NO. 12-17-00046-CV

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS

TWELFTH COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT

TYLER, TEXAS

IN THE INTEREST OF 

S.K.S., AND C.H.S.,

CHILDREN

§

§

§

APPEAL FROM THE

COUNTY COURT AT LAW

RUSK COUNTY, TEXAS

MEMORANDUM OPINION

R.M. appeals the termination of her parental rights. On appeal, she presents three issues. 

We reverse and remand.

BACKGROUND

J.S. is the father and R.M. is the mother of S.K.S. and C.H.S. An order in suit to modify 

the parent-child relationship signed on June 25, 2014, required that J.S. be appointed sole 

managing conservator of the children and that R.M. be appointed possessory conservator of the 

children. Further, R.M. was obligated to pay child support to J.S. in the amount of $275 per 

month beginning on June 1, 2014. 

On July 15, 2016, J.S. filed an original petition for termination of R.M.’s parental rights. 

R.M. filed a first amended answer and counter-petition to modify the parent-child relationship. 

At the conclusion of the trial on the merits, the trial court found, by clear and convincing 

evidence, that R.M. had engaged in one or more of the acts or omissions necessary to support 

termination of her parental rights under subsection (F) of Texas Family Code section 

161.001(b)(1). The trial court also found that termination of the parent-child relationship 

between R.M., S.K.S., and C.H.S. was in the children’s best interest. Based on these findings, 

the trial court ordered that the parent-child relationship between R.M., S.K.S., and C.H.S. be 

terminated. The trial court also ordered that J.S. be appointed managing conservator of the 

children. 
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The trial court further found that R.M. was ordered to make periodic payments of child 

support in the amount of $275 per month beginning June 1, 2014. The trial court found that 

R.M. failed to make payments as ordered, that R.M. was in arrears in the amount of $8,250 for 

the period of June 1, 2014 through November 1, 2016, and interest had accrued in the amount of 

$639.38. The trial court ordered that J.S. be awarded the amount of $8,889.38 in cumulative 

child support arrearages and interest at six percent per year from the date of the order, or January 

18, 2017. This appeal followed.

TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS

Involuntary termination of parental rights embodies fundamental constitutional rights. 

Vela v. Marywood, 17 S.W.3d 750, 759 (Tex. App.–Austin 2000), pet. denied per curiam, 53 

S.W.3d 684 (Tex. 2001); In re J.J., 911 S.W.2d 437, 439 (Tex. App.–Texarkana 1995, writ 

denied). Because a termination action “permanently sunders” the bonds between a parent and 

child, the proceedings must be strictly scrutinized. Wiley v. Spratlan, 543 S.W.2d 349, 352 

(Tex. 1976); In re Shaw, 966 S.W.2d 174, 179 (Tex. App.–El Paso 1998, no pet.).

Section 161.001 of the family code permits a court to order termination of parental rights 

if two elements are established. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001 (West Supp. 2016); In re 

J.M.T., 39 S.W.3d 234, 237 (Tex. App.–Waco 1999, no pet.). First, the parent must have 

engaged in any one of the acts or omissions itemized in the second subsection of the statute. 

TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001(b)(1) (West Supp. 2016); Green v. Tex. Dep’t of Protective & 

Regulatory Servs., 25 S.W.3d 213, 219 (Tex. App.–El Paso 2000, no pet.); In re J.M.T., 39 

S.W.3d at 237. Second, termination must be in the best interest of the child. TEX. FAM. CODE 

ANN. § 161.001(b)(2) (West Supp. 2016); In re J.M.T., 39 S.W.3d at 237. Both elements must 

be established by clear and convincing evidence, and proof of one element does not alleviate the 

petitioner’s burden of proving the other. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001; Wiley, 543 S.W.2d at 

351; In re J.M.T., 39 S.W.3d at 237. 

The clear and convincing standard for termination of parental rights is both 

constitutionally and statutorily mandated. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001; In re J.J., 911 

S.W.2d at 439. Clear and convincing evidence means “the measure or degree of proof that will 

produce in the mind of the trier of fact a firm belief or conviction as to the truth of the allegations 
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sought to be established.” TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 101.007 (West 2014). The burden of proof is 

upon the party seeking the deprivation of parental rights. In re J.M.T., 39 S.W.3d at 240.

STANDARD OF REVIEW

When confronted with both a legal and factual sufficiency challenge, an appellate court 

must first review the legal sufficiency of the evidence. Glover v. Tex. Gen. Indem. Co., 619 

S.W.2d 400, 401 (Tex. 1981); In re M.D.S., 1 S.W.3d 190, 197 (Tex. App.–Amarillo 1999, no 

pet.). In conducting a legal sufficiency review, we must look at all the evidence in the light most 

favorable to the finding to determine whether a reasonable trier of fact could have formed a firm 

belief or conviction that its findings were true. In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d 256, 266 (Tex. 2002). 

We must assume that the fact finder settled disputed facts in favor of its finding if a reasonable 

fact finder could do so and disregard all evidence that a reasonable fact finder could have 

disbelieved or found incredible. Id. 

The appropriate standard for reviewing a factual sufficiency challenge to the termination 

findings is whether the evidence is such that a fact finder could reasonably form a firm belief or 

conviction about the truth of the petitioner’s allegations. In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17, 25 (Tex. 

2002). In determining whether the fact finder has met this standard, an appellate court considers 

all the evidence in the record, both that in support of and contrary to the trial court’s findings. 

Id. at 27-29. Further, an appellate court should consider whether disputed evidence is such that a 

reasonable fact finder could not have reconciled that disputed evidence in favor of its finding. In 

re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266. The trier of fact is the exclusive judge of the credibility of the 

witnesses and the weight to be given their testimony. Nordstrom v. Nordstrom, 965 S.W.2d 

575, 580 (Tex. App.–Houston [1st Dist.] 1997, pet. denied).

TERMINATION UNDER SECTION 161.001(b)(1)(F)

In her first issue, R.M. argues the evidence is legally and factually insufficient to 

terminate her parental rights pursuant to subsection (F) of Texas Family Code section 

161.001(b)(1). 

Applicable Law

The court may order termination of the parent-child relationship if the court finds by clear 

and convincing evidence that the parent failed to support the child in accordance with the 
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parent’s ability during a period of one year ending within six months of the date of the filing of 

the petition. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001(b)(1)(F). One year means twelve consecutive 

months, and the ability to pay support must exist each month during the twelve-month period. In 

re E.M.E., 234 S.W.3d 71, 72 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2007, no pet.) (citing In re Z.W.C., 856 

S.W.2d 281, 283 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1993, no writ)); In re R.M., 180 S.W.3d 874, 878 

(Tex. App.—Texarkana 2005, no pet.). This twelve-month period of nonsupport and ability to 

pay begins no earlier than eighteen months before the date of the filing of the petition to 

terminate. E.M.E., 234 S.W.3d at 72. The burden of proof is on the movant to prove by clear 

and convincing evidence that the parent had the ability to pay each month. See id. A showing of 

the parent’s ability to pay is essential. In re N.G.G., No. 05-16-01084-CV, at *4 (Tex. App.—

Dallas Feb. 17, 2017, no pet.) (mem. op.) (not designated for publication); In re J.R.E.H., No. 

05-00-01248-CV, 2002 WL 1380321, at *3 (Tex. App.—Dallas June 27, 2002, pet. denied) (not 

designated for publication). Further, a previous order for child support is not evidence of a 

parent’s ability to pay support for purposes of subsection (F). In re D.M.D., 363 S.W.3d 916, 

920 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2012, no pet.). 

Analysis

At trial, J.S. testified that R.M. has not paid any child support in accordance with the June 

2014 order. As noted above, the June 2014 child support order is not evidence of R.M.’s ability 

to pay support. See In re D.M.D., 363 S.W.3d at 920. Instead, J.S. had the burden to prove, by 

clear and convincing evidence, that R.M. had the ability to pay each month during the relevant 

time period. See In re L.J.N., 329 S.W.3d 667, 672 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2010, no pet.) 

(proof of ability to support during each month of twelve-month period is required by [section 

161.001(b)(1)(F)]); In re N.A.F., 282 S.W.3d 113, 116 (Tex. App.—Waco 2009, no pet.) 

(same); E.M.E., 234 S.W.3d at 72 (same); In re T.B.D., 223 S.W.3d 515, 518 (Tex. App.–

Amarillo 2006, no pet.) (same). Nonetheless, J.S. testified that he did not “have[ ] a clue” as to 

how much money R.M. and her family earned. 

R.M. testified that she was unemployed because she had a small child and could not find 

work as a nurse’s aide for home-bound patients. She was no longer certified as a nurse’s aide, 

and last worked in May 2011. R.M. stated that she had attempted to find employment by 

completing applications, and putting her name on lists for sitters at a local hospital and nursing 

homes. R.M. stated that her husband was self-employed working construction, remodeling, and 
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home improvement. She believed that his hourly wage was $10 to $15, but that he sometimes 

worked by the job. She testified that in winter months, it was hard for him to work forty hours 

per week. R.M. admitted that she had not paid any of the child support ordered, but stated that it 

took “every single dime that [her] husband makes for [them] to live every day.” She believed 

that her family’s income was less than $18,000 per year, and that they were unable to save any 

money after paying for expenses. 

It is our obligation to strictly scrutinize termination proceedings and strictly construe the 

statute in favor of the parent. See In re L.J.N., 329 S.W.3d at 673. Thus, even viewing the 

evidence in the light most favorable to the trial court’s finding, we conclude that no rational fact 

finder could have formed a firm belief or conviction that R.M. had the ability to pay support 

during the statutory time period. See In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266. The evidence shows that 

J.S. did not have a “clue” as to R.M.’s income or ability to pay support, that R.M. was 

unemployed and unable to obtain work, that the family’s income was less than $18,000 per year, 

and that it took “every single dime that [R.M.’s] husband makes for [them] to live every day.” 

See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001(b)(1)(F). J.S.’s burden was a heavy one, and we conclude 

that he failed to produce clear and convincing evidence in support of the requisite statutory 

ground to meet that burden. See E.M.E., 234 S.W.3d at 72; In re J.R.E.H., 2002 WL 1380321, 

at *3. Therefore, we hold that the evidence is legally insufficient to support termination of 

R.M.’s parental rights, and termination of her rights cannot be supported under section 

161.001(b)(1)(F). See In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266; E.M.E., 234 S.W.3d at 72; In re 

J.R.E.H., 2002 WL 1380321, at *3. Thus, we sustain R.M.’s first issue.1

UNPLEADED CHILD SUPPORT ARREARAGE

In her third issue, R.M. argues that the trial court erred in awarding J.S. a money 

judgment in the amount of $8,889.39 in cumulative child support arrearages because there was 

no pleading to support such relief. The judgment of a trial court must conform to the pleadings. 

TEX. R. CIV. P. 301. In other words, a judgment must be supported by the pleadings and, if not so 

supported, is erroneous. Cunningham v. Parkdale Bank, 660 S.W.2d 810, 813 (Tex. 1983). 

 

1 Because we have concluded that the evidence is legally insufficient to support termination of R.M.’s 

parental rights under subsection (b)(1)(F), we need not address her second issue regarding best interest of the child. 

See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001(b)(2); TEX. R. APP. P. 47.1. 
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Thus, a party may not be granted relief in the absence of pleadings supporting that relief. Id. A 

cumulative money judgment for past-due child support results only after the obligee files a 

motion for the enforcement of child support requesting a money judgment for arrearage. See 

TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 157.263(a) (West 2014); Holmes v. Williams, 355 S.W.3d 215, 219 

(Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2011, no pet.). 

However, the record does not contain a motion for enforcement of child support 

arrearages filed by J.S. against R.M. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 157.263(a). At the final 

hearing, J.S.’s counsel stated that he had a “kind of an alternative pleading enforcement of child 

support.” No exhibit was admitted at trial showing the total amount of child support arrearages, 

and the arrearages were only discussed, briefly, with J.S. His counsel requested, in the 

alternative at closing, that R.M. be jailed as a result of his “enforcement action.” The only 

pleading in the record from J.S. was his petition for termination, and he did not request 

enforcement of child support in that pleading. Because J.S. failed to support his claim for child 

support arrearages with proper pleadings as required by Texas Family Code section 157.263(a) 

and there was no evidence introduced at trial to confirm such arrearage, the trial court abused its 

discretion by finding an arrearage of child support, and granting a money judgment for 

arrearages. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 157.263(a); Cunningham, 660 S.W.2d at 813. We 

sustain R.M.’s third issue.

DISPOSITION

Having sustained R.M.’s first and third issues, we reverse the trial court’s order of 

termination, and reverse the trial court’s judgment for child support arrearage dated January 18, 

2017. We remand the case for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

GREG NEELEY

Justice

Opinion delivered July 31, 2017.

Panel consisted of Worthen, C.J., Hoyle, J., and Neeley, J.

(PUBLISH)
COURT OF APPEALS

TWELFTH COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT OF TEXAS

JUDGMENT

JULY 31, 2017

NO. 12-17-00046-CV

IN THE INTEREST OF S.K.S., AND C.H.S., CHILDREN

Appeal from the County Court at Law 

of Rusk County, Texas (Tr. Ct. No. 2013-09-527)

THIS CAUSE came to be heard on the appellate record and the briefs filed 

herein, and the same being considered, because it is the opinion of this court that there was error 

in the trial court’s order of termination, it is ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED by this 

court that the trial court’s order of termination and the trial court’s judgment for child support 

arrearage dated January 18, 2017 be reversed and the cause remanded to the trial court for 

further proceedings consistent with this opinion; and that all costs of this appeal are hereby 

adjudged against the Appellee, J.S., for which let execution issue; and that this decision be 

certified to the court below for observance.

Greg Neeley, Justice.

Panel consisted of Worthen, C.J., Hoyle, J., and Neeley, J.