Legal Statutes: Texas

UPDATED October 16, 2012

Print this page

Back to Texas overview

• 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

Subchapter A. General Provisions

back to top153.009. 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 12 years of age or older and may interview in chambers a child under 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.

(b) 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 or on the court's own motion, the court may interview the child in chambers to determine the child's wishes as to possession, access, or any other issue in the suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

(c) Interviewing a child does not diminish the discretion of the court in determining the best interests of the child.

(d) In a jury trial, the court may not interview the child in chambers regarding an issue on which a party is entitled to a jury verdict.

(e) In any trial or hearing, the court may permit the attorney for a party, the amicus attorney, the guardian ad litem for the child, or the attorney ad litem for the child to be present at the interview.

(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 12 years of age or older. A record of the interview shall be part of the record in the case.