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Legal Information: Texas

Custody

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Laws current as of July 28, 2023

What is a parent education and family stabilization course?

A parent education and family stabilization course is designed to help parents and children dealing with divorce.  In a proceeding to determine conservatorship or possession of or access to a child, the judge may order the parents to attend the course if s/he determines that it is in the best interest of the child.

The course has a fee.  If the parties cannot afford the fee, there may be able to find courses that are free or offered on a sliding fee scale.  A parent can complete the course by personal instruction, videotape instruction, or through electronic communication.  Courses may also be available in Spanish.  For information on course locations, contact the county clerk.  See TX Courthouse Locations for contact information for the county clerk near you.

If a judge orders the parties to attend a course and they do not, they can be held in contempt of court.

Note: If you have been a victim of family violence, you can ask the judge to place you in a separate class from the other parent.1

1 Tex. Fam. Code § 105.009