Changes to Practice Notes
Chapter 1Ethics and Malpractice Considerations
§ 1.16:3Television Advertising
The URL for the State Bar Advertising Review Department’s FAQ on Senate Bill 1189 was updated.
Chapter 2Attorney–Client Relationship and Communications
§ 2.8:5Requirement to Report Party’s Current Address
The first paragraph was revised to add the business court to the list of courts, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 30.015.
§ 2.9Requirement to Report Child Abuse
The reporting deadline was revised from forty-eight to twenty-four hours, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 261.101(b).
In the enumerated list, a new item was added to include reporting to the Texas Education Agency or the State Board for Educator Certification, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 261.103(a).
Chapter 3Divorce Pleadings
§ 3.1General
The paragraph beginning “Death of a party” was revised; the citation to Baker was updated.
§ 3.3Citation
This section was revised.
§ 3.6Trial before Associate Judge
This section was substantially revised. The citation to In re Laurie was added. A cross-reference to chapter 4 was added.
§ 3.7Pleadings Generally
The paragraph was revised to add the requirement to submit a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate to be filed under seal, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
§ 3.12Special Appearance
The paragraph was revised to add a citation to Tex. R. Civ. P. 120a(3) and the citation to In re Wood.
§ 3.21Grounds
The paragraph was revised; the citation to Tanner was added. The citation to Cassel was added in the disproportionate division paragraph.
§ 3.22Residence Requirements
The paragraph was revised; the citation to Boyd was added.
§ 3.27Informal Marriage
The citations to Doolittle and Montemayor were added.
§ 3.28Putative Spouse
The section heading was revised.
This section was substantially revised to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 6.202. Provisions on the filing deadline and extensions for military personnel and foreign service officers were revised.
§ 3.31General Rule of Property Division
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 3.32Separate Property
The citation to Eckhardt was added.
§ 3.33Community Property
Two paragraphs were deleted.
§ 3.36Reimbursement
The citation to Mohammed was added.
§ 3.38Reconstituted Community Estate
A cross-reference to the discussion of fraud on the community was added.
§ 3.41Best Interest of Child
The paragraphs addressing the parental fit presumption were revised to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 153.002.
§ 3.42Mandatory Joinder of Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship in Divorce Suit
A citation was deleted from the paragraph beginning “The requirement that a SAPCR must be included.”
§ 3.50Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
A new subsection, “Filing Suit Before Birth of the Child,” was added, including the citation to In re M.Z. The following paragraph was deleted.
§ 3.62Assault
The citation to Gonzales was added.
§ 3.63Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
The citation to Gonzales was added.
§ 3.64Interference with Possessory Interest in Child
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 3.66Actual Fraud
The citation to Stone was added in the discussion of fraud on community.
§ 3.82Conservatorship
A cross-reference to chapter 44 was added.
§ 3.83Attorney’s Fees, Court Costs, and Expenses
The section heading was revised and the first paragraph was updated to reflect the amendment of applicable statutes.
Chapter 4Divorce—Temporary Restraining Orders and Temporary Orders
§ 4.1Temporary Restraining Orders and Temporary Injunctions Generally
The paragraph was revised to reflect case law developments.
§ 4.9Requests for Temporary Orders
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 4.14Associate Judge and De Novo Hearing
The section heading was revised.
This section was added. The de novo hearing discussion was relocated from chapter 3 and expanded. The citations to In re Garcia, In re E.M., In re N.V., and In re Harris were added.
§ 4.18Temporary Orders Pending Appeal
The citation to Schaefer was added.
Chapter 5Discovery
§ 5.22:1Documents and Tangible Things Generally
The citation to Enterprise Crude GP LLC was added.
§ 5.50Effect of Failure to Timely Respond
The citation to In re O.L.C. was added. Section numbers were renumbered.
Chapter 6Information Gathering and Third-Party Notices
§ 6.1Useful Websites
Several URLs were updated or removed.
§ 6.13Information for Suits Affecting Parent-Child Relationship
The paragraph was revised to add “email address” to the list of required information, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 105.006.
Chapter 7Inventory and Appraisement
§ 7.4Judicial Admission
The citation to In re Marriage of Bassett was added.
§ 7.6On Appeal
The citation to Gonzalez was updated.
Chapter 8Ancillary Motions and Proceedings
§ 8.15Motion to Recuse or Disqualify Judge
The paragraph was revised; the citation to In re Marshall was added and the citation to In re Norman was updated.
§ 8.43Receiverships
A paragraph was added describing the characterization of property subject to receivership, including the citation to In re C.F.M. In the paragraph addressing appealability of receivership orders, the citation to In re Gagnon was added.
§ 8.51:1Traditional Motion for Summary Judgment
The citation to In re Estate of Guerrero was added.
§ 8.62Dismissal
The citation to Jones was added.
Chapter 9Child Support
§ 9.1Support of Child
A cross-reference to termination ground subsections was updated to reflect the renumbering of Tex. Fam. Code § 161.001(b)(1).
§ 9.2Who May Be Ordered to Pay
The citation to In re Marriage of Maldonado was added.
§ 9.6Termination of Duty of Support
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 9.7Retroactive Child Support
This section was substantially revised. The citations to Gonzales, Estrada, and Kazmi were added.
§ 9.21Net Resources Defined
The citation to Graves was added.
§ 9.31Guidelines for Net Resources of $11,700 or Less
The section heading was revised. The maximum monthly amount of net resources was updated from $9,200 to $11,700, reflecting the inflation adjustment under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125(a–1).
§ 9.32Guidelines for Net Resources of More Than $11,700
The section heading was revised. The maximum monthly amount of net resources was updated from $9,200 to $11,700, reflecting the inflation adjustment under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125(a–1).
§ 9.33Reduction as Number of Eligible Children Decreases
The citation to Squires was added.
§ 9.66Forms for Income Withholding
The URL for the federal income withholding form was updated.
§ 9.79Order for Withholding for Costs and Fees
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
Chapter 13Court-Ordered Representatives
§ 13.2Definitions
The definition of “amicus attorney” was revised, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 107.001(1).
§ 13.4Discretionary Appointment of Representatives
A statutory citation to Tex. Fam. Code § 107.021(a–1) was added.
§ 13.7Guardian Ad Litem at Trial
A statutory citation to Tex. Fam. Code § 107.002(f) was added.
§ 13.8Powers and Duties of Attorney Ad Litem
Statutory citations to Tex. Fam. Code §§ 107.003(a)(1) and 107.004(a)(1)–(2) were added.
§ 13.12Powers and Duties of Amicus Attorney
This section was substantially revised to reflect the reorganization of the amicus attorney framework.
§ 13.13Entitlements of Amicus Attorney
The enumeration was revised and expanded.
§ 13.15Fees for Representatives
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 13.17Immunity of Chapter 107 Appointees
The section heading was revised.
The immunity provision was revised to add child custody evaluators, adoption evaluators, and attorneys ad litem and amicus attorneys, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 107.009(a–1).
Chapter 14Judicial Bypass
§ 14.13Emergency
The paragraph describing prohibited practices by a physician was revised, reflecting the amendment of the Texas Occupations Code.
Chapter 15Collaborative Law
§ 15.2Definitions
This section was revised.
§ 15.19Paradigm Shift
This section was revised.
§ 15.20Practice Groups
This section was revised.
§ 15.21Useful Websites
An outdated URL was removed from the Useful Websites section.
Chapter 16Parenting Plans, Parenting Coordinators, and Parenting Facilitators
§ 16.41Parenting Facilitators Generally
The citation to Sposito was added regarding derived judicial immunity.
§ 16.42Appointment of Parenting Facilitator
This section was revised.
Chapter 17Protective Orders
§ 17.1Introduction
The introductory paragraph was revised to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 85.025.
§ 17.3Relationship between Protective Order and Other Suits
Two paragraphs were revised to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 85.064.
A paragraph was added describing new procedural requirements for transfer under Tex. Fam. Code § 85.064(c–1)–(c–4).
§ 17.5Form and Content of Application
The section heading was revised from “Contents of Application” to “Form and Content of Application.”
§ 17.6Temporary Orders and Extraordinary Relief
The paragraph addressing the supremacy of a protective order over other orders was revised to reflect the repeal of Tex. Fam. Code § 83.005 and its replacement by new Tex. Fam. Code § 81.012.
The paragraph addressing emergency protection order duration was revised to update the minimum and maximum periods.
§ 17.9Fees and Costs
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 17.12Findings and Orders
The note addressing the federal firearms prohibition was revised to reflect case law developments.
The paragraph regarding orders effective for more than two years was revised to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 85.025(a–1).
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 17.13Confidentiality of Certain Information
Two paragraphs were revised to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 85.007.
§ 17.15Modification of Orders
The paragraph was revised to reference new subsections (a–2), (a–3), and (a–4) of Tex. Fam. Code § 85.025. A paragraph was added regarding the court’s obligation to keep confidential any new address provided by a protected person, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 87.004.
§ 17.21Duration of Protective Orders
This section was revised throughout to reflect the addition of Tex. Fam. Code § 85.025(a–2)–(a–4). References to confinement tolling and the motion-to-review procedure were updated to reference the new subsections.
Chapter 18Alternative Dispute Resolution and Informal Settlement
§ 18.3Arbitration and Mediation Agreements
This section was substantially revised. The citations to Hoskins, Brady, Tye, and In re I.C. were added.
§ 18.4Confidentiality of Communications in ADR Proceedings
Under “Exceptions to Confidentiality,” the paragraph was revised to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 261.101(b).
§ 18.6Enforcement of Mediated Settlement Agreement
This section was substantially revised. The citations to Torres, Bouajram, and In re Montgomery were added.
Chapter 19Trial Proceedings
§ 19.8Default Judgment
The citation to Kom was added.
§ 19.10Motion for Additional Testimony
The citations to In re I.S., Stroik, and In re E.G.M. were added.
§ 19.12Request for Jury Trial
The citation to In re R.D.B. was added.
§ 19.23Offers of Proof and Formal Bills of Exception
This section was added.
Chapter 20Attorney’s Fees
§ 20.12Authorization to Recover Attorney’s Fees
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 20.22Proof for Interim Attorney’s Fees
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
Chapter 23Divorce—Decrees and Agreements Incident to Divorce
§ 23.8Debts and Tax Liabilities
This section was revised.
§ 23.9Spousal Maintenance and Contractual Alimony
The citation to Mullis was added regarding temporary spousal support and post-divorce maintenance. The citation to Duarte-Hernandez was added regarding minimum reasonable needs.
A paragraph was added incorporating the citation to Gomez v. Gomez regarding obligations characterized as additional spousal support. The citation to In re T.M.B. was added regarding termination of maintenance on cohabitation grounds. A “Practice Tip” label was changed to “Comment,” and the Comment was revised and expanded.
The citation to Masimula was added regarding spousal maintenance awards without supporting pleadings.
Under “Contractual Alimony,” the first paragraph was revised and the citation to Dalton was updated. A paragraph was added regarding wage withholding for voluntary support obligations under Tex. Fam. Code § 8.101(b)(1). The following paragraph was deleted.
§ 23.10Attorney’s Fees
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised. The “Property Division” subsection was deleted. The paragraphs under “Suits Affecting Parent-Child Relationship” were revised to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 106.002.
§ 23.46Dependency Exemption
This section was revised to reflect the permanent elimination of the personal exemption deduction under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Pub. L. No. 119-21. The citation to 26 U.S.C. § 151(d)(5) was updated accordingly.
Chapter 24Closing Documents
§ 24.21Motor Vehicles
The odometer disclosure paragraph was revised to update the vehicle age threshold from ten model years to twenty model years and to add a citation to 49 C.F.R. pt. 580.
§ 24.33Transfer of U.S. Savings Bonds
The URL for the savings bond redemption calculator was updated. The mailing address, telephone number, and form reference for bond transfer instructions were updated to reflect current TreasuryDirect information.
§ 24.42Transfer of Patent
The submission instructions were revised and the URL was updated to https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov.
§ 24.43Transfer of Trademark
The submission instructions were revised and the URL was updated to https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov.
§ 24.51Useful Websites
Several URLs were updated, including links for boat transfer forms, manufactured housing, savings bond forms, and patent and trademark assignment.
Chapter 25Employment and Retirement Benefits
§ 25.12Methods of Division
The citation to In re J.Y.O. was updated. The citation to Key was added regarding the treatment of employer matching contributions in the division of a 401(k) plan.
§ 25.31Continuing Jurisdiction for Order Dividing Retirement Plans
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 25.72Definitions
This section was revised with expanded definitions of military retirement terms.
§ 25.73Divisible Benefits
The paragraph addressing limitations on division was revised; the citation to In re Marriage of Homburg was added.
§ 25.81Military Retirement Resources
URLs and related references were updated.
§ 25.101Railroad Retirement Generally
The form citation and URL for Railroad Retirement Board Form IB-2 were updated to the 2025 edition.
§ 25.103Requirements for Court Decree
The reference to Form G-177d was replaced with a citation to the Railroad Retirement Board’s Attorney’s Guide to the Partition of Railroad Retirement Annuities, and the URL was updated.
§ 25.106Cessation of Divorced Spouse Benefits
The reference to Form G-177C was replaced with a citation to the Railroad Retirement Board’s Legal Partition and Divorced Spouse Annuities Q&A, and the URL was updated.
§ 25.121Continuing Jurisdiction for Order for Payment of Spousal Maintenance
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 25.131Continuing Jurisdiction for Order for Payment of Child Support
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 25.151Useful Websites
Several URLs were updated, including links for Railroad Retirement Board publications and the Thrift Savings Plan retirement benefits order center.
Chapter 26Posttrial Proceedings and Appeals
§ 26.1Final Order
The citations to In re A.I.M. and Baker were added.
§ 26.2Posttrial Pleadings
The citation to In re E.G.M. was added.
§ 26.3:5After Default Judgment
The citation to In re Marriage of Baron & Terrazas was added under “Improper Service.” A sentence was added and the citation to In re I.L.S. was updated under “No Notice of Trial.” The citation to In re Marriage of Guggenheim was added under “Meritorious Defense.”
§ 26.3:7Plenary Power
The citation to In re Harris was added.
§ 26.3:8Order on Motion for New Trial
The citation to In re Sanchez was added.
§ 26.5Request for Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
The citations to Kepper and Pineda were added.
§ 26.8Relief Pending Appeal
The citation to Liu was added in the “Suspension of Judgment” paragraph. A case citation was updated with the correct reporter and date. Two enumerations in temporary order lists were revised to add “court costs” and to update punctuation, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 105.001.
§ 26.19Appellate Record
This section was revised.
§ 26.23Estoppel to Appeal
References to “direct appeals by writ of error” and “affidavit of indigency” were updated to reflect current procedural terminology.
§ 26.24Modification Suit Pending Appeal
A pinpoint citation and parenthetical were added to an existing citation.
§ 26.29Useful Websites
The Fifteenth Court of Appeals was added to the list of useful websites.
Chapter 27Mandamus
§ 27.11Alternative Dispute Resolution
The citation to In re Torres was added.
§ 27.12Appellate Court’s Mandate
The citation to In re Delgado was added.
§ 27.18Court-Ordered Representatives
A statutory cross-reference was updated from Tex. Fam. Code § 107.007(a) to § 107.027, reflecting the reorganization of the amicus attorney framework.
§ 27.20Discovery
The citation to In re H.J. was added in the “Pretrial Discovery” section.
§ 27.22Grandparent and Other Third-Party Possession and Access
The statutory cross-reference was updated to include Tex. Fam. Code §§ 153.002(b), (c) and 156.008, reflecting the codification of the fit-parent presumption in modification proceedings.
§ 27.23Habeas Corpus
The citation to In re B.R. was added.
§ 27.25Intervention
The citation to In re Huff was added.
§ 27.26Jurisdiction
The citation to In re Sproul was added.
§ 27.29Order on Motion for New Trial
The citation to In re Sanchez was added.
§ 27.30Protection of Constitutional Rights
The citation to In re H.J. was revised with a corrected citation and parenthetical in the “Right Against Self-Incrimination” section.
§ 27.32Refusal to Rule
The citation to In re Avery was added.
§ 27.33Temporary Orders
The citation to In re Salazar was added in the “Primary Residence” paragraph.
§ 27.37Venue
The citation to In re Anderson was added.
§ 27.38Void Orders
The citations to In re S.B. and In re T.B. were added.
Chapter 31Enforcement—Property
§ 31.2Limitations
Pinpoint citations were added to several existing case citations. The citation to Peterson was added in the tangible personal property paragraph. Pinpoint citations were also added in the paragraphs addressing mediated settlement agreements and judgments.
§ 31.4Clear and Specific Language
A gendered pronoun was removed from the paragraph describing the enforcement standard.
§ 31.6No Change of Division of Property
The citation to Smith-Bragg was added. Pinpoint citations were added to several existing citations.
§ 31.10Qualified Domestic Relations Orders
A pinpoint citation was added to an existing citation. The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 31.14Costs and Attorney’s Fees
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 31.23Contempt
Pinpoint citations were added to existing citations.
§ 31.24Money Judgment
Statutory cross-references were updated.
§ 31.25Abstracting Judgment
Statutory cross-references were updated.
§ 31.27Garnishment
Statutory cross-references were updated.
§ 31.28Turnover Statute
Statutory cross-references were updated.
§ 31.29Execution
Statutory cross-references were updated.
§ 31.30Constructive Trust
Pinpoint citations were added to existing citations.
Chapter 32Enforcement—Spousal Maintenance
§ 32.9Attorney’s Fees, Court Costs, and Expenses
The section heading was revised to add “Court Costs, and Expenses.” The paragraph was revised to reflect the addition of Tex. Fam. Code § 8.063.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 32.10Overpayment
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 32.28Duties of Employer
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
Chapter 33Enforcement—Child Support
§ 33.12Limitations
The paragraph was revised; the citation to In re A.E.C. was added.
§ 33.17Attorney’s Fees
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 33.72Forfeiture
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 33.83Effect of Lien Notice; Duration and Effect of Lien
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 33.86Release of Lien; Release of Excess Funds
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 33.87Foreclosure or Suit to Determine Arrearages
The paragraph was rewritten to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 157.323.
§ 33.90Levy on Financial Assets of Obligor
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 33.95Accrual of Interest on Child Support Generally
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
Chapter 34Enforcement—Possession and Access
§ 34.7Clear and Specific Order
The paragraph was revised; the citation to In re H.W. was added regarding interpretation of agreed orders as contracts.
§ 34.14Make-Up Visitation
The paragraph was revised to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 157.168. A “Practice Tip” label was changed to “Comment,” and the Comment was revised.
§ 34.15Attorney’s Fees
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 34.51Clarification Order
The citation to In re H.W. was added.
Chapter 35Contempt
§ 35.17Enforcement of Award of Attorney’s Fees
This section was revised to reflect the addition of Tex. Fam. Code § 157.167(e).
§ 35.63Suspended Commitment
The paragraph was revised to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 157.165. The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
Chapter 36Physical Possession of Child
§ 36.41Nature of Remedy
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 36.45Hearing and Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
Chapter 40Original Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship
§ 40.3Who May Bring Suit
The enumerated list of persons with standing under Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a) was revised to reflect legislative changes.
A Practice Tip was revised to a Note. The standing provision following termination of all parental rights was revised.
§ 40.4Citation
This section was revised. The citations to In re B.D.M., In re A.L.S., and In re M.B.G. were added.
§ 40.5Contents of Petition
The citation to In re Sproul was added.
§ 40.11Managing Conservatorship
This section was revised. The citations to In re C.B.B., In re R.W.N.R., and In re L.T. were added.
§ 40.12Possessory Conservatorship or Access to Child
This section was revised.
§ 40.13:2Jewish Holidays
This section was revised.
§ 40.14Interview with Child
The citation to In re C.J. was added.
§ 40.16Attorney’s Fees and Costs
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 40.17Temporary Orders
The citation to In re L.F.W.N. was added.
§ 40.18Jury
This section was revised.
§ 40.22Mandatory Provisions in Order
The “Other Required Information” paragraph was revised to add “email address” to the list of required information and to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 105.006.
Chapter 41Modification of Texas Orders
§ 41.2Standing
The nonparent standing discussion was substantially condensed and relocated to chapter 44. A cross-reference was added.
§ 41.3Pleadings
A paragraph was added regarding the birth certificate filing requirement, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
§ 41.4Conditions Precedent to Filing Suit
The citation to In re Dupuis was added.
§ 41.8Frivolous Suits
The paragraph was revised to reflect changes to the attorney’s fees provisions, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 156.005.
§ 41.9:4Presumptions in Modification Suits
This section was substantially revised to reflect the codification of the fit-parent presumption, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 153.002.
A paragraph was added regarding the prohibition on nonparent reliance on prior consent orders, reflecting the addition of Tex. Fam. Code § 156.008.
§ 41.9:5Material Change of Circumstances
A paragraph was added regarding the new contempt-based ground for modification, reflecting the addition of Tex. Fam. Code § 156.107.
§ 41.10Grounds: Child Support
A cross-reference was corrected. The citations to Doyle and In re S.A.L. were added.
§ 41.11Temporary Orders
The citation to In re C.B.B. was added.
§ 41.18Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course; Counseling
The counseling paragraph was revised and new text was added to reflect new limitations on court-ordered counseling, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 153.010.
§ 41.31Spousal Maintenance
The attorney’s fees paragraph was revised to reflect the addition of Tex. Fam. Code § 8.063.
Chapter 42Transfer
§ 42.2Where Venue Is Proper
A paragraph was added reflecting the absence of a time-limitation residency requirement in original actions. The citation to In re B.G.J. was added.
§ 42.3Determining Residence of Child for Proper Venue
The paragraph was revised to reflect the permanency requirement for establishing a child’s residence for venue purposes. The citation to In re B.G.J. was added.
§ 42.8Effect of Transfer
The description of documents transmitted by the transferring court clerk was revised to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 155.207(a)(4).
§ 42.11Identifying Court of Continuing, Exclusive Jurisdiction
The paragraph was revised to reflect changes to the VSU request process, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 155.101(b) and addition of § 155.101(e).
Chapter 43Interstate Proceedings
§ 43.3Jurisdiction Prerequisites Generally
This section was revised.
§ 43.4Home-State Jurisdiction
The citation to In re M.Z. was added to the paragraph beginning “The home state cannot be determined before a child is born.”
§ 43.5Significant-Connection/Substantial-Evidence Jurisdiction
The citation to In re J.S.N. was added.
§ 43.6No Other State Has Jurisdiction or Other State Declines Jurisdiction
The citation to In re Jenkins was added regarding the requirement of record evidence to support a claim that another court declined jurisdiction.
§ 43.7Temporary Emergency Jurisdiction
This section was revised.
§ 43.10Simultaneous Proceedings in Another State
The citation to In re C.J.S. was added.
§ 43.11Inconvenient Forum
This section was revised.
§ 43.12Texas Declines Jurisdiction by Reason of Conduct
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 43.39Pleadings, Accompanying Documents, Procedure, and Evidence
The section heading was revised to add “Procedure, and Evidence.” The paragraph was revised to add context on UIFSA procedural rules and the citation to In re OAG.
Chapter 44Grandparents and Other Nonparents
§ 44.1General Standing to File Original Suit
The numbered list of persons with standing to file was revised and renumbered to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003. The phrase “actual care, control, and possession” in item 3 was changed to “exclusive care, control, and possession” (§ 102.003(a)(9)).
Former item 5—relating to persons residing with a deceased guardian, managing conservator, or parent—was deleted, and subsequent items were renumbered.
The foster parent, relative, and designated caregiver provision was revised to add exceptions for children returned to a parent under §§ 263.401 and 263.403, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(11).
The degree of consanguinity in the relative-of-deceased-parents provision was changed from third to fourth, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(12).
The reference to the degree of consanguinity in the discussion of § 102.004(a) was revised to substitute “fourth degree” for “third degree.”
The discussion of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.0031 was revised. A paragraph was added reflecting new subsection (a-1).
The citations to In re A.G. and In re Battenfield were added.
§ 44.3The Fit-Parent Presumption—Texas Family Code § 153.002
The section heading was revised.
This section was revised to reflect the codification of the fit-parent presumption, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 153.002.
§ 44.4Managing Conservatorship
The statutory citations were updated and the internal cross-reference to § 44.3 was corrected.
§ 44.5Joint Managing Conservatorship
The reference to the degree of consanguinity in the discussion of § 102.004(a) was revised to substitute “fourth degree” for “third degree,” reflecting the amendment of that section.
§ 44.6Possessory Conservatorship
This section was substantially revised to reflect the restructuring of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.004(b).
§ 44.7Possession of or Access to Grandchild
A comment was added regarding Tex. Fam. Code § 153.002(c).
§ 44.8Suit to Request Termination and Adoption
The standing list was revised to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.005. Former items 3 and 5 were deleted and the remaining items were renumbered.
§ 44.9Intervention in Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship
This section was substantially revised to reflect the same framework described in § 44.6.
The citations to In re A.G., In re K.L.C., and In re Huff were added.
§ 44.10Suit for Modification
The term “parental presumption” was changed to “fit-parent presumption” throughout, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code §§ 153.002 and 156.008. A paragraph was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 156.008.
§ 44.11Sibling Access
Case citations in this section were updated.
§ 44.12Pleadings
A Comment was added regarding new pleading requirements for nonparents under Tex. Fam. Code §§ 102.0031 and 102.008.
§ 44.15Best Interest of Child
The paragraph was revised to add a statutory citation to Tex. Fam. Code § 153.002(b), reflecting the amendment of that section.
§ 44.16Attorney’s Fees, Court Costs, and Expenses
The section heading and paragraph were revised to add “Court Costs, and Expenses” and to update cross-references.
Chapter 50Termination
§ 50.2Choice Between One Proceeding or Two
Several paragraphs were revised for clarity.
§ 50.3Indian Child Welfare Act
This section was substantially revised.
§ 50.7Paternity Registry
Case law citations were updated.
§ 50.8Affidavit of Voluntary Relinquishment of Parental Rights
This section was revised.
§ 50.21Nature of Remedy
This section was revised.
§ 50.22Paternity Registry
The birth certificate requirement paragraph was revised, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
§ 50.26Who May Bring Suit
The enumerated list of qualifying petitioners under Tex. Fam. Code § 102.005 was revised to reflect legislative changes, removing certain categories and restructuring the list.
§ 50.32Appointments in Termination Suits by Governmental Entity
The reference to “affidavit of indigence” was updated to “Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs,” per Tex. R. Civ. P. 145(b).
§ 50.33Appointments in Termination Suits Other than Suits by Governmental Entity
The definition of “amicus attorney” was updated to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 107.001(1). The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 50.34Effect of Decree
This section was revised.
§ 50.35Appointment of Managing Conservator
This section was revised.
§ 50.36Trial
This section was revised.
§ 50.39Preferential Setting
This section was revised.
§ 50.41Attorney’s Fees and Costs
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 50.54Petition
Birth certificate requirement paragraphs were revised to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
Chapter 51Adoption of Child
§ 51.12Pleadings
The birth certificate requirement paragraph was revised, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
§ 51.14Qualifications of Petitioner
The enumerated list of qualifying petitioners under Tex. Fam. Code § 102.005 was revised to reflect legislative changes, consistent with the revisions made in chapter 50.
§ 51.17Consents Required
The citation to In re J.W. was added.
§ 51.19Adoption Evaluations
This section was revised to address waiver of the adoption evaluation requirement in uncontested step-parent adoptions.
§ 51.26Direct or Collateral Attack
This section was revised.
§ 51.51Useful Websites
The AAICPC resources URL and the Texas Department of State Health Services central adoption registry URL were updated.
Chapter 52Combined Termination and Adoption of Stepchild
§ 52.1Scope of Chapter
This section was revised.
§ 52.3Adoption Evaluation
This section was added.
Chapter 54Parentage
§ 54.30Attorney’s Fees and Costs
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 54.34Gestational Agreements
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
Chapter 55International SAPCR Issues
§ 55.11International Adoptions and U.S. Citizenship
The time estimate for visa issuance was updated.
§ 55.12Registration of Foreign Order
The term “home study” was changed to “adoption evaluation.”
§ 55.24Central Authority
Contact information for the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues was updated, including the mailing address, telephone numbers, email address, and URL.
Chapter 61Miscellaneous Litigation
§ 61.1Bill of Review
The citation to Hernandez was added. The paragraph regarding the due-diligence requirement was revised.
§ 61.6Postdivorce Property Division
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
§ 61.7Removal of Disabilities of Minority
The paragraph was revised to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 31.006.
§ 61.9Interference with Possessory Interest in Child
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised.
Chapter 62Annulment and Suit to Declare Marriage Void
§ 62.15Grounds
This section was revised.
§ 62.16Limitation of Actions
This section was revised.
§ 62.24Trial
The citation to In re Marriage of Thrash was added.
§ 62.36Grounds
This section was revised.
Chapter 63Property Agreements
§ 63.26Grounds
The “Prior Marriage” paragraph was revised to reflect the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 6.202.
A paragraph was added describing filing extensions for military personnel and foreign service officers.
Changes to Forms
Chapter 2Attorney–Client Relationship and Communications
Form 2-2Employment Contract
The scope of services section was revised to clarify the exclusion of postjudgment and appellate work.
The retirement benefits and domestic relations order section was revised to update the language regarding specialists and the preparation, processing, and filing of these documents.
The retainer section was revised for consistency in terminology and to address ethics opinion compliance regarding nonrefundable retainers.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
The privacy policy section was expanded.
Chapter 3Divorce Pleadings
Form 3-1Original Petition for Divorce
The school enrollment section was revised to add the right to designate the child’s school.
A statement regarding whether a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate has been filed with the petition was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 3-3Temporary Restraining Order and Order Setting Hearing for Temporary Orders
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 3-4Notice of Hearing for Temporary Orders and Order to Appear
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 3-16Respondent’s Original Answer
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 3-47Request for Temporary Orders Pending Appeal
The school enrollment section was revised to add the right to designate the child’s school.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 4Divorce—Temporary Restraining Orders and Temporary Orders
Form 4-1Motion for Temporary Orders
The prayer language was revised.
Form 4-3Temporary Orders
The right to designate the child’s school and to enroll the child in school was added to the rights and duties section of conservatorship.
The maximum monthly amount of net resources was updated from $9,200 to $11,700, reflecting the inflation adjustment under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125(a-1).
The required information section was revised to add options for including all information, excluding all information, or excluding all information except email addresses.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 4-8Order on Motion for Counseling
The counseling scope language was revised to clarify applicability when the parties are parents of a child who is the subject of the suit.
Chapter 5Discovery
Form 5-23Request for Production or Inspection
This form was substantially revised and expanded. Production requests were reorganized, and new requests were added covering topics including trust interests, intellectual property, club memberships, assisted reproduction, and passport documents.
Form 5-24Response to Request for Production and Inspection
The conditions-to-response section was removed, and a minor wording revision was made to the objection language.
Form 5-41Written Interrogatories
Email address was added to the “Identity and Location” definition.
Form 5-43Pattern Interrogatories—General
This form was substantially revised. Several interrogatories were reorganized, and new interrogatories were added covering family violence and intimate sexual contact. Former interrogatories requesting identification of documents related to specific claims were removed.
Form 5-44Pattern Interrogatories—Property
This form was substantially revised. New interrogatories were added covering trust interests, spousal maintenance factors, and gifts or transfers to entities. Business entity interrogatories were expanded, and the property division interrogatories were revised.
Form 5-45Pattern Interrogatories—Conservatorship
Minor revisions were made, including changing the cost-of-activities reference from annual to monthly and removing the Social Security number reference.
Form 5-46Pattern Interrogatories—Modification of Child Support
A minor revision was made to change the cost-of-activities reference from annual to monthly.
Form 5-47Pattern Interrogatories—Modification of Conservatorship
An interrogatory was added regarding whether circumstances alleged to be materially and substantially changed were anticipated at the time of the prior order.
Chapter 6Information Gathering and Third-Party Notices
Form 6-3Request for Copy of Tax Return
This externally sourced PDF form was replaced with an updated version.
Chapter 9Child Support
Form 9-3Income Withholding for Support
This externally sourced PDF form was replaced with an updated version.
Form 9-12Original Petition to Terminate or Modify Withholding
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 9-13Order Terminating or Modifying Withholding Order or Writ
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 9-14Petition for Support of Disabled Child
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 9-15Order for Support of Disabled Child
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
The required information section was revised to add options for including all information, excluding all information, or excluding all information except email addresses.
Form 9-16Original Petition to Recover Child Support Paid in Excess of Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 9-17Order to Recover Child Support Paid in Excess of Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 9-19Petition to Reduce Balance of Child Support Obligation of Deceased Obligor
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 9-20Judgment for Balance of Deceased Obligor’s Child Support Obligation
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 13Court-Ordered Representatives
Form 13-2Original Answer by Attorney Ad Litem Cited by [Publication/Substituted Service]
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 13-6Order Appointing Attorney Ad Litem for Child[ren]
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 13-7Order Appointing Guardian Ad Litem
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 13-8Order Appointing Amicus Attorney
Orders appropriate for an amicus attorney appointed in a suit filed on or after September 1, 2025, were added, reflecting the reorganization of the amicus attorney framework by 2025 Texas House Bill 2530.
Form 13-9Original Answer in SAPCR (Ad Litem or Amicus)
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 13-10Motion for Additional Deposit to Secure Fees
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 13-16Motion to Remove Amicus
This form was added.
Form 13-17Order on Motion to Remove Amicus
This form was added.
Chapter 15Collaborative Law
Form 15-14Collaborative Law Settlement Agreement
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 16Parenting Plans and Agreements
Form 16-1Parenting Plan—Proposed or Agreed
The right to designate the child’s school and to enroll the child in school was added to the rights and duties section of conservatorship.
Chapter 17Protective Orders
Form 17-1Application for Protective Order
This externally sourced PDF form was replaced with an updated version.
Form 17-2Protective Order
This externally sourced PDF form was replaced with an updated version.
Form 17-3Temporary Ex Parte Order
This externally sourced PDF form was replaced with an updated version.
Form 17-6Order Transferring Protective Order
A finding by the court that the transfer will not negatively impact any person protected by the protective order was added for cases filed on or after September 1, 2025, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 85.064 by 2025 Senate Bill 1559.
Form 17-16Motion for Enforcement of Protective Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 17-18Answer to Motion for Enforcement of Protective Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 17-19[Order [Clarifying/Holding Respondent in Contempt for Violating] Protective Order]
This form was revised.
Form 17-20TCIC Data Entry Form
This externally sourced PDF form was replaced with an updated version.
Form 17-25Family Law Practice Manual’s Original Application for a Protective Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 17-26Family Law Practice Manual’s Original Final Protective Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
A mandatory warning was added providing that the order prevails over any other order while subject to transfer, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 85.064 by 2025 Senate Bill 1559.
Form 17-27Family Law Practice Manual’s Original Temporary Ex Parte Protective Order with Hearing Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
A mandatory warning was added providing that the order prevails over any other order while subject to transfer, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 85.064 by 2025 Senate Bill 1559.
Chapter 18Alternative Dispute Resolution and Informal Settlement
Form 18-3Motion for Mediation
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 18-16Allocation of Parental Rights and Duties
The right to designate the child’s school and to enroll the child in school was added to the allocation of parental rights and duties.
Form 18-17Mediated Settlement Agreement
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 18-31Petition or Motion to Compel Arbitration
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 18-32Response to Petition or Motion to Compel Arbitration
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 18-33Order on Petition or Motion to Compel Arbitration
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 18-51Informal Settlement Agreement
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 19Trial Proceedings
Form 19-8Motion for Judge to Confer with Child
A provision was added for cases in which a jury will be empaneled, and subsequent sections were renumbered.
Form 19-9Order on Motion for Judge to Confer with Child
A provision was added for post-jury-verdict interviews. Appellate counsel was added to the list of persons who may receive a copy of the interview record.
Form 19-11Request for Jury Trial
The jury fee tendering language was removed.
Chapter 23Divorce—Decrees and Agreements Incident to Divorce
Form 23-1Final Decree of Divorce
Commentary was added regarding the fit-parent presumption language required by Tex. Fam. Code § 153.002 when a nonparent is appointed conservator.
The right to designate the child’s school and to enroll the child in school was added to the rights and duties section of conservatorship.
The maximum monthly amount of net resources was updated from $9,200 to $11,700, reflecting the inflation adjustment under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125(a-1).
The standard possession order holidays section was restructured into individual provisions for Christmas, Thanksgiving, the child’s birthday, Father’s Day, and Mother’s Day.
An option was added for the weekend period of possession to extend through Tuesday when Monday is a student holiday or teacher in-service day.
Language was added requiring advance written notice of the pickup and return location for designated weekends.
The required information section was revised to add options for including all information, excluding all information, or excluding all information except email addresses.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
A new appellate attorney’s fees framework with court costs and expenses was added, reflecting the amendment of applicable statutes by 2025 Texas House Bill 2524.
The property description sections were expanded to add mineral interests, credit card and charge accounts, and additional categories of personal property.
The motor vehicle transfer section was revised to reference the current Texas Department of Motor Vehicles form.
The name change section was revised to add “a former name” language.
Form 23-4Statement of Evidence—Divorce
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 23-6Agreement Incident to Divorce
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 24Closing Documents
Form 24-2Application for Texas Title and/or Registration
This externally sourced PDF form was replaced with an updated version.
Form 24-24UCC1
This externally sourced PDF form was replaced with an updated version.
Chapter 25Employment and Retirement Benefits
Form 25-43Original Petition to Enter or Clarify Postdivorce Domestic Relations Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 26Posttrial Proceedings and Appeals
Form 26-4Order on Motion to Set Aside Default Judgment
This form was substantially expanded to add Appearances, Record, and Argument Only/Evidence Presented sections and to provide separate grant and deny ruling options.
Form 26-6Order on Motion for New Trial
This form was substantially expanded to add Appearances, Record, and Argument Only/Evidence Presented sections and to provide separate full grant, partial grant, and deny ruling options.
Form 26-7Motion for Temporary Orders Pending Appeal
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 26-10Request for Findings in Child Support Order
The maximum monthly amount of net resources was updated from $9,200 to $11,700, reflecting the inflation adjustment under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125(a-1).
Form 26-13Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
The maximum monthly amount of net resources was updated from $9,200 to $11,700, reflecting the inflation adjustment under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125(a-1).
Chapter 31Enforcement—Property
Form 31-1Petition for Clarification of Property Division
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 31-2Order on Petition for Clarification of Property Division
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 31-3Petition for Enforcement of Property Division
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 31-4Enforcement Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 31-5Petition for Enforcement of Property Division by Contempt
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 31-7Answer to Petition for Enforcement of Property Division by Contempt
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 31-8Order of Enforcement by Contempt and Suspension of Commitment (Property Division)
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 31-9Motion to Revoke Suspension of Commitment
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 31-11Order Revoking Suspension and for Commitment to County Jail
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 31-12Order Holding Respondent in Contempt and Commitment (Property Division)
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 32Enforcement—Spousal Maintenance
Form 32-1Petition for Enforcement of Spousal Maintenance
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 32-3Answer to Petition for Enforcement of Spousal Maintenance
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 32-4Order of Enforcement by Contempt and Suspension of Commitment—Spousal Maintenance
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 32-5Motion to Revoke Suspension of Commitment—Spousal Maintenance
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 32-6Order to Appear
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 32-7Order Revoking Suspension and for Commitment to County Jail
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 32-8Order Holding Respondent in Contempt (with Commitment)—Spousal Maintenance
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 32-17Original Petition to Terminate/Modify Order/Writ of Income Withholding—Spousal Maintenance
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 32-18Order Terminating/Modifying Order/Writ of Income Withholding—Spousal Maintenance
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 32-19Motion to Confirm Spousal Maintenance Arrearage
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 32-20Order on Motion to Confirm Arrearage of Spousal Maintenance
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 32-21Original Petition to Recover Overpayment of Spousal Maintenance
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 32-22Order on Petition to Recover Overpayment of Spousal Maintenance
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 33Enforcement—Child Support
Form 33-1Motion for Clarification of Child Support Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-2Order on Motion for Clarification of Child Support Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-3Motion for Enforcement of Child Support Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-6Answer to Motion for Enforcement of Child Support Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-7Order for Enforcement of Child Support—Contempt (Suspended Commitment)
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-8Motion to Revoke Suspension of Commitment—Child Support
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-9Order to Appear—Motion to Revoke Suspension of Commitment—Child Support
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-10Order Revoking Suspension and for Commitment—Child Support
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-11Order for Enforcement of Child Support—Respondent in Contempt (with Commitment)
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-21Motion to Confirm Child Support Arrearage
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-22Judgment for Child Support Arrearage
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-23Order to Withhold Income for Attorney’s Fees, Court Costs, and Expenses
Title was changed accordingly.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-24Motion for Security for Payment of Child Support
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-25Order for Security for Payment of Child Support
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-26Motion for Forfeiture of Security for Failure to Comply with Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-27Order for Forfeiture of Security for Failure to Comply with Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-31Motion to Enforce Withholding from Earnings
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-33Order Enforcing Withholding from Earnings
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-41Release of Child Support Lien
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-51Petition for Suspension of License for Failure to Pay Child Support or Comply with Subpoena
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-55Order Suspending License and Stay of Suspension
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-56Motion to Revoke Stay of Suspension of License—Child Support
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 33-58Order on Motion to Revoke Stay of Suspension
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 34Enforcement—Possession and Access
Form 34-1Motion for Clarification of Prior Order for Possession or Access
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 34-2Order on Motion for Clarification of Prior Order for Possession or Access
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 34-3Motion for Enforcement of Possession or Access
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
An option was added regarding modification of possession or access upon a contempt finding that a conservator failed to provide possession of or access to a child three or more times, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 157.167 by 2025 Texas House Bill 3181.
Form 34-6Answer to Motion for Enforcement of Possession or Access
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 34-7Order of Enforcement by Contempt and Suspension of Commitment (Possession or Access)
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 34-8Motion to Revoke Suspension of Commitment—Possession or Access
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 34-10Order Revoking Suspension and for Commitment to County Jail
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 34-11Order Holding Respondent in Contempt with Commitment (Possession or Access)
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
An option was added regarding modification of possession or access upon a contempt finding that a conservator failed to provide possession of or access to a child three or more times, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 157.167 by 2025 Texas House Bill 3181.
Form 34-21Motion for Security for Compliance with Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 34-22Order for Security for Compliance with Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 34-23Motion for Forfeiture of Security for Failure to Comply with Order Granting Possession and Access
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 34-24Order for Forfeiture of Security for Failure to Comply with Order Granting Possession and Access
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 34-31Petition for Suspension of License for Failure to Comply with a Court Order Providing for Possession and Access
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 34-35Order Suspending License [and Stay of Suspension]
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 34-36Motion to Revoke Stay of Suspension of License (Possession or Access)
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 34-38Order on Motion to Revoke Stay of Suspension of License
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 36Physical Possession of Child
Form 36-11Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus—Return of Children
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 36-12Response to Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus—Children
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 36-21Petition for Enforcement of Child Custody Determination
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 36-23Response to Petition for Enforcement of Child Custody Determination
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 36-24Request for Warrant to Take Physical Custody of Child
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 40Original Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship
Form 40-1Petition in Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship
A statement regarding whether a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate has been filed with the petition was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
The right to designate the child’s school and to enroll the child in school was added to the rights and duties section of conservatorship.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 40-3Temporary Restraining Order with Order Setting Hearing
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 40-4Notice of Hearing for Temporary Orders and Order to Appear—SAPCR
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 40-5Temporary Orders—SAPCR
The right to designate the child’s school and to enroll the child in school was added to the rights and duties section of conservatorship.
The maximum monthly amount of net resources was updated from $9,200 to $11,700, reflecting the inflation adjustment under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125(a-1).
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Language was added for orders reached in mediation or pursuant to the collaborative law process.
Form 40-6Order in Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship
A fit-parent presumption finding was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 153.002 by 2025 Senate Bill 2052.
The right to designate the child’s school and to enroll the child in school was added to the rights and duties section of conservatorship.
The maximum monthly amount of net resources was updated from $9,200 to $11,700, reflecting the inflation adjustment under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125(a-1).
The required information section was revised to add options for including all information, excluding all information, or excluding all information except email addresses.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout, and a new appellate attorney’s fees framework with court costs and expenses was added, reflecting the amendment of applicable statutes by 2025 Texas House Bill 2524.
Language was added for orders reached in mediation or pursuant to the collaborative law process.
Chapter 41Modification of Texas Orders
Form 41-1Petition to Modify Parent-Child Relationship
A statement regarding whether a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate has been filed with the petition was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
An option was added to request modifying a child support order to allow a person with physical possession of a child for at least six months to receive child support under certain circumstances.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 41-4Respondent’s Original Answer—Modification
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 41-5Motion to Deny Relief in Suit to Modify Parent-Child Relationship
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 41-7Temporary Restraining Order and Order Setting Hearing for Temporary Orders—Modification
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 41-8Notice of Hearing for Temporary Orders and Order to Appear—Modification
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 41-9Temporary Orders in Suit to Modify Parent-Child Relationship
The right to designate the child’s school and to enroll the child in school was added to the rights and duties section of conservatorship.
The maximum monthly amount of net resources was updated from $9,200 to $11,700, reflecting the inflation adjustment under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125(a-1).
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Language was added for orders reached in mediation or pursuant to the collaborative law process.
The Texas Attorney General website URL for child support payment information was updated.
Form 41-10Order in Suit to Modify Parent-Child Relationship
A fit-parent presumption finding was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 153.002 by 2025 Senate Bill 2052.
The right to designate the child’s school and to enroll the child in school was added to the rights and duties section of conservatorship.
The maximum monthly amount of net resources was updated from $9,200 to $11,700, reflecting the inflation adjustment under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125(a-1).
The required information section was revised to add options for including all information, excluding all information, or excluding all information except email addresses.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout, and a new appellate attorney’s fees framework with court costs and expenses was added, reflecting the amendment of applicable statutes by 2025 Texas House Bill 2524.
Form 41-11Motion to Deny Relief Requested in Motion for Temporary Order
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 41-23Order in Suit to Modify Spousal Maintenance
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 42Transfer
Form 42-4Order Transferring Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship
The language governing the clerk’s transmission of a copy of original papers upon transfer was revised.
Chapter 43Interstate Proceedings
Form 43-1Original Petition in SAPCR to Modify Out-of-State Order—UCCJEA
A statement regarding whether a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate has been filed with the petition was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 43-2Respondent’s Special Appearance, Plea to the Jurisdiction, and Answer—UCCJEA
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 44Grandparents and Other Nonparents
Form 44-1Petition in Intervention in Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship
A statement regarding whether a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate has been filed with the petition was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
A nonparent standing affidavit section was added, reflecting the addition of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.0031 by 2025 Senate Bill 2052.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 44-2Original Petition for Grandparent Possession or Access
A statement regarding whether a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate has been filed with the petition was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
A nonparent standing affidavit section was added, reflecting the addition of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.0031 by 2025 Senate Bill 2052.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 44-3Affidavit in Support of Possession or Access by Grandparent
This form was revised.
Form 44-4Order Granting Grandparent Possession or Access
A fit-parent presumption finding was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 153.002 by 2025 Senate Bill 2052.
The required information section was revised to add options for including all information, excluding all information, or excluding all information except email addresses.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout, and a new appellate attorney’s fees framework with court costs and expenses was added, reflecting the amendment of applicable statutes by 2025 Texas House Bill 2524.
Language was added for orders reached in mediation or pursuant to the collaborative law process.
Form 44-5Original Petition for Sibling Access
A statement regarding whether a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate has been filed with the petition was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
A nonparent standing affidavit section was added, reflecting the addition of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.0031 by 2025 Senate Bill 2052.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 44-6Order Granting Sibling Access
A fit-parent presumption finding was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 153.002 by 2025 Senate Bill 2052.
The required information section was revised to add options for including all information, excluding all information, or excluding all information except email addresses.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout, and a new appellate attorney’s fees framework with court costs and expenses was added, reflecting the amendment of applicable statutes by 2025 Texas House Bill 2524.
Language was added for orders reached in mediation or pursuant to the collaborative law process.
Form 44-7Petition to Modify for Sibling Access
A statement regarding whether a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate has been filed with the petition was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
A nonparent standing affidavit section was added, reflecting the addition of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.0031 by 2025 Senate Bill 2052.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 44-8Order in Suit to Modify for Sibling Access
A fit-parent presumption finding was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 153.002 by 2025 Senate Bill 2052.
The required information section was revised to add options for including all information, excluding all information, or excluding all information except email addresses.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout, and a new appellate attorney’s fees framework with court costs and expenses was added, reflecting the amendment of applicable statutes by 2025 Texas House Bill 2524.
Language was added for orders reached in mediation or pursuant to the collaborative law process.
Form 44-9Affidavit in Support of Nonparent Standing
This form was added.
Chapter 45Military Duty
Form 45-1Petition to Modify Parent-Child Relationship Based on Military Duty
A statement regarding whether a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate has been filed with the petition was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 45-2Respondent’s Original Answer—Military Duty
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 45-4Notice of Hearing for Temporary Orders and Order to Appear—Military Duty
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 45-5Temporary Orders—On Military Duty of Conservator Who Designates Residence
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 45-6Temporary Orders—On Military Duty of Conservator Without Right to Designate
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
The maximum monthly amount of net resources was updated from $9,200 to $11,700, reflecting the inflation adjustment under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125(a-1).
Form 45-9Petition for Additional Periods of Possession and Access—Military Duty
A statement regarding whether a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate has been filed with the petition was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 45-10Order for Additional Periods of Possession or Access—Military Duty
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 50Termination
Form 50-1Original Petition to Terminate Parent-Child Relationship
The alleged father grounds for termination sections were substantially restructured and renumbered. The full enumeration of individual grounds was removed, and a caution regarding the alleged father’s affidavit of waiver of interest was added.
A statement regarding whether a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate has been filed with the petition was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 50-2Order of Termination
The alleged father grounds for termination sections were substantially restructured and renumbered. The full enumeration of individual grounds was removed, and a caution regarding the alleged father’s affidavit of waiver of interest was added.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 50-3Original Petition to Terminate Parent-Child Relationship—Nongenetic Father
A statement regarding whether a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate has been filed with the petition was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 50-4Order of Dismissal (Termination of Parent-Child Relationship)
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 50-6Order of or Order Denying Termination (Nongenetic Father)
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 51Adoption of Child
Form 51-1Original Petition for Adoption of Children
A statement regarding whether a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate has been filed with the petition was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 51-2Order Granting Adoption
This form was revised.
Chapter 52Combined Termination and Adoption of Stepchild
Form 52-1Original Petition for Termination and Adoption of Stepchild[ren]
The alleged father grounds for termination sections were substantially restructured and renumbered. The full enumeration of individual grounds was removed, and a caution regarding the alleged father’s affidavit of waiver of interest was added.
A statement regarding whether a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate has been filed with the petition was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 52-2Order Terminating Parental Rights and Granting Adoption of Stepchild[ren]
The alleged father grounds for termination sections were substantially restructured and renumbered. The full enumeration of individual grounds was removed, and a caution regarding the alleged father’s affidavit of waiver of interest was added.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 53Ancillary Forms for Termination and Adoption
Form 53-2Mother’s Affidavit—Voluntary Relinquishment of Parental Rights
The right to designate the child’s school and to enroll the child in school was added to the rights and duties section.
Form 53-3Father’s Affidavit—Voluntary Relinquishment of Parental Rights
The right to designate the child’s school and to enroll the child in school was added to the rights and duties section.
Form 53-4Mother’s Affidavit—Voluntary Relinquishment of Parental Rights to Agency
The right to designate the child’s school and to enroll the child in school was added to the rights and duties section.
Form 53-5Father’s Affidavit—Voluntary Relinquishment of Parental Rights to Agency
The right to designate the child’s school and to enroll the child in school was added to the rights and duties section.
Form 53-26Interstate Compact Placement Request
This externally sourced PDF form was replaced with an updated version.
Form 53-27Interstate Compact Placement Status Report
This externally sourced PDF form was replaced with an updated version.
Form 53-28Certificate of Adoption
This externally sourced PDF form was replaced with an updated version.
Form 53-34Mail Application for Birth Record
This externally sourced PDF form was replaced with an updated version.
Form 53-35Application for Paternity Registry Inquiry
This externally sourced PDF form was replaced with an updated version.
Chapter 54Parentage
Form 54-1Petition to Adjudicate Parentage
A statement regarding whether a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate has been filed with the petition was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 54-2Petition to Challenge an Acknowledgment or Denial of Paternity
A statement regarding whether a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate has been filed with the petition was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 54-3Respondent’s Special Appearance and Original Answer
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 54-7Motion for Temporary Orders
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 54-8Order Setting Hearing—Motion for Temporary Orders
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 54-10Order Adjudicating Parentage
The retroactive child support and prenatal and postnatal health-care expenses section was separated into distinct subsections, and the Texas Attorney General website URL was updated.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 55International SAPCR Issues
Form 55-1Original Petition in SAPCR Seeking Prevention of International Parental Child Abduction
A statement regarding whether a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate has been filed with the petition was added, reflecting the amendment of Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 55-2Order in SAPCR Seeking Prevention of International Parental Child Abduction
The required information section was revised to add options for including all information, excluding all information, or excluding all information except email addresses.
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
A new appellate attorney’s fees framework with court costs and expenses was added, reflecting the amendment of applicable statutes by 2025 Texas House Bill 2524.
Chapter 56Miscellaneous SAPCR and Other Child-Related Forms
Form 56-19Parent-Child Relationship Information Sheet
Options were added for including all required information, excluding all required information, or excluding all required information except email addresses.
Chapter 60Adoption of Adult
Form 60-1Original Petition to Adopt an Adult
The consent timing language was revised.
Form 60-2Consent by Adult to Be Adopted
Options were added for adoptees whose disabilities of minority were removed or who were married. The associate judge objection was removed, and the consent and signature sections were revised.
Form 60-3Motion to Waive Attendance by [Petitioner[s]/Adult Adoptee] in Suit to Adopt Adult
The title was expanded to include the adult adoptee as a movant. Plural and gender-neutral pronoun options were added throughout.
Form 60-4Order Waiving Attendance in Suit to Adopt Adult (formerly Form 60-5)
Former form 60-4 was deleted and its contents were incorporated into form 60-3. This form was renumbered. The adult adoptee was added as an option, and plural and pronoun options were updated.
Form 60-5Final Order of Adoption of Adult (formerly Form 60-6)
This form was renumbered. Plural options were added throughout.
Chapter 61Miscellaneous Litigation
Form 61-9Original Petition for Postdivorce Division of Property
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Form 61-14Original Petition for Interference with Possessory Interest in Child[ren]
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.
Chapter 62Annulment and Suit to Declare Marriage Void
Form 62-6Original Petition to Declare Marriage Void
The grounds section was revised to update the military service filing deadline language.
Form 62-7Respondent’s Original Answer—Void Marriage
The attorney’s fees, court costs, and expenses language was revised throughout.