Tex. Fam. Code § 153.601

**Tex. Fam. Code § 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 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.