Sec. 161.202. PREFERENTIAL SETTING. In a termination suit, after a hearing, the court shall grant a motion for a preferential setting for a final hearing on the merits filed by a party to the suit or by the amicus attorney or attorney ad litem for the child and shall give precedence to that hearing over other civil cases if:
(1) termination would make the child eligible for adoption; and
(2) discovery has been completed or sufficient time has elapsed since the filing of the suit for the completion of all necessary and reasonable discovery if diligently pursued.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 133, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 172 (H.B. 307), Sec. 19, eff. September 1, 2005.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship
Subtitle B - Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship
Chapter 161 - Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship
Subchapter C. Hearing and Order
Section 161.2011. Continuance; Access to Child
Section 161.202. Preferential Setting
Section 161.2021. Medical History Report
Section 161.203. Dismissal of Petition
Section 161.204. Termination Based on Affidavit of Waiver of Interest
Section 161.205. Order Denying Termination
Section 161.206. Order Terminating Parental Rights
Section 161.2061. Terms Regarding Limited Post-Termination Contact
Section 161.2062. Provision for Limited Contact Between Biological Parent and Child
Section 161.207. Appointment of Managing Conservator on Termination
Section 161.208. Appointment of Department of Family and Protective Services as Managing Conservator
Section 161.2081. Notice of Termination for Certain Relatives
Section 161.209. Copy of Order of Termination
Section 161.210. Sealing of File
Section 161.211. Direct or Collateral Attack on Termination Order