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Tex. Fam. Code §102.006
Limitations On Standing

Verbatim text as fetched 2026-10-03 from the official source. Always check the official text for later changes.

(a)

Except as provided by Subsections (b) and (c), if the parent-child relationship between the child and every living parent of the child has been terminated, an original suit may not be filed by: (1) a former parent whose parent-child relationship with the child has been terminated by court order; (2) the father of the child; or (3) a family member or relative by blood, adoption, or marriage of either a former parent whose parent-child relationship has been terminated or of the father of the child.

(b)

The limitations on filing suit imposed by this section do not apply to a person who: (1) has a continuing right to possession of or access to the child under an existing court order; or (2) has the consent of the child's managing conservator, guardian, or legal custodian to bring the suit.

(c)

The limitations on filing suit imposed by this section do not apply to a relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity of a former parent whose parent-child relationship with the child has been terminated by court order if the relative files an original suit or a suit for modification requesting managing conservatorship of the child not later than the 90th day after the date the parent-child relationship between the child and the parent is terminated in a suit filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services requesting the termination of the parent-child relationship.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 821, Sec. 2.08, eff. June 14, 2001. Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 866 (H.B. 1481 ), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007. Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 402 (H.B. 2350 ), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2025.