Tex. Fam. Code § 153.601-153.6051

TEXAS FAMILY CODE Chapter 153, Subchapter K — PARENTING PLAN, PARENTING COORDINATOR, AND PARENTI CHAPTER 153 • CONSERVATORSHIP, POSSESSION, AND ACCESS Subchapter K: PARENTING PLAN, PARENTING COORDINATOR, AND PARENTING FACILITATOR Sec. 153.601. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (1) "Dispute resolution process" means: (A) a process of alternative dispute resolution conducted in accordance with Section 153.0071 of this chapter and Chapter 154, Civil Practice and Remedies Code; or (B) any other method of voluntary dispute resolution. (2) "High-conflict case" means a suit affecting the parent-child relationship in which the court finds that the parties have demonstrated an unusual degree of: (A) repetitiously resorting to the adjudicative process; (B) anger and distrust; and (C) difficulty in communicating about and cooperating in the care of their children. (3) "Parenting coordinator" means an impartial third party: (A) who, regardless of the title by which the person is designated by the court, performs any function described by Section 153.606 in a suit; and (B) who: (i) is appointed under this subchapter by the court on its own motion or on a motion or agreement of the parties to assist parties in resolving parenting issues through confidential procedures; and (ii) is not appointed under another statute or a rule of civil procedure. (3-a) "Parenting facilitator" means an impartial third party: (A) who, regardless of the title by which the person is designated by the court, performs any function described by Section 153.6061 in a suit; and (B) who: (i) is appointed under this subchapter by the court on its own motion or on a motion or agreement of the parties to assist parties in resolving parenting issues through procedures that are not confidential; and (ii) is not appointed under another statute or a ru on a motion or agreement of the parties to assist parties in resolving parenting issues through procedures that are not confidential; and (ii) is not appointed under another statute or a rule of civil procedure. (4) "Parenting plan" means the provisions of a final court order that: (A) set out rights and duties of a parent or a person acting as a parent in relation to the child; (B) provide for periods of possession of and access to the child, which may be the terms set out in the standard possession order under Subchapter F and any amendments to the standard possession order agreed to by the parties or found by the court to be in the best interest of the child; (C) provide for child support; and (D) optimize the development of a close and continuing relationship between each parent and the child. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 482 (H.B. 252), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005. Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1181 (H.B. 555), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1113 (H.B. 1012), Sec. 16, eff. September 1, 2009. Source: Texas Legislature Online (89th Leg., 2nd Called Sess., 2025) Page 1 --- TEXAS FAMILY CODE Chapter 153, Subchapter K — PARENTING PLAN, PARENTING COORDINATOR, AND PARENTI Sec. 153.602. PARENTING PLAN NOT REQUIRED IN TEMPORARY ORDER. A temporary order in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship rendered in accordance with Section 105.001 is not required to include a temporary parenting plan. The court may not require the submission of a temporary parenting plan in any case or by local rule or practice. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 482 (H.B. 252), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005. Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1181 (H.B. 555), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007. Sec. 153.603. REQUIREMENT OF PARENTING PLAN IN FINAL ORDER. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a final order in a suit affecting t R.S., Ch. 1181 (H.B. 555), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007. Sec. 153.603. REQUIREMENT OF PARENTING PLAN IN FINAL ORDER. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a final order in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship must include a parenting plan. (b) The following orders are not required to include a parenting plan: (1) an order that only modifies child support; (2) an order that only terminates parental rights; or (3) a final order described by Section 155.001(b). (c) If the parties have not reached agreement on a final parenting plan on or before the 30th day before the date set for trial on the merits, a party may file with the court and serve a proposed parenting plan. (d) This section does not preclude the parties from requesting the appointment of a parenting coordinator to resolve parental conflicts. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 482 (H.B. 252), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005. Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1181 (H.B. 555), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007. Sec. 153.6031. EXCEPTION TO DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS REQUIREMENT. A requirement in a parenting plan that a party initiate or participate in a dispute resolution process before filing a court action does not apply to an action: (1) to modify the parenting plan in an emergency; (2) to modify child support; (3) alleging that the child's present circumstances will significantly impair the child's physical health or significantly impair the child's emotional development; (4) to enforce; or (5) in which the party shows that enforcement of the requirement is precluded or limited by Section 153.0071. Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1181 (H.B. 555), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007. Sec. 153.605. APPOINTMENT OF PARENTING COORDINATOR. (a) In a suit affecting the parent-child relationship, the court may, on its own motion or on a motion or agreement of the parties, appoint a parenting coordinator or assign a domestic relations office under Chapter 203 ng the parent-child relationship, the court may, on its own motion or on a motion or agreement of the parties, appoint a parenting coordinator or assign a domestic relations office under Chapter 203 to appoint an employee or other person to serve as parenting coordinator. (b) The court may not appoint a parenting coordinator unless, after notice and hearing, the court makes a specific finding that: (1) the case is a high-conflict case or there is good cause shown for the appointment of a parenting coordinator and the appointment is in the best interest of any minor child in the suit; and (2) the person appointed has the minimum qualifications required by Section 153.610, as documented by the person, unless those requirements have been waived by the court with the agreement of the parties in accordance with Section 153.610(c). (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, a party may at any time file a written objection to the appointment of a parenting coordinator on the basis of family violence having been committed by another party against the objecting Source: Texas Legislature Online (89th Leg., 2nd Called Sess., 2025) Page 2 --- TEXAS FAMILY CODE Chapter 153, Subchapter K — PARENTING PLAN, PARENTING COORDINATOR, AND PARENTI party or a child who is the subject of the suit. After an objection is filed, a parenting coordinator may not be appointed unless, on the request of a party, a hearing is held and the court finds that a preponderance of the evidence does not support the objection. If a parenting coordinator is appointed, the court shall order appropriate measures be taken to ensure the physical and emotional safety of the party who filed the objection. The order may provide that the parties not be required to have face-to-face contact and that the parties be placed in separate rooms during the parenting coordination. (d) An individual appointed as a parenting coordinator may not serve in any nonconfidential cap ace-to-face contact and that the parties be placed in separate rooms during the parenting coordination. (d) An individual appointed as a parenting coordinator may not serve in any nonconfidential capacity in the same case, including serving as an amicus attorney, guardian ad litem, child custody evaluator, or adoption evaluator under Chapter 107, as a friend of the court under Chapter 202, or as a parenting facilitator under this subchapter. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 482 (H.B. 252), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005. Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1181 (H.B. 555), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1113 (H.B. 1012), Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2009. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1252 (H.B. 1449), Sec. 3.01, eff. September 1, 2015. Sec. 153.6051. APPOINTMENT OF PARENTING FACILITATOR. (a) In a suit affecting the parent-child relationship, the court may, on its own motion or on a motion or agreement of the parties, appoint a parenting facilitator or assign a domestic relations office under Chapter 203 to appoint an employee or other person as a parenting facilitator. (b) The court may not appoint a parenting facilitator unless, after notice and hearing, the court makes a specific finding that: (1) the case is a high-conflict case or there is good cause shown for the appointment of a parenting facilitator and the appointment is in the best interest of any minor child in the suit; and (2) the person appointed has the minimum qualifications required by Section 153.6101, as documented by the person. (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, a party may at any time file a written objection to the appointment of a parenting facilitator on the basis of family violence having been committed by another party against the objecting party or a child who is the subject of the suit. After an objection is filed, a parenting facilitator may not be appointed unless, on the request of a party, a hea nother party against the objecting party or a child who is the subject of the suit. After an objection is filed, a parenting facilitator may not be appointed unless, on the request of a party, a hearing is held and the court finds that a preponderance of the evidence does not support the objection. If a parenting facilitator is appointed, the court shall order appropriate measures be taken to ensure the physical and emotional safety of the party who filed the objection. The order may provide that the parties not be required to have face-to-face contact and that the parties be placed in separate rooms during the parenting facilitation. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1113 (H.B. 1012), Sec. 18, eff. September 1, 2009. Sec. 153.606. DUTIES OF PARENTING COORDINATOR. (a) The court shall specify the duties of a parenting coordinator in the order appointing the parenting coordinator. The duties of the parenting coordinator are limited to matters that will aid the parties in: (1) identifying disputed issues; (2) reducing misunderstandings; (3) clarifying priorities; (4) exploring possibilities for problem solving; (5) developing methods of collaboration in parenting; (6) understanding parenting plans and reaching agreements about parenting issues to be included in a parenting plan; (7) complying with the court's order regarding conservatorship or possession of and access to the child; (8) implementing parenting plans; (9) obtaining training regarding problem solving, conflict management, and parenting skills; and (10) settling disputes regarding parenting issues and reaching a proposed joint resolution or statement of intent regarding those disputes. Source: Texas Legislature Online (89th Leg., 2nd Called Sess., 2025) Page 3 --- TEXAS FAMILY CODE Chapter 153, Subchapter K — PARENTING PLAN, PARENTING COORDINATOR, AND PARENTI (b) The appointment of a parenting coordinator does not divest the court of: (1) its exclusive jurisdi FAMILY CODE Chapter 153, Subchapter K — PARENTING PLAN, PARENTING COORDINATOR, AND PARENTI (b) The appointment of a parenting coordinator does not divest the court of: (1) its exclusive jurisdiction to determine issues of conservatorship, support, and possession of and access to the child; and (2) the authority to exercise management and control of the suit. (c) The parenting coordinator may not modify any order, judgment, or decree. (d) Meetings between the parenting coordinator and the parties may be informal and are not required to follow any specific procedures unless otherwise provided by this subchapter. (e) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1181, Sec. 11(2), eff. September 1, 2007. (f) A parenting coordinator appointed under this subchapter shall comply with the Ethical Guidelines for Mediators as adopted by the Supreme Court of Texas (Misc. Docket No. 05-9107, June 13, 2005). On request by the court, the parties, or the parties' attorneys, the parenting coordinator shall sign a statement of agreement to comply with those guidelines and submit the statement to the court on acceptance of the appointment. A failure to comply with the guidelines is grounds for removal of the parenting coordinator. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 482 (H.B. 252), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005. Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1181 (H.B. 555), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1181 (H.B. 555), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1181 (H.B. 555), Sec. 11(2), eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1113 (H.B. 1012), Sec. 19, eff. September 1, 2009. Sec. 153.6061. DUTIES OF PARENTING FACILITATOR. (a) The court shall specify the duties of a parenting facilitator in the order appointing the parenting facilitator. The duties of the parenting facilitator are limited to those matters described with regard to a parenting coordinator under Section 153.606(a), except the order appointing the parenting facilitator. The duties of the parenting facilitator are limited to those matters described with regard to a parenting coordinator under Section 153.606(a), except that the parenting facilitator may also monitor compliance with court orders. (b) A parenting facilitator appointed under this subchapter shall comply with the standard of care applicable to the professional license held by the parenting facilitator in performing the parenting facilitator's duties. (c) The appointment of a parenting facilitator does not divest the court of: (1) the exclusive jurisdiction to determine issues of conservatorship, support, and possession of and access to the child; and (2) the authority to exercise management and control of the suit. (d) The parenting facilitator may not modify any order, judgment, or decree. (e) Meetings between the parenting facilitator and the parties may be informal and are not required to follow any specific procedures unless otherwise provided by this subchapter or the standards of practice of the professional license held by the parenting facilitator. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1113 (H.B. 1012), Sec. 20, eff. September 1, 2009. Sec. 153.607. PRESUMPTION OF GOOD FAITH; REMOVAL OF PARENTING COORDINATOR. (a) It is a rebuttable presumption that a parenting coordinator is acting in good faith if the parenting coordinator's services have been conducted as provided by this subchapter and the Ethical Guidelines for Mediators described by Section 153.606(f). (a-1) Except as otherwise provided by this section, the court may remove the parenting coordinator in the court's discretion. (b) The court shall remove the parenting coordinator: (1) on the request and agreement of all parties; (2) on the request of the parenting coordinator; (3) on the motion of a party, if good cause is shown; or (4) if the parenting coordinator ceases to satisfy the minimum qualifications required by Section 153.61 equest of the parenting coordinator; (3) on the motion of a party, if good cause is shown; or (4) if the parenting coordinator ceases to satisfy the minimum qualifications required by Section 153.610. Source: Texas Legislature Online (89th Leg., 2nd Called Sess., 2025) Page 4 --- TEXAS FAMILY CODE Chapter 153, Subchapter K — PARENTING PLAN, PARENTING COORDINATOR, AND PARENTI Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 482 (H.B. 252), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005. Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1181 (H.B. 555), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1113 (H.B. 1012), Sec. 21, eff. September 1, 2009. Sec. 153.6071. PRESUMPTION OF GOOD FAITH; REMOVAL OF PARENTING FACILITATOR. (a) It is a rebuttable presumption that a parenting facilitator is acting in good faith if the parenting facilitator's services have been conducted as provided by this subchapter and the standard of care applicable to the professional license held by the parenting facilitator. (b) Except as otherwise provided by this section, the court may remove the parenting facilitator in the court's discretion. (c) The court shall remove the parenting facilitator: (1) on the request and agreement of all parties; (2) on the request of the parenting facilitator; (3) on the motion of a party, if good cause is shown; or (4) if the parenting facilitator ceases to satisfy the minimum qualifications required by Section 153.6101. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1113 (H.B. 1012), Sec. 22, eff. September 1, 2009. Sec. 153.608. REPORT OF PARENTING COORDINATOR. A parenting coordinator shall submit a written report to the court and to the parties as often as ordered by the court. The report must be limited to a statement of whether the parenting coordination should continue. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 482 (H.B. 252), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005. Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1181 (H.B. 555), Sec. 9, eff. September 1 oordination should continue. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 482 (H.B. 252), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005. Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1181 (H.B. 555), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2007. Sec. 153.6081. REPORT OF PARENTING FACILITATOR. A parenting facilitator shall submit a written report to the court and to the parties as ordered by the court. The report may include a recommendation described by Section 153.6082(e) and any other information required by the court, except that the report may not include recommendations regarding the conservatorship of or the possession of or access to the child who is the subject of the suit. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1113 (H.B. 1012), Sec. 22, eff. September 1, 2009. Sec. 153.6082. REPORT OF JOINT PROPOSAL OR STATEMENT OF INTENT; AGREEMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. (a) If the parties have been ordered by the court to attempt to settle parenting issues with the assistance of a parenting coordinator or parenting facilitator and to attempt to reach a proposed joint resolution or statement of intent regarding the dispute, the parenting coordinator or parenting facilitator, as applicable, shall submit a written report describing the parties' joint proposal or statement to the parties, any attorneys for the parties, and any attorney for the child who is the subject of the suit. (b) The proposed joint resolution or statement of intent is not an agreement unless the resolution or statement is: (1) prepared by the parties' attorneys, if any, in a form that meets the applicable requirements of: (A) Rule 11, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure; (B) a mediated settlement agreement described by Section 153.0071; (C) a collaborative law agreement described by Section 153.0072; (D) a settlement agreement described by Section 154.071, Civil Practice and Remedies Code; or (E) a proposed court order; and (2) incorporated into an order signed by the court. Source: Texas Legislature Online (89th Leg t described by Section 154.071, Civil Practice and Remedies Code; or (E) a proposed court order; and (2) incorporated into an order signed by the court. Source: Texas Legislature Online (89th Leg., 2nd Called Sess., 2025) Page 5 --- TEXAS FAMILY CODE Chapter 153, Subchapter K — PARENTING PLAN, PARENTING COORDINATOR, AND PARENTI (c) A parenting coordinator or parenting facilitator may not draft a document listed in Subsection (b)(1). (d) The actions of a parenting coordinator or parenting facilitator under this section do not constitute the practice of law. (e) If the parties have been ordered by the court to attempt to settle parenting issues with the assistance of a parenting facilitator and are unable to settle those issues, the parenting facilitator may make recommendations, other than recommendations regarding the conservatorship of or possession of or access to the child, to the parties and attorneys to implement or clarify provisions of an existing court order that are consistent with the substantive intent of the court order and in the best interest of the child who is the subject of the suit. A recommendation authorized by this subsection does not affect the terms of an existing court order. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1113 (H.B. 1012), Sec. 22, eff. September 1, 2009. Sec. 153.6083. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECORDKEEPING OF PARENTING FACILITATOR. (a) Notwithstanding any rule, standard of care, or privilege applicable to the professional license held by a parenting facilitator, a communication made by a participant in parenting facilitation is subject to disclosure and may be offered in any judicial or administrative proceeding, if otherwise admissible under the rules of evidence. The parenting facilitator may be required to testify in any proceeding relating to or arising from the duties of the parenting facilitator, including as to the basis for any recommendation made to the parties that arises from the duties o d to testify in any proceeding relating to or arising from the duties of the parenting facilitator, including as to the basis for any recommendation made to the parties that arises from the duties of the parenting facilitator. (b) A parenting facilitator shall keep a detailed record regarding meetings and contacts with the parties, attorneys, or other persons involved in the suit. (c) A person who participates in parenting facilitation is not a patient as defined by Section 611.001, Health and Safety Code, and no record created as part of the parenting facilitation that arises from the parenting facilitator's duties is confidential. (d) On request, records of parenting facilitation shall be made available by the parenting facilitator to an attorney for a party, an attorney for a child who is the subject of the suit, and a party who does not have an attorney. (e) A parenting facilitator shall keep parenting facilitation records from the suit until the seventh anniversary of the date the facilitator's services are terminated, unless a different retention period is established by a rule adopted by the licensing authority that issues the professional license held by the parenting facilitator. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1113 (H.B. 1012), Sec. 22, eff. September 1, 2009. Sec. 153.609. COMPENSATION OF PARENTING COORDINATOR. (a) A court may not appoint a parenting coordinator, other than a domestic relations office or a comparable county agency appointed under Subsection (c) or a volunteer appointed under Subsection (d), unless, after notice and hearing, the court finds that the parties have the means to pay the fees of the parenting coordinator. (b) Any fees of a parenting coordinator appointed under Subsection (a) shall be allocated between the parties as determined by the court. (c) Public funds may not be used to pay the fees of a parenting coordinator. Notwithstanding this prohibition, a court may appoint the domestic relations offi he parties as determined by the court. (c) Public funds may not be used to pay the fees of a parenting coordinator. Notwithstanding this prohibition, a court may appoint the domestic relations office or a comparable county agency to act as a parenting coordinator if personnel are available to serve that function. (d) If due to hardship the parties are unable to pay the fees of a parenting coordinator, and a domestic relations office or a comparable county agency is not available under Subsection (c), the court, if feasible, may appoint a person who meets the minimum qualifications prescribed by Section 153.610, including an employee of the court, to act as a parenting coordinator on a volunteer basis and without compensation. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 482 (H.B. 252), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005. Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1181 (H.B. 555), Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 682 (H.B. 149), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2011. Source: Texas Legislature Online (89th Leg., 2nd Called Sess., 2025) Page 6 --- TEXAS FAMILY CODE Chapter 153, Subchapter K — PARENTING PLAN, PARENTING COORDINATOR, AND PARENTI Sec. 153.6091. COMPENSATION OF PARENTING FACILITATOR. Section 153.609 applies to a parenting facilitator in the same manner as provided for a parenting coordinator, except that a person appointed in accordance with Section 153.609(d) to act as a parenting facilitator must meet the minimum qualifications prescribed by Section 153.6101. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1113 (H.B. 1012), Sec. 22, eff. September 1, 2009. Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 682 (H.B. 149), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2011. Sec. 153.610. QUALIFICATIONS OF PARENTING COORDINATOR. (a) The court shall determine the required qualifications of a parenting coordinator, provided that a parenting coordinator must have experience working in a field relating to families, have practical experience with high ermine the required qualifications of a parenting coordinator, provided that a parenting coordinator must have experience working in a field relating to families, have practical experience with high-conflict cases or litigation between parents, and: (1) hold at least: (A) a bachelor's degree in counseling, education, family studies, psychology, or social work; or (B) a graduate degree in a mental health profession, with an emphasis in family and children's issues; or (2) be licensed in good standing as an attorney in this state. (b) In addition to the qualifications prescribed by Subsection (a), a parenting coordinator must complete at least: (1) eight hours of family violence dynamics training provided by a family violence service provider; (2) 40 classroom hours of training in dispute resolution techniques in a course conducted by an alternative dispute resolution system or other dispute resolution organization approved by the court; and (3) 24 classroom hours of training in the fields of family dynamics, child development, family law and the law governing parenting coordination, and parenting coordination styles and procedures. (c) In appropriate circumstances, a court may, with the agreement of the parties, appoint a person as parenting coordinator who does not satisfy the requirements of Subsection (a) or Subsection (b)(2) or (3) if the court finds that the person has sufficient legal or other professional training or experience in dispute resolution processes to serve in that capacity. (d) The actions of a parenting coordinator who is not an attorney do not constitute the practice of law. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 482 (H.B. 252), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005. Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1113 (H.B. 1012), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2009. Sec. 153.6101. QUALIFICATIONS OF PARENTING FACILITATOR. (a) The court shall determine whether the qualifications of a proposed parenting facilitator satisfy the requirements of September 1, 2009. Sec. 153.6101. QUALIFICATIONS OF PARENTING FACILITATOR. (a) The court shall determine whether the qualifications of a proposed parenting facilitator satisfy the requirements of this section. On request by a party, an attorney for a party, or any attorney for a child who is the subject of the suit, a person under consideration for appointment as a parenting facilitator in the suit shall provide proof that the person satisfies the minimum qualifications required by this section. (b) A parenting facilitator must: (1) hold a license to practice in this state as a social worker, licensed professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, psychologist, or attorney; and (2) have completed at least: (A) eight hours of family violence dynamics training provided by a family violence service provider; (B) 40 classroom hours of training in dispute resolution techniques in a course conducted by an alternative dispute resolution system or other dispute resolution organization approved by the court; (C) 24 classroom hours of training in the fields of family dynamics, child development, and family law; and (D) 16 hours of training in the laws governing parenting coordination and parenting facilitation and the multiple styles and procedures used in different models of service. Source: Texas Legislature Online (89th Leg., 2nd Called Sess., 2025) Page 7 --- TEXAS FAMILY CODE Chapter 153, Subchapter K — PARENTING PLAN, PARENTING COORDINATOR, AND PARENTI (c) The actions of a parenting facilitator who is not an attorney do not constitute the practice of law. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1113 (H.B. 1012), Sec. 24, eff. September 1, 2009. Sec. 153.6102. PARENTING FACILITATOR; CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND BIAS. (a) A person who has a conflict of interest with, or has previous knowledge of, a party or a child who is the subject of a suit must, before being appointed as parenting facilitator in a suit: (1) dis A person who has a conflict of interest with, or has previous knowledge of, a party or a child who is the subject of a suit must, before being appointed as parenting facilitator in a suit: (1) disclose the conflict or previous knowledge to the court, each attorney for a party, any attorney for a child, and any party who does not have an attorney; and (2) decline appointment in the suit unless, after the disclosure, the parties and the child's attorney, if any, agree in writing to the person's appointment as parenting facilitator. (b) A parenting facilitator who, after being appointed in a suit, discovers that the parenting facilitator has a conflict of interest with, or has previous knowledge of, a party or a child who is the subject of the suit shall: (1) immediately disclose the conflict or previous knowledge to the court, each attorney for a party, any attorney for a child, and any party who does not have an attorney; and (2) withdraw from the suit unless, after the disclosure, the parties and the child's attorney, if any, agree in writing to the person's continuation as parenting facilitator. (c) A parenting facilitator, before accepting appointment in a suit, must disclose to the court, each attorney for a party, any attorney for a child who is the subject of the suit, and any party who does not have an attorney: (1) a pecuniary relationship with an attorney, party, or child in the suit; (2) a relationship of confidence or trust with an attorney, party, or child in the suit; and (3) other information regarding any relationship with an attorney, party, or child in the suit that might reasonably affect the ability of the person to act impartially during the person's service as parenting facilitator. (d) A person who makes a disclosure required by Subsection (c) shall decline appointment as parenting facilitator unless, after the disclosure, the parties and the child's attorney, if any, agree in writing to the person's service as parenting fac Subsection (c) shall decline appointment as parenting facilitator unless, after the disclosure, the parties and the child's attorney, if any, agree in writing to the person's service as parenting facilitator in the suit. (e) A parenting facilitator may not serve in any other professional capacity at any other time with any person who is a party to, or the subject of, the suit in which the person serves as parenting facilitator, or with any member of the family of a party or subject. A person who, before appointment as a parenting facilitator in a suit, served in any other professional capacity with a person who is a party to, or subject of, the suit, or with any member of the family of a party or subject, may not serve as parenting facilitator in a suit involving any family member who is a party to or subject of the suit. This subsection does not apply to a person whose only other service in a professional capacity with a family or any member of a family that is a party to or the subject of a suit to which this section applies is as a teacher of coparenting skills in a class conducted in a group setting. For purposes of this subsection, "family" has the meaning assigned by Section 71.003. (f) A parenting facilitator shall promptly and simultaneously disclose to each party's attorney, any attorney for a child who is a subject of the suit, and any party who does not have an attorney the existence and substance of any communication between the parenting facilitator and another person, including a party, a party's attorney, a child who is the subject of the suit, and any attorney for a child who is the subject of the suit, if the communication occurred outside of a parenting facilitator session and involved the substance of parenting facilitation. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1113 (H.B. 1012), Sec. 24, eff. September 1, 2009. Sec. 153.611. EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN TITLE IV-D PROCEEDINGS. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapt Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1113 (H.B. 1012), Sec. 24, eff. September 1, 2009. Sec. 153.611. EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN TITLE IV-D PROCEEDINGS. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, this subchapter does not apply to a proceeding in a Title IV-D case relating to the determination of parentage or establishment, modification, or enforcement of a child support, medical support, or dental support obligation. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 482 (H.B. 252), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005. Amended by: Source: Texas Legislature Online (89th Leg., 2nd Called Sess., 2025) Page 8 --- TEXAS FAMILY CODE Chapter 153, Subchapter K — PARENTING PLAN, PARENTING COORDINATOR, AND PARENTI Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1150 (S.B. 550), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2018. Source: Texas Legislature Online (89th Leg., 2nd Called Sess., 2025) Page 9