reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.012. Employer

Sec. 101.012.  EMPLOYER.  "Employer" means a person, corporation, partnership, workers' compensation insurance carrier, governmental entity, the United States, or any other entity that pays or owes earnings to an individual.  The term includes, for the purposes of enrolling dependents in a group health or dental insurance plan, a union, trade association, or other similar organization.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 341, Sec. 4.02, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 911, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1150 (S.B. 550), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2018.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.0125. Family Violence

Sec. 101.0125.  FAMILY VIOLENCE.  "Family violence" has the meaning assigned by Section 71.004.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 787, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.013. Filed

Sec. 101.013.  FILED.  "Filed" means officially filed with the clerk of the court.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.0133. Foster Care

Sec. 101.0133.  FOSTER CARE.  "Foster care" means the placement of a child who is in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services and in care outside the child's home in a residential child-care facility, including an agency foster home, specialized child-care home, cottage home operation, general residential operation, or another facility licensed or certified under Chapter 42, Human Resources Code, in which care is provided for 24 hours a day.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 944 (S.B. 206), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2015.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 317 (H.B. 7), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.0134. Foster Child

Sec. 101.0134.  FOSTER CHILD.  "Foster child" means a child who is in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 944 (S.B. 206), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.014. Governmental Entity

Sec. 101.014.  GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY.  "Governmental entity" means the state, a political subdivision of the state, or an agency of the state.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.0145. Guardian Ad Litem

Sec. 101.0145.  GUARDIAN AD LITEM.  "Guardian ad litem" has the meaning assigned by Section 107.001.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 172 (H.B. 307), Sec. 15, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.015. Health Insurance

Sec. 101.015.  HEALTH INSURANCE.  "Health insurance" means insurance coverage that provides basic health care services, including usual physician services, office visits, hospitalization, and laboratory, X-ray, and emergency services, that may be provided through a health maintenance organization or other private or public organization, other than medical assistance under Chapter 32, Human Resources Code.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1023, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.016. Joint Managing Conservatorship

Sec. 101.016.  JOINT MANAGING CONSERVATORSHIP.  "Joint managing conservatorship" means the sharing of the rights and duties of a parent by two parties, ordinarily the parents, even if the exclusive right to make certain decisions may be awarded to one party.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.0161. Judicial Writ of Withholding

Sec. 101.0161.  JUDICIAL WRIT OF WITHHOLDING.  "Judicial writ of withholding" means the document issued by the clerk of a court and delivered to an employer directing that earnings be withheld for payment of child support as provided by Chapter 158.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 911, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.017. Licensed Child Placing Agency

Sec. 101.017.  LICENSED CHILD PLACING AGENCY.  "Licensed child placing agency" means a person, including an organization or corporation, licensed or certified under Chapter 42, Human Resources Code, by the Department of Family and Protective Services to place a child in an adoptive home or a residential child-care facility, including a child-care facility, agency foster home, cottage home operation, or general residential operation.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 110 (H.B. 841), Sec. 9, eff. May 21, 2011.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 1.028, eff. April 2, 2015.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 317 (H.B. 7), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.018. Local Registry

Sec. 101.018.  LOCAL REGISTRY.  "Local registry" means a county agency or public entity operated under the authority of a district clerk, county government, juvenile board, juvenile probation office, domestic relations office, or other county agency or public entity that serves a county or a court that has jurisdiction under this title and that:
(1)  receives child support payments;
(2)  maintains records of child support payments;
(3)  distributes child support payments as required by law;  and
(4)  maintains custody of official child support payment records.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 740 (H.B. 2668), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.019. Managing Conservatorship

Sec. 101.019.  MANAGING CONSERVATORSHIP.  "Managing conservatorship" means the relationship between a child and a managing conservator appointed by court order.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.020. Medical Support

Sec. 101.020.  MEDICAL SUPPORT.  "Medical support" means periodic payments or a lump-sum payment made under an order to cover medical expenses, including health insurance coverage, incurred for the benefit of a child.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 911, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.0201. Notice of Application for Judicial Writ of Withholding

Sec. 101.0201.  NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR JUDICIAL WRIT OF WITHHOLDING.  "Notice of application for judicial writ of withholding" means the document delivered to an obligor and filed with the court as required by Chapter 158 for the nonjudicial determination of arrears and initiation of withholding.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 911, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.021. Obligee

Sec. 101.021.  OBLIGEE.  "Obligee" means a person or entity entitled to receive payments of child support, including an agency of this state or of another jurisdiction to which a person has assigned the person's right to support.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 556, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.022. Obligor

Sec. 101.022.  OBLIGOR.  "Obligor" means a person required to make payments under the terms of a support order for a child.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.023. Order

Sec. 101.023.  ORDER.  "Order" means a final order unless identified as a temporary order or the context clearly requires a different meaning.  The term includes a decree and a judgment.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.024. Parent

Sec. 101.024.  PARENT.  (a)  "Parent" means the mother, a man presumed to be the father, a man legally determined to be the father, a man who has been adjudicated to be the father by a court of competent jurisdiction, a man who has acknowledged his paternity under applicable law, or an adoptive mother or father.  Except as provided by Subsection (b), the term does not include a parent as to whom the parent-child relationship has been terminated.
(b)  For purposes of establishing, determining the terms of, modifying, or enforcing an order, a reference in this title to a parent includes a person ordered to pay child support under Section 154.001(a-1) or to provide medical support or dental support for a child.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 556, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 821, Sec. 2.05, eff. June 14, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 268 (S.B. 6), Sec. 1.03, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1150 (S.B. 550), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2018.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.025. Parent-Child Relationship

Sec. 101.025.  PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP.  "Parent-child relationship" means the legal relationship between a child and the child's parents as provided by Chapter 160. The term includes the mother and child relationship and the father and child relationship.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 821, Sec. 2.06, eff. June 14, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.0255. Record

Sec. 101.0255.  RECORD.  "Record" means information that is:
(1)  inscribed on a tangible medium or stored in an electronic or other medium; and
(2)  retrievable in a perceivable form.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 972 (S.B. 228), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.026. Render

Sec. 101.026.  RENDER.  "Render" means the pronouncement by a judge of the court's ruling on a matter.  The pronouncement may be made orally in the presence of the court reporter or in writing, including on the court's docket sheet or by a separate written instrument.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.027. Parent Locator Service

Sec. 101.027.  PARENT LOCATOR SERVICE.  "Parent locator service" means the service established under 42 U.S.C. Section 653.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.028. School

Sec. 101.028.  SCHOOL.  "School" means an elementary or secondary school in which a child is enrolled or, if the child is not enrolled in an elementary or secondary school, the public school district in which the child primarily resides.  For purposes of this section, a reference to elementary school includes prekindergarten.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1167 (S.B. 821), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.029. Standard Possession Order

Sec. 101.029.  STANDARD POSSESSION ORDER.  "Standard possession order" means an order that provides a parent with rights of possession of a child in accordance with the terms and conditions of Subchapter F, Chapter 153.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.030. State

Sec. 101.030.  STATE.  "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.  The term includes an Indian tribe and a foreign jurisdiction that has established procedures for rendition and enforcement of an order that are substantially similar to the procedures of this title.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.0301. State Case Registry

Sec. 101.0301.  STATE CASE REGISTRY.  "State case registry" means the registry established and operated by the Title IV-D agency under 42 U.S.C. Section 654a that has responsibility for maintaining records with respect to child support orders in all Title IV-D cases and in all other cases in which a support order is rendered or modified under this title on or after October 1, 1998.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 911, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.0302. State Disbursement Unit

Sec. 101.0302.  STATE DISBURSEMENT UNIT.  "State disbursement unit" means the unit established and operated by the Title IV-D agency under 42 U.S.C. Section 654b that has responsibility for receiving, distributing, maintaining, and furnishing child support payments and records on or after October 1, 1999.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 556, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.031. Suit

Sec. 101.031.  SUIT.  "Suit" means a legal action under this title.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 859 (S.B. 1726), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.032. Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship

Sec. 101.032.  SUIT AFFECTING THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP.  (a)  "Suit affecting the parent-child relationship" means a suit filed as provided by this title in which the appointment of a managing conservator or a possessory conservator, access to or support of a child, or establishment or termination of the parent-child relationship is requested.
(b)  The following are not suits affecting the parent-child relationship:
(1)  a habeas corpus proceeding under Chapter 157;
(2)  a proceeding filed under Chapter 159 to determine parentage or to establish, enforce, or modify child support, whether this state is acting as the initiating or responding state;  and
(3)  a proceeding under Title 2.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.033. Title Iv-D Agency

Sec. 101.033.  TITLE IV-D AGENCY.  "Title IV-D agency" means the state agency designated under Chapter 231 to provide services under Part D of Title IV of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 651 et seq.).
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.034. Title Iv-D Case

Sec. 101.034.  TITLE IV-D CASE.  "Title IV-D case" means an action in which services are provided by the Title IV-D agency under Part D, Title IV, of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Section 651 et seq.), relating to the location of an absent parent, determination of parentage, or establishment, modification, or enforcement of a child support, medical support, or dental support obligation, including a suit for modification filed by the Title IV-D agency under Section 231.101(d) and any other action relating to the services that the Title IV-D agency is required or authorized to provide under Section 231.101.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 911, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 912 (S.B. 1329), Sec. 1.02, eff. September 1, 2018.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.035. Tribunal

Sec. 101.035.  TRIBUNAL.  "Tribunal" means a court, administrative agency, or quasi-judicial entity of a state authorized to establish, enforce, or modify support orders or to determine parentage.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 101 - Definitions › Section 101.036. Vital Statistics Unit

Sec. 101.036.  VITAL STATISTICS UNIT.  "Vital statistics unit" means the vital statistics unit of the Department of State Health Services.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 556, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Redesignated and amended from Family Code, Section 101.0021 by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 1.027, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 102 - Filing Suit › Section 102.001. Suit Authorized; Scope of Suit

Sec. 102.001.  SUIT AUTHORIZED;  SCOPE OF SUIT.  (a)  A suit may be filed as provided in this title.
(b)  One or more matters covered by this title may be determined in the suit.  The court, on its own motion, may require the parties to replead in order that any issue affecting the parent-child relationship may be determined in the suit.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 102 - Filing Suit › Section 102.002. Commencement of Suit

Sec. 102.002.  COMMENCEMENT OF SUIT.  An original suit begins by the filing of a petition as provided by this chapter.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 102 - Filing Suit › Section 102.0035. Statement to Confer Standing

Sec. 102.0035.  STATEMENT TO CONFER STANDING.  (a)  A pregnant woman or a parent of a child may execute a statement to confer standing to a prospective adoptive parent as provided by this section to assert standing under Section 102.003(a)(14).  A statement to confer standing under this section may not be executed in a suit brought by a governmental entity under Chapter 262 or 263.
(b)  A statement to confer standing must contain:
(1)  the signature, name, age, and address of the person named as a prospective adoptive parent;
(2)  the signature, name, age, and address of the pregnant woman or of the parent of the child who is consenting to the filing of a petition for adoption or to terminate the parent-child relationship as described by Subsection (a);
(3)  the birth date of the child or the anticipated birth date if the child has not been born;  and
(4)  the name of the county in which the suit will be filed.
(c)  The statement to confer standing must be attached to the petition in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.  The statement may not be used for any purpose other than to confer standing in a proceeding for adoption or to terminate the parent-child relationship.
(d)  A statement to confer standing may be signed at any time during the pregnancy of the mother of the unborn child whose parental rights are to be terminated.
(e)  A statement to confer standing is not required in a suit brought by a person who has standing to file a suit affecting the parent-child relationship under Sections 102.003(a)(1)-(13) or any other law under which the person has standing to file a suit.
(f)  A person who executes a statement to confer standing may revoke the statement at any time before the person executes an affidavit for voluntary relinquishment of parental rights.  The revocation of the statement must be in writing and must be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the prospective adoptive parent.
(g)  On filing with the court proof of the delivery of the revocation of a statement to confer standing under Subsection (f), the court shall dismiss any suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed by the prospective adoptive parent named in the statement.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 37, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 102 - Filing Suit › Section 102.004. Standing for Grandparent or Other Person

Sec. 102.004.  STANDING FOR GRANDPARENT OR OTHER PERSON.  (a)  In addition to the general standing to file suit provided by Section 102.003, a grandparent, or another relative of the child related within the third degree by consanguinity, may file an original suit requesting managing conservatorship if there is satisfactory proof to the court that:
(1)  the order requested is necessary because the child's present circumstances would significantly impair the child's physical health or emotional development; or
(2)  both parents, the surviving parent, or the managing conservator or custodian either filed the petition or consented to the suit.
(b)  An original suit requesting possessory conservatorship may not be filed by a grandparent or other person.  However, the court may grant a grandparent or other person, subject to the requirements of Subsection (b-1) if applicable, deemed by the court to have had substantial past contact with the child leave to intervene in a pending suit filed by a person authorized to do so under this chapter if there is satisfactory proof to the court that appointment of a parent as a sole managing conservator or both parents as joint managing conservators would significantly impair the child's physical health or emotional development.
(b-1)  A foster parent may only be granted leave to intervene under Subsection (b) if the foster parent would have standing to file an original suit as provided by Section 102.003(a)(12).
(c)  Possession of or access to a child by a grandparent is governed by the standards established by Chapter 153.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1048, Sec. 2, eff. June 18, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 916 (H.B. 260), Sec. 3, eff. June 18, 2005.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1406 (S.B. 758), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 341 (H.B. 1410), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 102 - Filing Suit › Section 102.0045. Standing for Sibling

Sec. 102.0045.  STANDING FOR SIBLING.  (a)  The sibling of a child may file an original suit requesting access to the child as provided by Section 153.551 if the sibling is at least 18 years of age.
(a-1)  The sibling of a child who is separated from the sibling as the result of an action by the Department of Family and Protective Services may file an original suit as provided by Section 153.551 requesting access to the child, regardless of the age of the sibling.  A court shall expedite a suit filed under this subsection.
(b)  Access to a child by a sibling of the child is governed by the standards established by Section 153.551.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1191 (H.B. 270), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1113 (H.B. 1012), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 744 (H.B. 1781), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 102 - Filing Suit › Section 102.005. Standing to Request Termination and Adoption

Sec. 102.005.  STANDING TO REQUEST TERMINATION AND ADOPTION.  An original suit requesting only an adoption or for termination of the parent-child relationship joined with a petition for adoption may be filed by:
(1)  a stepparent of the child;
(2)  an adult who, as the result of a placement for adoption, has had actual possession and control of the child at any time during the 30-day period preceding the filing of the petition;
(3)  an adult who has had actual possession and control of the child for not less than two months during the three-month period preceding the filing of the petition;
(4)  an adult who has adopted, or is the foster parent of and has petitioned to adopt, a sibling of the child; or
(5)  another adult whom the court determines to have had substantial past contact with the child sufficient to warrant standing to do so.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1406 (S.B. 758), Sec. 3(a), eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 102 - Filing Suit › Section 102.006. Limitations on Standing

Sec. 102.006.  LIMITATIONS ON STANDING.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsections (b) and (c), if the parent-child relationship between the child and every living parent of the child has been terminated, an original suit may not be filed by:
(1)  a former parent whose parent-child relationship with the child has been terminated by court order;
(2)  the father of the child;  or
(3)  a family member or relative by blood, adoption, or marriage of either a former parent whose parent-child relationship has been terminated or of the father of the child.
(b)  The limitations on filing suit imposed by this section do not apply to a person who:
(1)  has a continuing right to possession of or access to the child under an existing court order;  or
(2)  has the consent of the child's managing conservator, guardian, or legal custodian to bring the suit.
(c)  The limitations on filing suit imposed by this section do not apply to an adult sibling of the child, a grandparent of the child, an aunt who is a sister of a parent of the child, or an uncle who is a brother of a parent of the child if the adult sibling, grandparent, aunt, or uncle files an original suit or a suit for modification requesting managing conservatorship of the child not later than the 90th day after the date the parent-child relationship between the child and the parent is terminated in a suit filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services requesting the termination of the parent-child relationship.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 821, Sec. 2.08, eff. June 14, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 866 (H.B. 1481), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 102 - Filing Suit › Section 102.007. Standing of Title Iv-D Agency

Sec. 102.007.  STANDING OF TITLE IV-D AGENCY.  In providing services authorized by Chapter 231, the Title IV-D agency or a political subdivision contracting with the attorney general to provide Title IV-D services under this title may file a child support action authorized under this title, including a suit for modification or a motion for enforcement.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 341, Sec. 2.02, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 102 - Filing Suit › Section 102.0086. Confidentiality of Pleadings

Sec. 102.0086.  CONFIDENTIALITY OF PLEADINGS.  (a)  This section applies only in a county with a population of 3.4 million or more.
(b)  Except as otherwise provided by law, all pleadings and other documents filed with the court in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship are confidential, are excepted from required public disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code, and may not be released to a person who is not a party to the suit until after the date of service of citation or the 31st day after the date of filing the suit, whichever date is sooner.
Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1314, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 102 - Filing Suit › Section 102.0091. Waiver of Citation

Sec. 102.0091.  WAIVER OF CITATION.  (a)  A party to a suit under this title may waive the issuance or service of citation after the suit is filed by filing with the clerk of the court in which the suit is filed the waiver of the party acknowledging receipt of a copy of the filed petition.
(b)  The party executing the waiver may sign the waiver using a digitized signature.
(c)  The waiver must contain the mailing address of the party executing the waiver.
(d)  Notwithstanding Section 132.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, the waiver must be sworn before a notary public who is not an attorney in the suit.  This subsection does not apply if the party executing the waiver is incarcerated.
(e)  The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure do not apply to a waiver executed under this section.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 198 (S.B. 814), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2015.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 151 (S.B. 869), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 102 - Filing Suit › Section 102.011. Acquiring Jurisdiction Over Nonresident

Sec. 102.011.  ACQUIRING JURISDICTION OVER NONRESIDENT.  (a)  The court may exercise status or subject matter jurisdiction over the suit as provided by Chapter 152.
(b)  The court may also exercise personal jurisdiction over a person on whom service of citation is required or over the person's personal representative, although the person is not a resident or domiciliary of this state, if:
(1)  the person is personally served with citation in this state;
(2)  the person submits to the jurisdiction of this state by consent, by entering a general appearance, or by filing a responsive document having the effect of waiving any contest to personal jurisdiction;
(3)  the child resides in this state as a result of the acts or directives of the person;
(4)  the person resided with the child in this state;
(5)  the person resided in this state and provided prenatal expenses or support for the child;
(6)  the person engaged in sexual intercourse in this state and the child may have been conceived by that act of intercourse;
(7)  the person, as provided by Chapter 160:
(A)  registered with the paternity registry maintained by the vital statistics unit; or
(B)  signed an acknowledgment of paternity of a child born in this state; or
(8)  there is any basis consistent with the constitutions of this state and the United States for the exercise of the personal jurisdiction.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 561, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 767 (S.B. 865), Sec. 2, eff. June 19, 2009.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 1.030, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 102 - Filing Suit › Section 102.012. Exercising Partial Jurisdiction

Sec. 102.012.  EXERCISING PARTIAL JURISDICTION.  (a)  A court in which a suit is filed may exercise its jurisdiction over those portions of the suit for which it has authority.
(b)  The court's authority to resolve all issues in controversy between the parties may be restricted because the court lacks:
(1)  the required personal jurisdiction over a nonresident party;
(2)  the required jurisdiction under Chapter 152;  or
(3)  the required jurisdiction under Chapter 159.
(c)  If a provision of Chapter 152 or Chapter 159 expressly conflicts with another provision of this title and the conflict cannot be reconciled, the provision of Chapter 152 or Chapter 159 prevails.
(d)  In exercising jurisdiction, the court shall seek to harmonize the provisions of this code, the federal Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act (28 U.S.C. Section 1738A), and the federal Full Faith and Credit for Child Support Order Act (28 U.S.C. Section 1738B).
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 6.13, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 102 - Filing Suit › Section 102.013. Docketing Requirements

Sec. 102.013.  DOCKETING REQUIREMENTS.  (a)  In a suit for modification or a motion for enforcement, the clerk shall file the petition or motion and all related papers under the same docket number as the prior proceeding without additional letters, digits, or special designations.
(b)  If a suit requests the adoption of a child, the clerk shall file the suit and all other papers relating to the suit in a new file having a new docket number.
(c)  In a suit to determine parentage under this title in which the court has rendered an order relating to an earlier born child of the same parents, the clerk shall file the suit and all other papers relating to the suit under the same docket number as the prior parentage action.  For all other purposes, including the assessment of fees and other costs, the suit is a separate suit.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1023, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 102 - Filing Suit › Section 102.014. Use of Digitized Signature

Sec. 102.014.  USE OF DIGITIZED SIGNATURE.  (a)  A digitized signature on an original petition under this chapter or any other pleading or order in a suit satisfies the requirements for and imposes the duties of signatories to pleadings, motions, and other papers identified under Rule 13, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
(b)  A digitized signature under this section may be applied only by, and must remain under the sole control of, the person whose signature is represented.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 790 (S.B. 1422), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 103 - Venue and Transfer of Original Proceedings › Section 103.001. Venue for Original Suit

Sec. 103.001.  VENUE FOR ORIGINAL SUIT.  (a)  Except as otherwise provided by this title, an original suit shall be filed in the county where the child resides, unless:
(1)  another court has continuing exclusive jurisdiction under Chapter 155;  or
(2)  venue is fixed in a suit for dissolution of a marriage under Subchapter D, Chapter 6.
(b)  A suit in which adoption is requested may be filed in the county where the child resides or in the county where the petitioners reside, regardless of whether another court has continuing exclusive jurisdiction under Chapter 155.  Except as provided by Section 155.201, a court that has continuing exclusive jurisdiction is not required to transfer the suit affecting the parent-child relationship to the court in which the adoption suit is filed.
(c)  A child resides in the county where the child's parents reside or the child's parent resides, if only one parent is living, except that:
(1)  if a guardian of the person has been appointed by order of a county or probate court and a managing conservator has not been appointed, the child resides in the county where the guardian of the person resides;
(2)  if the parents of the child do not reside in the same county and if a managing conservator, custodian, or guardian of the person has not been appointed, the child resides in the county where the parent having actual care, control, and possession of the child resides;
(3)  if the child is in the care and control of an adult other than a parent and a managing conservator, custodian, or guardian of the person has not been appointed, the child resides where the adult having actual care, control, and possession of the child resides;
(4)  if the child is in the actual care, control, and possession of an adult other than a parent and the whereabouts of the parent and the guardian of the person is unknown, the child resides where the adult having actual possession, care, and control of the child resides;
(5)  if the person whose residence would otherwise determine venue has left the child in the care and control of the adult, the child resides where that adult resides;
(6)  if a guardian or custodian of the child has been appointed by order of a court of another state or country, the child resides in the county where the guardian or custodian resides if that person resides in this state;  or
(7)  if it appears that the child is not under the actual care, control, and possession of an adult, the child resides where the child is found.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 6.14, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 944 (S.B. 206), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 722 (H.B. 369), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 103 - Venue and Transfer of Original Proceedings › Section 103.002. Transfer of Original Proceedings Within State

Sec. 103.002.  TRANSFER OF ORIGINAL PROCEEDINGS WITHIN STATE.  (a)  If venue of a suit is improper in the court in which an original suit is filed and no other court has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction of the suit, on the timely motion of a party other than the petitioner, the court shall transfer the proceeding to the county where venue is proper.
(b)  On a showing that a suit for dissolution of the marriage of the child's parents has been filed in another court, a court in which a suit is pending shall transfer the proceedings to the court where the dissolution of the marriage is pending.
(c)  The procedures in Chapter 155 apply to a transfer of:
(1)  an original suit under this section;  or
(2)  a suit for modification or a motion for enforcement under this title.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 103 - Venue and Transfer of Original Proceedings › Section 103.003. Transfer of Original Suit Within State When Party or Child Resides Outside State

Sec. 103.003.  TRANSFER OF ORIGINAL SUIT WITHIN STATE WHEN PARTY OR CHILD RESIDES OUTSIDE STATE.  (a)  A court of this state in which an original suit is filed or in which a suit for child support is filed under Chapter 159 shall transfer the suit to the county of residence of the party who is a resident of this state if all other parties and children affected by the proceedings reside outside this state.
(b)  If one or more of the parties affected by the suit reside outside this state and if more than one party or one or more children affected by the proceeding reside in this state in different counties, the court shall transfer the suit according to the following priorities:
(1)  to the court of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction, if any;
(2)  to the county of residence of the child, if applicable, provided that:
(A)  there is no court of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction;  or
(B)  the court of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction finds that neither a party nor a child affected by the proceeding resides in the county of the court of continuing jurisdiction;  or
(3)  if Subdivisions (1) and (2) are inapplicable, to the county most appropriate to serve the convenience of the resident parties, the witnesses, and the interest of justice.
(c)  If a transfer of an original suit or suit for child support under Chapter 159 is sought under this section, Chapter 155 applies to the procedures for transfer of the suit.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 104 - Evidence › Section 104.001. Rules of Evidence

Sec. 104.001.  RULES OF EVIDENCE.  Except as otherwise provided, the Texas Rules of Evidence apply as in other civil cases.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 6.002, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship › Subtitle A - General Provisions › Chapter 104 - Evidence › Section 104.002. Prerecorded Statement of Child

Sec. 104.002.  PRERECORDED STATEMENT OF CHILD.  If a child 12 years of age or younger is alleged in a suit under this title to have been abused, the recording of an oral statement of the child recorded prior to the proceeding is admissible into evidence if:
(1)  no attorney for a party was present when the statement was made;
(2)  the recording is both visual and aural and is recorded on film or videotape or by other electronic means;
(3)  the recording equipment was capable of making an accurate recording, the operator was competent, and the recording is accurate and has not been altered;
(4)  the statement was not made in response to questioning calculated to lead the child to make a particular statement;
(5)  each voice on the recording is identified;
(6)  the person conducting the interview of the child in the recording is present at the proceeding and available to testify or be cross-examined by either party;  and
(7)  each party is afforded an opportunity to view the recording before it is offered into evidence.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.