Texas Child Protection Law Bench Book

2024 version: As effective October 1, 2024

Adversary Hearing

Introduction

A Full Adversary Hearing occurs after a court grants an ex parte order approving the removal of a child from a parent or caretaker; this hearing is to be held within 14 days of the date the child was taken into possession by DFPS. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201. Courts across Texas differ in the way Full Adversary Hearings are held, but in all cases DFPS has the burden to show why its recommendations should be approved by the court, including why a child should be in substitute care.

Please see the Checklist Section for the Adversary Hearing Checklist.

A. Hearing After Emergency Removal With or Without a Court Order

1. When Must Hearing Be Held

A hearing must be held not later than the 14th day after the date the child was taken into possession by DFPS unless the court grants an extension pursuant to Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(a-5), (e) or (e-1). Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(a).

2. Extension

Although Tex. Fam. Code § 262.103 allows for the temporary order, temporary restraining order, and attachment of a child to be extended, there is no specific provision for the extension of the Adversary Hearing beyond the 14th day. If the hearing cannot be held within the 14 days, some courts convene and reset the hearing, while others rely on case law which indicates that the failure to conduct the Adversary Hearing does not deprive the court of its jurisdiction. In re J.M.C., 109 S.W.3d 591, 595 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2003, no pet.).

For indigent parents, the court may, for good cause shown, postpone the full Adversary Hearing for up to seven days from the date of the attorney's appointment to provide the attorney time to respond to the petition and prepare for the hearing. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(e). For parents who are not indigent but who appear in opposition, the court may, for good cause shown, postpone the full Adversary Hearing for up to seven days from the date of the parent's appearance to allow the parent to hire an attorney or to provide the parent's attorney time to respond to the petition and prepare for the hearing. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(a-5) or (e-1). Under an extension granted pursuant to Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(e), the court may shorten or lengthen the extension granted if the parent and the appointed attorney agree in writing. If the court postpones the full Adversary Hearing, the court shall extend a temporary order, temporary restraining order, or attachment issued by the court under Tex. Fam. Code § 262.102(a) for the protection of the child until the date of the rescheduled full Adversary Hearing. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(a-5) or (e).

3. Burden/Standard of Proof

Findings must be based on sufficient evidence to satisfy a person of ordinary prudence and caution. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(g).

4. Duties of DFPS Prior to Adversary Hearing

Tex. Fam. Code § 262.014 requires DFPS, at the request of the attorney for a parent who is a party in the suit or the attorney ad litem for the parent's child, before the adversary hearing, to provide the name of any person the Department intends to call as a witness to the allegations (except the name of a Department employee), a copy of any offense report relating to the allegations contained in the petition that will be used to refresh a witness's memory, and a copy of any photo, video, or recording that will be presented as evidence.

5. Required Findings if Child to Remain in Care

a. Danger to Physical Health and Safety Finding

There was a danger to the physical health or safety of the child, including a danger that the child would be a victim of trafficking under Tex. Penal Code § 20A.02 or Tex. Penal Code § 20A.03, which was caused by an act or failure to act of the person entitled to possession from whom the child is removed and for the child to remain in the home is contrary to the welfare of the child. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(g)(1).

b. Urgent Need to Protect Finding

The urgent need for protection required the immediate removal of the child and reasonable efforts, consistent with the circumstances and providing for the safety of the child, were made to eliminate or prevent the child's removal. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(g)(2).

In determining whether there is a continuing danger to the physical health or safety of the child under Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(g), the court may consider whether the household to which the child would be returned includes a person who has:

•   Abused or neglected another child in a manner that caused serious injury to or the death of the other child; or

•   Sexually abused another child. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(i).

c. Reasonable Efforts Finding

Reasonable efforts have been made to enable the child to return home, but there is a substantial risk of a continuing danger if the child is returned home. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(g)(3). The order must describe with specificity in a separate section all reasonable efforts made to prevent or eliminate removal or return the child home and to place the child with a non-custodial parent. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(g-2).

6. Court Actions/Orders if Child to Remain in Care

a. Issue an Appropriate Temporary Order

A temporary order rendered under Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 262 is valid and enforceable until properly superseded by a court with jurisdiction to do so. A court to which the suit has been transferred may enforce by contempt or otherwise a temporary order properly issued under Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 262. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.204.

b. Admonish and Notify Parents

Inform each parent in open court that parental and custodial rights and duties may be subject to restriction or termination unless the parent is willing and able to provide a safe environment for the child. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(m).

Before the commencement of the full Adversary Hearing, the court must inform each parent not represented by an attorney of:

•   The right to be represented by an attorney; and

•   If a parent is indigent and appears in opposition to the suit, the right to a court-appointed attorney. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(c).

c. Order Placement with Another Parent

The court must place the child with the parent who did not endanger the child or perpetrate abuse or neglect unless the parent cannot be located, or the court finds that possession of the child by the parent constitutes a continuing danger to the child despite reasonable efforts by DFPS to enable that person's possession. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(g-1). If such a person is located by DFPS after the Adversary Hearing and makes a written request for possession of the child, DFPS must notify the court and request a hearing. Fam. Code § 262.201(q).

d. Order Placement with a Relative

If it is not safe to return a child to either parent, the court must place a child with a relative unless it is not in the best interest of the child. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(n).

e. Render Protective Order, if Necessary

If the court finds that the child requires protection from family violence by a member of the child's family or household, the court shall render a protective order for the child under Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 105. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(k).

f. Inquire About Native American Heritage

The court shall ask all parties present at the full Adversary Hearing whether the child or the child's family has a Native American heritage and identify any Native American Tribe with which the child may be associated. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(f). For more information regarding requirements when a child has a Native American heritage, see the Indian Child Welfare Act chapter of this Bench Book.

g. Set Status Hearing

Although not statutorily required, the Status Hearing date is usually set at the Adversary Hearing when open court notice to parties can be given.

B. If Court Does Not Remove the Child or Continue DFPS Conservatorship

Both statute and case law encourage the use of alternatives to removal as long as the child is protected. See the Alternatives to Removal chapter of this Bench Book. If the court orders the return of the child to the parent or does not remove the child, the same alternatives are available to the court.

C. Mandatory Appointment of Attorney for Parent

When DFPS files a petition requesting termination or seeking conservatorship of a child, the court must appoint an attorney for the following persons:

•   An indigent parent who responds in opposition to either termination of parental rights or to the appointment of DFPS as managing conservator, Tex. Fam. Code § 107.013(a)(1);

•   A parent served by publication, Tex. Fam. Code § 107.013(a)(2);

•   An alleged father who failed to register with paternity registry and whose identity or location is unknown, Tex. Fam. Code § 107.013(a)(3); and

•   An alleged father who registered with the paternity registry but cannot be personally served. Tex. Fam. Code § 107.013(a)(4).

In a suit described by Tex. Fam. Code § 107.013(a), if a parent is not represented by an attorney at the parent's first appearance in court, the court shall inform the parent of:

•   The right to be represented by an attorney; and

•   If the parent is indigent and appears in opposition to the suit, the right to an attorney ad litem appointed by the court. Tex. Fam. Code § 107.013(a-1).

The court may appoint one attorney for both parents if they are both entitled to such an appointment and the court finds that their interests are not in conflict and there is no history or pattern of past or present family violence by one parent directed against the other parent, a spouse, or a child of the parties. Tex. Fam. Code § 107.013(b).

The court shall require a parent who claims indigence under Tex. Fam. Code § 107.013(a) to file an affidavit of indigence pursuant to Tex. R. Civ. P. 145(b) before the court may conduct a hearing to determine the parent's indigence under Tex. Fam. Code § 107.013. Tex. Fam. Code § 107.013(d).

The court may consider additional evidence at that hearing, including evidence relating to the parent's income, source of income, assets, property ownership, benefits paid in accordance with a federal, state, or local public assistance program, outstanding obligations, and necessary expenses and the number and ages of the parent's dependents. If the court determines the parent is indigent, the court shall appoint an attorney ad litem to represent the parent. Tex. Fam. Code § 107.013(d).

However, if DFPS has alleged grounds for termination of parental rights under Tex. Fam. Code § 161.003(b) based on inability to care for the child, the court must appoint an attorney when the petition is filed and without regard to opposition or indigence.

For more information on the Discretionary Appointment of Parent Attorney, see the After Removal chapter of this Bench Book.

D. The Establishment of the Parent-Child Relationship

1. The Mother-Child Relationship

The mother-child relationship is established between a woman and a child by:

•   The woman giving birth to the child;

•   An adjudication of the woman's maternity; or

•   The adoption of the child by a woman. Tex. Fam. Code § 160.201(a).

2. The Father-Child Relationship

The father-child relationship is established between a man and a child by:

•   An unrebutted presumption of a man's paternity of the child under Tex. Fam. Code § 160.204;

•   An effective acknowledgment of paternity under Tex. Fam. Code Subchapter D, unless the acknowledgment has been rescinded or successfully challenged;

•   An adjudication of the man's paternity;

•   The adoption of a child by the man; or

•   The man's consenting to assisted reproduction by his wife under Tex. Fam. Code Subchapter H, which has resulted in the birth of the child. Tex. Fam. Code § 160.201(b).

3. Types of Fathers

•   Presumed

•   Alleged (or putative)

•   Acknowledged

•   Adjudicated

•   Unknown

E. Presumed Father

A man is a Presumed Father if:

•   He is married to the mother of the child and the child is born during the marriage;

•   He is married to the mother of the child and the child is born before the 301st day after the date the marriage is terminated by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce;

•   He is married to the mother of the child before the birth of the child in apparent compliance with the law, even if the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid and the child is born during the invalid marriage or before the 301st day after the date the marriage it terminated by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity or divorce;

•   He married the mother of the child after the birth of the child in apparent compliance with law, regardless of whether the marriage is or could be declared invalid, he voluntarily asserted his paternity of the child; and

◦   the assertion is in a record filed with the bureau of vital statistics,

◦   he is voluntarily named as the child's father on the child's birth certificate, or

◦   he promised in a record to support the child as his own.

•   During the first two years of the child's life, he continuously resided in the household in which the child resided, and he represented to others that the child was his own. Tex. Fam. Code § 160.204(a).

A presumption of paternity may be rebutted only by:

•   An adjudication under Tex. Fam. Code Subchapter G; or

•   The filing of a valid denial of paternity by a presumed father, pursuant to Tex. Fam. Code § 160.303, in conjunction with the filing by another person of a valid acknowledgement of paternity as provided by Tex. Fam. Code § 160.305. Tex. Fam. Code § 160.204(b).

F. Alleged Father

A man is an Alleged Father (sometimes called “putative father”) if:

•   He alleges himself to be, or is alleged to be, the genetic father or possible genetic father of a child, but his paternity has not been determined.

An alleged father cannot establish paternity or create a presumption of paternity by registering with the Paternity Registry, but timely registration entitles him to notice of an action for termination of parental rights or adoption of a child he may have fathered. Tex. Fam. Code § 160.402(a).

There are several ways an alleged father may establish paternity:

•   The mother of a child and the man claiming to be the biological father may sign an acknowledgment of paternity with the intent to establish the man's paternity. Tex. Fam. Code § 160.301. A valid acknowledgment of paternity filed with the vital statistics unit is the equivalent of an adjudication of the paternity of a child and confers all rights and duties. Tex. Fam. Code § 160.305.

•   Both the mother and alleged father can testify in open court and ask the court to establish paternity.

•   Genetic testing. DFPS may obtain genetic testing through the Office of the Attorney General.

As soon as a legal father is established, any other potential candidates can be dismissed.

G. Acknowledged Father

A man is an Acknowledged Father if:

•   He has executed an Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP) pursuant to Tex. Fam. Code § 160.302. A valid AOP filed with the Vital Statistics Unit (VSU) of the Texas Department of State and Health Services is the equivalent of an adjudication of paternity.

H. Adjudicated Father

A man is an Adjudicated Father if:

•   He has been adjudicated by a court to be the father of a child. Adjudication can be accomplished by an admission of paternity of a child, by filing a pleading to that effect, or by admitting paternity under penalty of perjury during a hearing. Tex. Fam. Code § 160.623.

•   Also, a valid Acknowledgment of Paternity that has been filed with the vital statistics unit is the equivalent of an adjudication of the paternity of a child and confers on the acknowledged father all rights and duties of a parent. Tex. Fam. Code § 160.305(a).

I. Paternity Registry

The VSU maintains a paternity registry. A man who wants to be notified of a proceeding for the adoption or the termination of parental rights regarding a child he may have fathered must register before the birth of the child or not later than the 31st day after the child's birth. Tex. Fam. Code § 160.402(a). The registrant has the responsibility of keeping his information current with the bureau. Tex. Fam. Code § 160.402(c). A man who has filed with the paternity registry within the requisite time frame is entitled to be served with notice of a suit involving the child. Tex. Fam. Code § 160.403. Registering with the paternity registry also establishes a basis for personal jurisdiction of a person who is not a Texas resident. Tex. Fam. Code § 159.201(a)(7) and Tex. Fam. Code § 160.604.

If no father-child relationship can be established or if a father-child relationship has been established, but the father has not been served with citation and has not signed a relinquishment of parental rights with regard to the child, and DFPS seeks termination of parental rights or adoption, DFPS must obtain a certificate of the results of a search of the paternity registry. Tex. Fam. Code § 160.421 and Tex. Fam. Code § 160.422(d). If DFPS has reason to believe that conception or birth of the child have may occurred in another state, DFPS must obtain a certificate from paternity or putative father registry of that state. Tex. Fam. Code § 160.421(b). DFPS must file the certificate of the results of a search of the registry with the court before a proceeding for the adoption of or termination of parental rights regarding a child may be concluded. Tex. Fam. Code § 160.422(c).

The VSU shall furnish a certificate of the results of a search of the registry on request by an individual, a court, or an agency listed in Tex. Fam. Code § 160.412(b). Tex. Fam. Code § 160.422(a). The certificate of results of the search must be signed on behalf of the unit and state that a search has been made of the registry and the registration containing the information required to identify the registrant has been found and attached to the certificate or has not been found. Tex. Fam. Code § 160.422(b).

J. Transfer

Tex. Fam. Code § 155.201 requires that upon receiving notice that a court exercising emergency jurisdiction under Chapter 262 has ordered the transfer of a SAPCR under Tex. Fam. Code § 262.203(a)(2), a CCEJ must transfer the proceedings to the court exercising jurisdiction under Chapter 262. The court exercising emergency jurisdiction under Chapter 262 may also transfer the SAPCR to the CCEJ for the convenience of the parties and if transfer is in the child's best interest. However, a court hearing the case under Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 262 must transfer any SAPCR to the court in which the suit for dissolution of marriage is pending once the Chapter 262 court has rendered a final order. Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 263, Subchapter E. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.203(a)(3); Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 6, Subchapter E. Tex. Fam. Code § 6.407(a), (b) and (c); Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 103, Tex. Fam. Code § 103.002; Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 155, Subchapter C. Tex. Fam. Code § 155.201(a).

A motion to transfer relating to a suit filed under Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 262 may be filed separately from the petition and is timely filed while the case is pending. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.203(b).

1. Order of Transfer

An order of transfer must include:

•   The date of any future hearings in the case that have been scheduled by the transferring court;

•   Any date scheduled by the transferring court for the dismissal of the suit under Tex. Fam. Code § 263.401; and

•   The name and contact information of each attorney ad litem or guardian ad litem appointed in the suit. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.203(d).

The court to which a suit is transferred may retain an attorney ad litem or guardian ad litem appointed by the transferring court. If the court finds that the appointment of a new attorney ad litem or guardian ad litem is appropriate, the court shall appoint that attorney ad litem or guardian ad litem before the earlier of:

•   The 10th day after the date of receiving the order of transfer; or

•   The date of the first scheduled hearing after the transfer. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.203(e).

2. Transfer of Court Files

Tex. Fam. Code § 155.207(a) and (c) address the transfer of court files from one jurisdiction to another. Not later than the 10th working day after the date an order of transfer is signed, the clerk of the court transferring a proceeding shall send to the proper court to which transfer is being made:

•   The pleadings in the pending proceeding and any other document specifically requested by a party;

•   Certified copies of all entries in the minutes;

•   A certified copy of each final order; and

•   A certified copy of the order of transfer signed by the transferring court. Tex. Fam. Code § 155.207(a).

On receipt of the pleadings, documents, and orders from the transferring court, the clerk of the transferee court shall docket the suit and shall notify the judge of the transferee court, all parties, the clerk of the transferring court, and, if appropriate, the transferring court's local registry that the suit has been docketed. Tex. Fam. Code § 155.207(c).

K. Placement with Relatives or Designated Caregiver

1. Before the Adversary Hearing

DFPS must:

•   Evaluate each person listed on the Child Placement Resources Form to determine who would be most the appropriate substitute caregiver;

•   Complete a home study of the most appropriate caregiver, Tex. Fam. Code § 262.114(a); and

•   Conduct background and criminal history checks of the relatives or other designated individuals identified as potential relatives or designated caregivers on the Child Placement Resources Form. Please see the CPS Policy Handbook § 6610.[9]

DFPS may place the child with the relative or designated caregiver identified on the proposed placement form if DFPS determines that the placement is in the best interest of the child. DFPS must complete the background and criminal history check and conduct a preliminary evaluation of the relative or other designated caregiver's home before the child is placed with the relative or other designated caregiver. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.114(b).

Not later than 48 hours after the time that the child is placed with the relative or other designated caregiver, DFPS shall begin the home study of the relative or other designated caregiver. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.114(b). DFPS shall complete the home study as soon as possible unless otherwise ordered by a court. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.114(b).

DFPS must provide an informational manual required by Tex. Fam. Code § 261.3071 to the relative or other designated caregiver at the time of the child's placement. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.114(b).

2. At the Adversary Hearing

DFPS must, after redacting any social security numbers, file with the court:

•   A copy of each proposed Child Placement Resources Form;

•   A copy of any completed home study; and

•   The name of the relative or other designated caregiver, if any, with whom the child has been placed. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.114(a-1).

The court shall inquire from all parties whether the child has had the opportunity to provide information regarding potential caregivers and whether individuals identified by the child are listed on the proposed Child Placement Resources Form. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(l-1).

If the child has been placed with a relative or designated caregiver, the court shall inform the individual serving as a placement for the child of the ability to become a licensed foster parent and apply for a Permanency Care Assistance program under Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 264, Subchapter K. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201(n-1).

If the child has NOT been placed by the time of the full Adversary Hearing, DFPS shall file with the court:

•   A statement that explains the reasons why DFPS has not placed the child with a relative or other designated caregiver listed on the proposed Child Placement Resources Form; and

•   The actions DFPS is taking, if any, to place the child with a relative or other designated caregiver. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.114(a-2).

DFPS may file with the court the temporary visitation schedule developed pursuant to Tex. Fam. Code § 262.115(d). The court may render any necessary order regarding the temporary visitation schedule. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.115(e).

3. Modifying Child Support

Tex. Fam. Code § 154.001 requires the court to notify the Office of the Attorney General within 10 days if a court presiding over a SAPCR involving DFPS orders child support payments or modifies child support payments that requires the payments be made to DFPS.

A court may require an unemployed or underemployed obligor to participate in a program that provides employment assistance, skills training, or job placement services. Tex. Fam. Code § 154.017.

Tex. Fam. Code § 234.007(a) requires all parties who pay child support under temporary or final orders to pay child support through the state disbursement unit, including child support employers who are court-ordered to withhold from the obligor's income.

The Office of the Attorney General must distribute a child support payment received on behalf of a child placed in substitute care by DFPS to the appropriate state agency in accordance with applicable federal laws or regulations. Tex. Fam. Code § 231.101(f).

4. Further Consideration of Former Foster Parent

DFPS must consider placing a child who has previously been in the managing conservatorship of DFPS with a foster parent with whom the child previously resided if DFPS determines that placement of the child with a relative or designated caregiver is not in the child's best interest and the placement is available and in the child's best interest. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.114(c).

L. Aggravated Circumstances

If the court finds aggravated circumstances, it may:

•   Waive the requirements of formulating a service plan and making reasonable efforts to return the child to a parent; and

•   Accelerate the trial schedule. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.2015(a).

To view the list of aggravated circumstances, see Tex. Fam. Code § 262.2015.

The court must also:

•   Find that reasonable efforts to make it possible for the child to safely return home are not required;

•   Set and conduct the initial Permanency Hearing within 30 days of making this finding; and

•   Set the final hearing. Note that there is no required time frame for a trial on the merits other than before the dismissal date set pursuant to Tex. Fam. Code § 263.401. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.2015(c) and (d).

M. Decisions Regarding Education Required at Adversary Hearing

1. Designation of Education Decision-Maker

Tex. Fam. Code § 263.004 requires DFPS to provide notice to the court and others of the entity or person holding education decision-making authority. Generally, when appointed temporary or permanent managing conservator, DFPS is given the rights and duties of a non-parent managing conservator pursuant to Tex. Fam. Code § 153.371, which includes the right to make decisions regarding the child's education. Tex. Fam. Code § 153.371(10).

Unless the court order limits the rights and duties of DFPS under Tex. Fam. Code § 153.371(10) to make decisions regarding the child's education, DFPS must file with the court the name and contact information for each person who has been:

•   Designated by DFPS to make educational decisions on behalf of the child; and

•   Assigned to serve as the child's surrogate parent in accordance with 20 U.S.C. 1415(b) and Tex. Educ. Code § 29.001(10), for purposes of decision-making regarding special education services, if applicable. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.004(a).

Not later than the fifth day after the date of an Adversary Hearing held under Tex. Fam. Code § 262.201 is concluded, DFPS must file the information required by Tex. Fam. Code § 263.004(a) with the court and provide a copy to the school the child attends. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.004(b).

If a person other than a person identified under Tex. Fam. Code § 263.004(a) is designated to make educational decisions or assigned to serve as a surrogate parent, DFPS shall file the updated information in a permanency progress report filed under Tex. Fam. Code § 263.303 or Tex. Fam. Code § 263.502. The updated information must be provided to the school the child attends not later than the 5th day after the date of the designation or assignment. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.004(c).

2. DFPS Must Ensure the Child Returns Child to School After Removal

If DFPS takes possession of a child during the school year, DFPS shall ensure that the child returns to school not later than the third school day after the date an order is rendered providing for possession of the child by DFPS, unless the child has a physical or mental condition of a temporary and remediable nature that makes the child's attendance infeasible. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.115(a).

If the child has a physical or mental condition of a temporary and remediable nature that makes the child's attendance infeasible, DFPS shall notify the school in writing that the child is unable to attend school. If the child's physical or mental condition improves so that the child's attendance is feasible, DFPS shall ensure that the child immediately returns to school. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.115(b).