S.B. No. 1404 amends the Family Code to enhance the requirements for orders and judgments in suits affecting the parent-child relationship. It introduces new provisions that require a party, when prohibited from disclosing their information, to provide an email address for receiving legal documents and notices, unless doing so would endanger their safety. Additionally, the bill allows courts to consider due process requirements for notice met if written notice is delivered to the most recent address or email provided by the party. The clerk is also authorized to send relevant documents to the provided email address using the electronic filing system.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that judgments for attorney's fees or expenses must be rendered separately from judgments confirming arrearages in child support cases. This requirement is included in both Section 106.002 and Section 157.167 of the Family Code. The changes will apply to any pending or newly filed suits affecting the parent-child relationship as of the effective date, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 105.006, Family Code 72.031, Family Code 157.167 (Family Code 72, Family Code 105, Family Code 157)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 105.006, Family Code 72.031, Family Code 157.167 (Family Code 72, Family Code 105, Family Code 157)
Engrossed: Family Code 105.006, Family Code 72.031, Family Code 157.167 (Family Code 72, Family Code 105, Family Code 157)
House Committee Report: Family Code 105.006, Family Code 72.031, Family Code 157.167 (Family Code 72, Family Code 105, Family Code 157)
Enrolled: Family Code 105.006, Family Code 72.031, Family Code 157.167 (Family Code 72, Family Code 105, Family Code 157)