POWERS AND DUTIES

(a) A domestic relations office may: (1) collect and disburse child support payments that are ordered by a court to be paid through a domestic relations registry; (2) maintain records of payments and disbursements made under Subdivision (1); (3) file a suit under this title, including a suit to: (A) establish paternity; and (B) enforce, clarify or modify a court order for child support or for possession of and access to a child; (4) provide an informal forum in which alternative dispute resolution is used to resolve disputes under this code; (5) prepare a court-ordered child custody evaluation or adoption evaluation under Chapter 107; (6) represent a child as an amicus attorney, an attorney ad litem, or a guardian ad litem in a suit in which: (A) termination of the parent-child relationship is sought; or (B) conservatorship of or access to a child is contested; (7) serve as a friend of the court; (8) provide predivorce counseling ordered by a court; (9) provide community supervision services under Chapter 157; (10) provide information to assist a party in understanding, complying with, or enforcing the party's duties and obligations under this code; (11) provide, directly or through a contract, visitation services, including supervision of court-ordered visitation, visitation exchange, or other similar services; (12) issue an administrative writ of withholding under Subchapter F, Chapter 158; and (13) provide parenting coordinator services under Chapter 153. (b) A court having jurisdiction in a proceeding under this title, Title 3, or Section 25.05, Penal Code, may order that child support payments be made through a domestic relations office. (c) A domestic relations office may: (1) hire or contract for the services of attorneys to assist the office in providing services under this chapter; and (2) employ community supervision officers or court monitors.