Legal Statutes: Texas

UPDATED October 16, 2012

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• Texas Statutes and Codes (select sections)
  • Civil Practice and Remedies Code (select sections)
    • Title 6. Miscellaneous Provisions
      • Chapter 129. Age of Majority
        • 129.001. Age of Majority
  • Family Code (select sections)
    • Title 1. The Marriage Relationship
      • Subtitle C. Dissolution of Marriage
        • Chapter 6. Suit for Dissolution of Marriage
          • Subchapter A. Grounds for Divorce and Defenses
            • 6.001. Insupportability
            • 6.002. Cruelty
            • 6.003. Adultery
            • 6.004. Conviction of Felony
            • 6.005. Abandonment
            • 6.006. Living Apart
            • 6.007 Confinement in Mental Hospital
          • Subchapter D. Jurisdiction, Venue, and Residence Qualifications
            • 6.301. General Residency Rule for Divorce Suit
            • 6.302. Suit for Divorce by Nonresident Spouse
            • 6.303. Absence on Public Service
          • Subchapter F. Temporary Orders
            • 6.501. Temporary Restraining Order
            • 6.504. Protective Orders
        • Chapter 8. Maintenance
          • Subchapter A. General Provisions
            • 8.001. Definitions
          • Subchapter B. Court-Ordered Maintenance
            • 8.051. Eligibility for Maintenance; Court Order
    • Title 4. Protective Orders and Family Violence
      • Subtitle A. General Provision
        • Chapter 71. Definitions
          • 71.001. Applicability of Definitions
          • 71.002. Court
          • 71.0021. Dating Violence
          • 71.003 Family
          • 71.004. Family Violence
          • 71.005. Household
          • 71.006. Member of a Household
          • 71.007. Prosecuting Attorney
      • Subtitle B. Protective Orders
        • Chapter 81. General Provision
          • 81.001. Entitlement to Protective Order
          • 81.002. No Fee for Applicant
          • 81.003. Fees and Costs Paid by Party Found to Have Committed Family Violence
          • 81.004. Contempt for Nonpayment of Fee
          • 81.005. Attorney's Fees
          • 81.006. Payment of Attorney's Fees
          • 81.007. Prosecuting Attorney
          • 81.0075. Representation by Prosecuting Attorney in Certain Subsequent Actions
          • 81.008. Relief Cumulative
          • 81.009. Appeal
        • Chapter 82. Applying for Protective Order
          • Subchapter A. Application for Protective Order
            • 82.001. Application
            • 82.002. Who May File Application
            • 82.003. Venue
            • 82.004. Contents of Application
            • 82.005. Application Filed During Suit for Dissolution of Marriage or Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship
            • 82.006. Application Filed After Dissolution of Marriage
            • 82.007. Application Filed for Child Subject to Continuing Jurisdiction
            • 82.008. Application Filed After Expiration of Former Protective Order
            • 82.0085. Application Filed Before Expiration of Previously Rendered Protective Order
            • 82.009. Application for Temporary ex Parte Order
            • 82.010. Confidentiality of application
          • Subchapter B. Pleadings By Respondent
            • 82.021. Answer
            • 82.022. Request by Respondent for Protective Order
          • Subchapter C. Notice of Application For Protective Order
            • 82.041. Contents of Notice of Application
            • 82.042. Issuance of Notice of Application
            • 82.043. Service of Notice of Application
        • Chapter 83. Temporary Ex Parte Orders
          • 83.001. Requirements for Temporary ex Parte Order
          • 83.002. Duration of Order; Extension
          • 83.003. Bond Not Required
          • 83.004. Motion to Vacate
          • 83.005. Conflicting Orders
          • 83.006. Exclusion of Party From Residence
        • Chapter 84. Hearing
          • 84.001. Time Set for Hearing
          • 84.002. Extended Time for Hearing in District Court In Certain Counties
          • 84.003. Hearing Rescheduled for Failure of Service
          • 84.004. Hearing Rescheduled for Insufficient Notice
          • 84.005. Legislative Continuance
        • Chapter 85. Issuance of Protective Order
          • Subchapter A. Findings and Orders
            • 85.001. Required Findings and Orders
            • 85.002. Exception for Violation of Expired Protective Order
            • 85.003. Separate Protective Orders Required
            • 85.004. Protective Order in Suit for Dissolution of Marriage
            • 85.005. Agreed Order
            • 85.006. Default Order
            • 85.007. Confidentiality of Certain Information
            • 85.009. Order Valid Until Superseded
          • Subchapter B. Contents of Protective Order
            • 85.021. Requirements of Order Applying to Any Party
            • 85.022. Requirements of Order Applying to Person Who Committed Family Violence
            • 85.023. Effect on Property Rights
            • 85.024. Enforcement of Counseling Requirement
            • 85.025. Duration of Protective Order
            • 85.026. Warning on Protective Order
          • Subchapter C. Delivery of Protective Order
            • 85.041. Delivery to Respondent
            • 85.042. Delivery of Order to Other Persons
          • Subchapter D. Relationship Between Protective Order adn Suit for Dissolution of Marriage and Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship
            • 85.061. Dismissal of Application Prohibited; Subsequently Filed Suit for Dissolution of Marriage or Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship
            • 85.062. Application Filed While Suit for Dissolution of Marriage or Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship Pending
            • 85.063. Application Filed After Final Order Rendered in Suit for Dissolution of Marriage or Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship
            • 85.064. Transfer of Protective Order
            • 85.065. Effect of Transfer
        • Chapter 86. Law Enforcement Duties Relating to Protective Orders
          • 86.001. Adoption of Procedures by Law Enforcement Agency
          • 86.0011. Duty to Enter Information into Statewide Law Enforcement Information System
          • 86.002. Duty to Provide Information to Firearms Dealers
          • 86.003. Court Order for Law Enforcement Assistance Under Temporary Order
          • 86.004. Court Order for Law Enforcement Assistance Under Final Order
          • 86.005. Protective Order From Another Jurisdiction
        • Chapter 87. Modification of Protective Orders
          • 87.001. Modification of Protective Order
          • 87.002. Modification May Not Extend Duration of Order
          • 87.003. Notification of Motion to Modify
          • 87.004. Change of Address or Telephone Number
        • Chapter 88. Uniform Interstate Enforcement of Protective Orders
          • 88.001. Short Title.
          • 88.002. Definitions.
          • 88.003. Judicial Enforcement of Order.
          • 88.004. Nonjudicial Enforcement of Order.
          • 88.005. Registration of Order.
          • 88.006. Immunity.
          • 88.007. Other Remedies
          • 88.008. Uniformity of Application and Construction.
      • Subtitle C. Reporting Family Violence
        • Chapter 91. Reporting Family Violence
          • 91.001. Definitions
          • 91.002. Reporting by Witnesses Encouraged
          • 91.003. Information Provided by Medical Professionals
          • 91.004. Application of Subtitle
        • Chapter 92. Immunity
          • 92.001. Immunity
    • Title 5. The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship
      • Subtitle A. General Provisions
        • Chapter 101. Definitions
          • 101.0010. Acknowledged Father
          • 101.0015. Alleged Father
          • 101.002. Authorized Agency
          • 101.0021. Bureau of Vital Statistics
          • 101.003. Child or Minor; Adult
          • 101.007. Clear and Convincing Evidence
          • 101.009. Danger to Physical Health or Safety of Child
          • 101.0125. Family Violence
          • 101.0145. Guardian Ad Litem
          • 101.016. Joint Managing Conservatorship
          • 101.019. Managing Conservatorship
          • 101.024. Parent
          • 101.025. Parent-Child Relationship
          • 101.029. Standard Possession Order
        • Chapter 102. Filing Suit
          • 102.003. General Standing to File Suit
          • 102.004. Standing for Grandparent or Other Person
          • 102.0045. Standing for Sibling
        • Chapter 103. Venue and Transfer of Original Proceedings
          • 103.001. Venue for Original Suit
          • 103.002. Transfer of Original Proceedings Within State
          • 103.003. Transfer of Original Suit Within State when Party or Child Resides Outside State
        • Chapter 105. Settings, Hearings, and Orders
          • 105.009. Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course
      • Subtitle B. Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship
        • Chapter 151. Rights and Duties in Parent-Child Relationship
          • 151.001. Rights and Duties of Parent
        • Chapter 152. Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
          • Subchapter B. General Provisions
            • 152.101. Short Title
            • 152.102. Definitions
            • 152.103. Proceedings Governed by Other Law
            • 152.104. Application to Indian Tribes
            • 152.105. International Application of Chapter
            • 152.106. Effect of Child Custody Determination
            • 152.107. Priority
            • 152.108. Notice to Persons Outside State
            • 152.109. Appearance and Limited Immunity
            • 152.110. Communication Between Courts
            • 152.111. Taking Testimony in Another State
            • 152.112. Cooperation Between Courts; Preservation of Records
          • Subchapter C. Jurisdiction
            • 152.201. Initial Child Custody Jurisdiction
            • 152.202. Exclusive Continuing Jurisdiction
            • 152.203. Jurisdiction to Modify Determination
            • 152.204. Temporary Emergency Jurisdiction
            • 152.205. Notice; Opportunity to be Heard; Joinder
            • 152.206. Simultaneous Proceedings
            • 152.207. Inconvenient Forum
            • 152.208. Jurisdiction Declined by Reason of Conduct
            • 152.209. Information to be Submitted to Court
            • 152.210. Appearance of Parties and Child
          • Subchapter D. Enforcement
            • 152.301. Definitions
            • 152.302. Enforcement Under Hague Convention
            • 152.303. Duty to Enforce
            • 152.304. Temporary Visitation
            • 152.305. Registration of Child Custody Determination
            • 152.306. Enforcement of Registered Determination
            • 152.307. Simultaneous Proceedings
            • 152.308. Expedited Enforcement of Child Custody Determination
            • 152.309. Service of Petition and Order
            • 152.310. Hearing and Order
            • 152.311. Warrant to Take Physical Custody of Child
            • 152.312. Costs, Fees, and Expenses
            • 152.313. Recognition and Enforcement
            • 152.314. Appeals
            • 152.315. Role of Prosecutor or Public Official
            • 152.316. Role of Law Enforcement
            • 152.317. Costs and Expenses
        • Chapter 153. Conservatorship, Possession, and Access
          • Subchapter A. General Provisions
            • 153.001. Public Policy
            • 153.002. Best Interest of Child
            • 153.003. No Discrimination Based on Sex or Marital Status
            • 153.004. History of Domestic Violence
            • 153.005. Appointment of Sole or Joint Managing Conservator
            • 153.006. Appointment of Possessory Conservator
            • 153.007. Agreed Parenting Plan
            • 153.0071. Alternate Dispute Resolution Procedures
            • 153.009. Interview of Child in Chambers
            • 153.010. Order for Family Counseling
            • 153.011. Security Bond
            • 153.012. Right to Privacy; Deletion of Personal Information in Records
            • 153.013. False Report of Child Abuse
            • 153.014. Visitation Centers and Visitation Exchange Facilities
            • 153.015. Electronic Communication With Child by Conservator.
          • Subchapter B. Parent Appointed as Conservator: In General
            • 153.071. Court to Specify Rights and Duties of Parent Appointed a Conservator
            • 153.072. Written Finding Required to Limit Parental Rights and Duties
            • 153.073. Rights of Parent at All Times
            • 153.074. Rights and Duties During Period of Possession
            • 153.075. Duties of Parent Not Appointed Conservator
            • 153.076. Duty to Provide Information
          • Subchapter C. Parent Appointed as Sole or Joint Managing Conservator
            • 153.131. Presumption That Parent to be Appointed Managing Conservator
            • 153.132. Rights and Duties of Parent Appointed Sole Managing Conservator
            • 153.133. Parenting Plan for Joint Managing Conservatorship
            • 153.134. Court-Ordered Joint Conservatorship
            • 153.135. Equal Possession Not Required
            • 153.138. Child Support Order Affecting Joint Conservators
          • Subchapter D. Parent Appointed as Possessory Conservator
            • 153.191. Presumption that Parent to be Appointed Possessory Conservator
            • 153.192. Rights and Duties of Parent Appointed Possessory Conservator
            • 153.193. Minimal Restriction on Parent's Possession or Access
          • Subchapter E. Guidelines for the Possession of a Child by a Parent Names as Possessory Conservator
            • 153.251. Policy and General Application of Guidelines
            • 153.252. Rebuttable Presumption
            • 153.253. Standard Possession Order Inappropriate or Unworkable
            • 153.254. Child Less Than Three Years of Age
            • 153.255. Agreement
            • 153.256. Factors for Court to Consider
            • 153.257. Means of Travel
            • 153.258. Request for Findings When Order Varies From Standard Order
          • Subchapter F. Standard Possession Order
            • § 153.311. Mutual Agreement or Specified Terms for Possession
            • § 153.312. Parents Who Reside 100 Miles or Less Apart
            • § 153.313. Parents Who Reside Over 100 Miles Apart
            • § 153.314. Holiday Possession Unaffected by Distance Parents Reside Apart
            • § 153.315. Weekend Possession Extended by Holiday
            • § 153.316. General Terms and Conditions
            • § 153.3161. § 153.3161. Repealed by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., ch. 727, § 6; Acts 2009, 81st Leg., ch. 1113, § 31, eff. Sept. 1, 2009
            • § 153.317. Alternative Possession Times
          • Subchapter G. Appointment of Nonparent as Conservator
            • § 153.371. Rights and Duties of Nonparent Appointed as Sole Managing Conservator
            • § 153.372. Nonparent Appointed as Joint Managing Conservator
            • § 153.3721. Access to Certain Records by Nonparent Joint Managing Conservator
            • § 153.373. Voluntary Surrender of Possession Rebuts Parental Presumption
            • § 153.374. Designation of Managing Conservator in Affidavit of Relinquishment
            • § 153.375. Annual Report by Nonparent Managing Conservator
            • § 153.376. Rights and Duties of Nonparent Possessory Conservator
            • § 153.377. Access to Child's Records
          • Subchapter H. Rights of Grandparent, Aunt, or Uncle
            • § 153.431. Appointment of Grandparent, Aunt, or Uncle as Managing Conservator
            • § 153.432. Suit for Possession or Access by Grandparent
            • § 153.433. Possession of or Access to Grandchild
            • § 153.434. Limitation on Right to Request Possession or Access
          • Subchapter I. Prevention of International Parental Child Abduction
            • § 153.501. Necessity of Measures to Prevent International Parental Child Abduction
            • § 153.502. Abduction Risk Factors
            • § 153.503. Abduction Prevention Measures
          • Subchapter J. Rights of Siblings
            • § 153.551. Suit for Access
            • § 153.552. § 153.552. Repealed by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., ch. 1113, § 31, eff. Sept. 1, 2009
          • Subchapter K. Parenting Plan and Parenting Coordinator
            • § 153.601. Definitions
            • § 153.602. Parenting Plan Not Required in Temporary Order
            • § 153.603. Requirement of Parenting Plan in Final Order
            • § 153.6031. Exception to Dispute Resolution Process Requirement
            • § 153.605. Appointment of Parenting Coordinator
            • § 153.606. Duties of Parenting Coordinator
            • § 153.607. Removal of Parenting Coordinator
            • § 153.608. Report of Parenting Coordinator
            • § 153.609. Compensation of Parenting Coordinator
            • § 153.610. Qualifications of Parenting Coordinator
            • § 153.611. Exception for Certain Title IV-D Proceedings
        • Chapter 154. Child Support
          • Subchapter A. Court-Ordered Child Support
            • § 154.001. Support of Child
            • § 154.003. Manner of Payment
            • § 154.008. Provision for Medical Support
        • Chapter 155. Continuing, Exclusive Jurisdiction; Transfer
          • Subchapter C. Transfer of Continuing, Exclusive Jurisdiction
            • § 155.201. Mandatory Transfer
            • § 155.202. Discretionary Transfer
            • § 155.203. Determining County of Child's Residence
            • § 155.204. Procedure for Transfer
        • Chapter 156. Modification
          • Subchapter B. Modification of Conservatorship, Possession and Access, or Determination of Residence
            • § 156.101. Grounds for Modification of Order Establishing Conservatorship or Possession and Access
            • § 156.102. Modification of Exclusive Right to Determine Primary Residence of Child Within One Year of Order
            • § 156.104. Modification of Order on Conviction for Child Abuse; Penalty
            • § 156.1045. Modification of Order on Conviction for Family Violence
            • § 156.105. Modification of Order Based on Military Deployment
        • Chapter 160. Uniform Parentage Act
          • Subchapter C. Parent-Child Relationship
            • § 160.204. Presumption of Paternity
          • Subchapter D. Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity
            • § 160.301. Acknowledgment of Paternity
            • § 160.306. Filing Fee Not Required
          • Subchapter F. Genetic Testing
            • § 160.502. Order for Testing
            • § 160.505. Genetic Testing Results; Rebuttal
  • Penal Code (select sections)
    • Title 1. Introductory Provisions
      • Chapter 1. General Provisions
        • 1.07. Definitions
    • Title 3. Punishments
      • Chapter 12. Punishments
        • Subchapter B. Ordinary Misdemeanor Punishments
          • § 12.21. Class A Misdemeanor
        • Subchapter C. Ordinary Felony Punishments
          • § 12.34. Third Degree Felony Punishment
    • Title 5. Offenses Against the Person
      • Chapter 20. Kidnapping and Unlawful Restraint
        • § 20.01. Definitions
        • § 20.02. Unlawful Restraint
        • § 20.03. Kidnapping
        • § 20.04. Aggravated Kidnapping
      • Chapter 20A. Trafficking of Persons
        • § 20A.02. Trafficking of Persons
      • Chapter 21. Sexual Offenses
        • § 21.02. Continuous Sexual Abuse of Young Child or Children
        • § 21.08. Indecent Exposure
        • § 21.11. Indecency With a Child
        • § 21.15. Improper Photography or Visual Recording
      • Chapter 22 Assaultive Offenses
        • § 22.01. Assault
        • § 22.011. Sexual Assault
        • § 22.02. Aggravated Assault
        • § 22.021. Aggravated Sexual Assault
        • § 22.07. Terroristic Threat
    • Title 6. Offenses Against the Family
      • Chapter 25. Offenses Against the Family
        • § 25.01. Bigamy
        • § 25.07. Violation of Certain Court Orders or Conditions of Bond in a Family Violence Case
    • Title 7. Offenses Against Property
      • Chapter 30. Burglary and Criminal Trespass
        • § 30.05. Criminal Trespass
      • Chapter 33. Computer Crimes
        • § 33.07. Online Impersonation
    • Title 9. Offenses Against Public Order and Decency
      • Chapter 42. Disorderly Conduct and Related Offenses
        • § 42.062. Interference With Emergency Telephone Call
        • § 42.07. Harassment
        • § 42.072. Stalking
      • Chapter 43. Public Indecency
        • Subchapter A. Prostitution
          • § 43.05. Compelling Prostitution
        • Subchapter B. Obscenity
          • § 43.25. Sexual Performance by a Child
    • Title 10. Offenses Against Public Health, Safety, and Morals
      • chapter 46 Weapons
        • § 46.04. Unlawful Possession of Firearm
  • Code of Criminal Procedure (select sections)
    • Title 1. Code of Criminal Procedure of 1965
      • After Commitment or Bail and Before the Trial
        • Chapter Twenty-Seven. The Pleading in Criminal Actions
          • Art. 27.14. Plea of guilty or nolo contendere in misdemeanor
      • Prevention and Suppression of Offenses
        • Chapter 7A. Protective Order for Certain Victims of Trafficking or Sexual Assault or Stalking
          • Art. 7A.01. Application for Protective Order
          • Art. 7A.02. Temporary Ex Parte Order
          • Art. 7A.05. Conditions Specified by Order
          • Art. 7A.07. Duration of Protective Order
      • Arrest, Commitment and Bail
        • Chapter Fourteen. Arrest Without Warrant
          • Art. 14.06. Must take offender before magistrate
        • Chapter Seventeen. Bail
          • Art. 17.292. Magistrate's Order for Emergency Protection

Chapter 101. Definitions

back to top101.0021. Bureau of Vital Statistics

“Bureau of vital statistics” means the bureau of vital statistics of the Texas Department of Health.