In Re Smith

OPINION

TIM TAFT, Justice.

Relator seeks habeas corpus relief from a contempt and commitment order that he be confined for violating the court’s earlier child support order. We address whether a motion for enforcement of a child support order must give specific notice that criminal contempt is being sought before it may be ordered. We grant relief.

Factual Background

As friend of the court, the Harris County Domestic Relations Office (HCDRO) filed a motion for enforcement of the court’s child support order. In its motion for enforcement, when requesting enforcement through the remedy of contempt,…