Interference with Child Custody in Texas

In the State of Texas, interference with child custody is punishable both civilly and criminally. 

According to the Texas Family Code, a person who takes, retains, or conceals the whereabouts of a child at a time when another person is entitled to possession or access of the child may be liable for civil damages to that person. 

The damages that may be recovered are expenses incurred while locating the child, securing the possession of the child, and enforcing the order, including attorneys fees. One may also be entitled to mental suffering and anguish incurred due to the interference and violation of the order. One may also be entitled to exemplary (punitive) damages if the violating party acts with malice, or an intent to harm the other party.

A violator can also be held criminally liable for interfering with child custody. According to the Texas Penal Code, a person commits an offense if they take or retain a child younger than 18 years of age, and:

1. The person knows their taking or retention violates the express terms of a judgment or order, including a temporary order, of a court disposing of the child’s custody; or

2. when the person  has not been awarded custody of the child by a court of competent jurisdiction, knows that a suit for divorce or a civil suit or application for habeas corpus to dispose of the child’s custody has been filed, and takes the child out of the geographic area of the counties composing the judicial district if the court is a district court or the county if the court is a statutory county court, without the permission of the court and with the intent to deprive the court of authority over the child; or

3. outside of the United States with the intent to deprive a person entitled to possession of or access to the child of that possession or access and without the permission of that person.

A noncustodial parent commits an offense if, with the intent to interfere with the lawful custody of a child younger than 18 years, the noncustodial parent knowingly entices or persuades the child to leave the custody of the custodial parent, guardian, or person standing in the stead of the custodial parent or guardian of the child. Such an offense is a state jail felony which, if prosecuted, can lead to fines of up to $10,000.00 and anywhere from 180 days to two years in state jail. 

Nacol Law Firm – Dallas Custody Attorneys – Dallas Divorce

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is in no way intended to constitute legal advice. The information provided is merely an overview of the relevant law. Do not act on this information. Always consult an attorney for legal advice.