🎙️ Episode 25 of Cases & Cocktails with The Eggleston Law Firm
In Episode 25 of Cases & Cocktails, Austin-based family law attorneys Bryan and Janice Eggleston trade the courtroom for the Capitol, testifying before a Texas Senate committee in support of a bill targeting custodial interference. This isn’t just legal theory—it’s real-life change that could directly affect families across Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and the surrounding Central Texas region.
While sipping a Coconut Tequila Cooler (Ocho tequila, coconut water, lime juice, and agave), the Egglestons break down what the proposed bill could mean for parents struggling with denied visitation—and why reform is long overdue.
A Local Family Law Firm Steps Into the State Legislature
For the first time, the Egglestons were invited to testify at the Texas Capitol as expert witnesses. The topic? A proposed bill that would update the Texas Penal Code to hold either parent accountable for denying court-ordered parenting time.
Currently, criminal enforcement only applies when a noncustodial parent violates a visitation order. But the new law—penned by Robert Garza and championed by Senator Angela Paxton—proposes a “three strikes” model that would apply to both parents, offering a clear path for enforcement without relying on expensive legal battles.
Proposed “Three Strikes” Custodial Interference Reform
This law would treat each violation with escalating seriousness:
- ✅ First offense – Class C misdemeanor (ticket)
- ✅ Second offense – Another citation
- ✅ Third offense – State jail felony
For families in Austin, Pflugerville, Leander, and nearby areas, this change could be a game-changer. It empowers law enforcement to act immediately when a parent is wrongly denied visitation—without waiting on civil motions or court dates.
“This gives officers the tools to intervene before the damage spirals,” explains Janice.
Breaking Down Harmful Assumptions About Custody
During the hearing, the Egglestons also pushed back on a common—but dangerous—misconception: that the “custodial parent” always knows best. One senator even argued that they should have the authority to override court orders.
Bryan and Janice were quick to clarify that legal parenting time is based on enforceable court orders—not arbitrary titles. In Austin family courts and across Texas, a judge’s order is the law. If circumstances change, the solution is to seek a legal modification—not take matters into your own hands.
Why Austin Parents Should Pay Attention
If you live in the Austin-Round Rock metro area and have ever experienced visitation issues, this episode is a must-listen. The Egglestons not only explain how the law works—but why staying engaged with legal reform is essential.
This bill passed the Texas Senate and is now under review by the House. If enacted, it would improve custody enforcement for families in Travis, Williamson, and Bell Counties—offering both accountability and relief.
🎧 Catch Up on Family Law in Texas—One Cocktail at a Time
Cases & Cocktails isn’t just for legal pros—it’s for parents, co-parents, and anyone navigating the complex world of family law in Texas. Tune in for honest insights, true stories, and legal strategies—with a cocktail twist.
📍Based in Austin, TX, The Eggleston Law Firm serves families across Central Texas with experienced legal representation in divorce, custody, and family law enforcement cases.
👉 Listen to Episode 25 now and subscribe for more expert insights every week.
FAQ: Cases & Cocktails Ep. 25
Custodial interference occurs when one parent denies the other their court-ordered parenting time. Current Texas law applies criminal charges only to the noncustodial parent.
Yes. The proposed legislation removes the custodial/noncustodial distinction, holding both parents accountable for visitation denial.
The bill provides a faster, more enforceable path for police to intervene when visitation is denied—reducing the burden on parents in Austin, Round Rock, and nearby cities.
No. All parents must follow court orders. If a change is needed, they must seek a modification through the legal system—not violate the order based on opinion.
