TITLE: Relating to the age at which a child may express a preference to the court on issues regarding residence and conservatorship in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

SUMMARY: Relating to the age at which a child may express a preference to the court on issues regarding residence and conservatorship in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the age at which a child may express a preference to the court on issues regarding residence and conservatorship in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Sections 153.009(a) and (f), Family Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 153.009. INTERVIEW OF CHILD IN CHAMBERS. (a) In a nonjury trial or at a hearing, on the application of a party, the amicus attorney, or the attorney ad litem for the child, the court shall interview in chambers a child 15 [12] years of age or older and may interview in chambers a child under 15 [12] years of age to determine the child's wishes as to conservatorship or as to the person who shall have the exclusive right to determine the child's primary residence. The court may also interview a child in chambers on the court's own motion for a purpose specified by this subsection. (f) On the motion of a party, the amicus attorney, or the attorney ad litem for the child, or on the court's own motion, the court shall cause a record of the interview to be made when the child is 15 [12] years of age or older. A record of the interview shall be part of the record in the case. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.