Texas Statutes
Subchapter K. Parenting Plan, Parenting Coordinator, and Parenting Facilitator
Section 153.601. Definitions

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 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.