statement does not constitute evidence in a court of law. The witness may be required to testify in person. Each situation will be evaluated separately.
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