Tex. Codes » Family Code · TITLE 5. THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP AND THE SUIT AFFECTING THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP · SUBTITLE A. GENERAL PROVISIONS · CHAPTER 102. FILING SUIT
Texas Codes

Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003 (2026)

General Standing To File Suit

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Sec. 102.003. GENERAL STANDING TO FILE SUIT. (a) An original suit may be filed at any time by:

(1) a parent of the child;

(2) the child through a representative authorized by the court;

(3) a custodian or person having the right of visitation with or access to the child appointed by an order of a court of another state or country;

(4) a guardian of the person or of the estate of the child;

(5) a governmental entity;

(6) the Department of Family and Protective Services;

(7) a licensed child placing agency;

(8) a man alleging himself to be the father of a child filing in accordance with Chapter 160, subject to the limitations of that chapter, but not otherwise;

(9) a person, other than a foster parent, relative, or designated caregiver of a child placed by the Department of Family and Protective Services, who has had exclusive care, control, and possession of the child for at least six months ending not more than 90 days preceding the date of the filing of the petition;

(10) a person designated as the managing conservator in a revoked or unrevoked affidavit of relinquishment under Chapter 161 or to whom consent to adoption has been given in writing under Chapter 162;

(11) a person who is the foster parent, relative, or designated caregiver of a child placed by the Department of Family and Protective Services in the person's home for at least 12 months ending not more than 90 days preceding the date of the filing of the petition, unless:

(A) the child has been returned to the parent under Section 263.403; or

(B) the child has been placed with a parent and the suit by the Department of Family and Protective Services has been dismissed under Section 263.401;

(12) a person who is a relative of the child within the fourth degree by consanguinity, as determined by Chapter 573, Government Code, if the child's parents are deceased at the time of the filing of the petition;

(13) a person who has been named as a prospective adoptive parent of a child by a pregnant woman or the parent of the child, in a verified written statement to confer standing executed under Section 102.0035, regardless of whether the child has been born; or

(14) subject to Subsection (d), a person who is an intended parent of a child or unborn child under a gestational agreement that complies with the requirements of Section 160.754.

(b) In computing the time necessary for standing under Subsections (a)(9) and (11), the court may not require that the time be continuous and uninterrupted but shall consider the child's principal residence during the relevant time preceding the date of commencement of the suit.

(c) Notwithstanding the time requirements of Subsection (a)(11), a person who is the foster parent of a child may file a suit to adopt a child for whom the person is providing foster care at any time after the person has been approved to adopt the child. The standing to file suit under this subsection applies only to the adoption of a child who is eligible to be adopted.

(d) A person described by Subsection (a)(14) has standing to file an original suit only if:

(1) the person is filing an original suit jointly with the other intended parent under the gestational agreement; or

(2) the person is filing an original suit against the other intended parent under the gestational agreement.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 751, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 575, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1048, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1390, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 821, Sec. 2.07, eff. June 14, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 37, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 573, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 110 (H.B. 841), Sec. 10, eff. May 21, 2011.

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 1.029, eff. April 2, 2015.

Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 130 (H.B. 1689), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2019.

Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 402 (H.B. 2350), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2025.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 298 cases (71 in the last 5 years), 1995–2026 · leading case: Jasek v. Texas Dep't of Fam. & Prot. Servs., 348 S.W.3d 523 (Tex. App.—Austin 2011).
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Jasek v. Texas Dep't of Fam. & Prot. Servs., 348 S.W.3d 523 (Tex. App.—Austin 2011). · cites it 7× “) (citing Tex. Fam.Code Ann. §§ 102.003, .004, .0045, .”
Texas Dep't of Prot. & Regulatory Servs. v. Sherry, 46 S.W.3d 857 (Tex. 2001). · cites it 4× “007(a)(1), and ruled that because Sherry did not meet the requirements of Texas Family Code § 102.003, he did not have standing to bring the SAPCR.”
in Re: Charles Dwayne Lankford & Roberta Gresham, 501 S.W.3d 681 (Tex. App.—Tyler 2016). · cites it 7× “See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §§ 102.003 -.007 (West 2014 & Supp.”
Crystal Spurck v. Texas Dep't of Fam. & Prot. Servs., 396 S.W.3d 205 (Tex. App.—Austin 2013). · cites it 4× “6 See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. §§ 102.003 (West Supp.”
in the Interest of H.S., a Minor Child, 550 S.W.3d 151 (Tex. 2018). · cites it 2× “" Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(12). Two other Family Code provisions that allow grandparents to seek conservatorship or possession of a child under narrow circumstances are not before us.”
In Re Salgado, 53 S.W.3d 752 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2001). · cites it 4× “See Tex.Fam. Code Ann. § 102.003(a)(9)(Vernon Supp.”
In Re Derzapf, 219 S.W.3d 327 (Tex. 2007). · cites it 2× “" Tex. Fam.Code § 102.003(a)(9). 10 . This is not to say that grandparents may not seek conservatorship by satisfying chapter 102’s standing requirements.”
Jones v. Fowler, 969 S.W.2d 429 (Tex. 1998). · cites it 3× “Tex Fam.Code § 102.003 (emphasis added). 2 .”
In Re Guardianship of Cem-K., 341 S.W.3d 68 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2011). · cites it 4× “(citing Tex. Fam.Code Ann. §§ 102.003, 102.004, 102.”
In the Interest of K.S., 492 S.W.3d 419 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2016). · cites it 2× “See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 102.003 (a)(9); In re J.”
in Re K.K.C., 292 S.W.3d 788 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 2009). · cites it 11× “The petitioner in this case alleged standing based on his assertion that "the child has resided with him continuously for over a six month period of time.”
Doncer v. Dickerson, 81 S.W.3d 349 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2002). · cites it 3× “Tex.Fam.Code Ann. § 102.003(a). This section derives from former Section 11.”
Show all 298 citing cases →
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(1): 3 cases
In the Interest of P.R., 994 S.W.2d 411 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1999).
In Re Pr, 994 S.W.2d 411 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1999).
in the Interest of D. A. A-B., a Child, No. 08-21-00058-CV (Tex. App.—El Paso Aug. 30, 2022).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(11): 3 cases
Texas Dep't of Prot. & Regulatory Servs. v. Sherry, 46 S.W.3d 857 (Tex. 2001). “007(a)(1), and ruled that because Sherry did not meet the requirements of Texas Family Code § 102.003, he did not have standing to bring the SAPCR.”
In Re Camm, 243 S.W.3d 211 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2008).
in the Interest of C.A.M.M., 243 S.W.3d 211 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2007).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(12): 4 cases
In Re Roxsane R., 249 S.W.3d 764 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2008).
in the Interest of C.V.G. A/K/A C.V.S. A/K/A C.V.S., 112 S.W.3d 180 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2003).
In Re CVG, 112 S.W.3d 180 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2003).
in Re Tina & Greg Salverson, No. 01-12-00343-CV (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Apr. 23, 2012).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(13): 1 case
in the Interest of C. Z. H.-O. & C. N. H.-O., No. 03-17-00016-CV (Tex. App.—Austin Oct. 27, 2017).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(5): 2 cases
In Re Attorney Gen. of Texas, 195 S.W.3d 264 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2006).
Rivera v. Off. of the Attorney Gen., 960 S.W.2d 280 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1998).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(8): 2 cases
Jones v. Fowler, 969 S.W.2d 429 (Tex. 1998). “Tex Fam.Code § 102.003 (emphasis added). 2 .”
in the Interest of D. A. A-B., a Child, No. 08-21-00058-CV (Tex. App.—El Paso Aug. 30, 2022).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(9): 14 cases
Texas Dep't of Prot. & Regulatory Servs. v. Sherry, 46 S.W.3d 857 (Tex. 2001). “007(a)(1), and ruled that because Sherry did not meet the requirements of Texas Family Code § 102.003, he did not have standing to bring the SAPCR.”
in the Interest of S.A.H, a Minor Child, 420 S.W.3d 911 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2014).
in the Interest of K.D.H., a Child, 426 S.W.3d 879 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2014).
Jones v. Fowler, 969 S.W.2d 429 (Tex. 1998). “Tex Fam.Code § 102.003 (emphasis added). 2 .”
In Re Jeffries, 979 S.W.2d 429 (Tex. App.—Waco 1998).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a): 12 cases
Crystal Spurck v. Texas Dep't of Fam. & Prot. Servs., 396 S.W.3d 205 (Tex. App.—Austin 2013). “6 See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. §§ 102.003 (West Supp.”
Doncer v. Dickerson, 81 S.W.3d 349 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2002). “Tex.Fam.Code Ann. § 102.003(a). This section derives from former Section 11.”
Goodson v. Castellanos, 214 S.W.3d 741 (Tex. App.—Austin 2007).
In the Interest of L.D.F., a Child, 445 S.W.3d 823 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2014).
In Re Mata, 212 S.W.3d 597 (Tex. App.—Austin 2006).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(1): 6 cases
In Re Kmm, 326 S.W.3d 714 (Tex. App.—Amarillo 2010).
in the Interest of I.M.M. & K.R.M., Child., No. 01-17-00415-CV, 2019 WL 1768998 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Apr. 23, 2019).
in the Interest of H.D.D.B, a Child, No. 01-20-00723-CV, 2022 WL 2251655 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] June 23, 2022).
in the Interest of D. A. A-B., a Child, No. 08-21-00058-CV (Tex. App.—El Paso Aug. 30, 2022).
In the Interest of I.M.S. & C.K.S., Child. v. the State of Texas, 679 S.W.3d 704 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2023).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(10): 6 cases
In Re Cervantes, 300 S.W.3d 865 (Tex. App.—Waco 2009).
Angelica Mitchell Moore & Kevin Alexander Moore v. Donna M. Brown & Alvin Benard Brown, 408 S.W.3d 423 (Tex. App.—Austin 2013).
Dep't of Fam. & Prot. Servs. v. Alternatives in Motion, 210 S.W.3d 794 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2007).
in the Interest of A.T., a Minor Child, No. 14-14-00071-CV (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] July 15, 2014).
in the Interest of A.T., a Minor Child, No. 14-14-00071-CV (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] July 1, 2014).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(11): 8 cases
Jasek v. Texas Dep't of Fam. & Prot. Servs., 348 S.W.3d 523 (Tex. App.—Austin 2011). “) (citing Tex. Fam.Code Ann. §§ 102.003, .004, .0045, .”
In Re Kkc, 292 S.W.3d 788 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 2009).
in Re Jamie Brice, 648 S.W.3d 293 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2019).
In Re PDM, 117 S.W.3d 453 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2003).
In Re Cmv, 136 S.W.3d 280 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2004).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(12): 18 cases
in the Interest of H.S., a Minor Child, 550 S.W.3d 151 (Tex. 2018). “" Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(12). Two other Family Code provisions that allow grandparents to seek conservatorship or possession of a child under narrow circumstances are not before us.”
Crystal Spurck v. Texas Dep't of Fam. & Prot. Servs., 396 S.W.3d 205 (Tex. App.—Austin 2013). “6 See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. §§ 102.003 (West Supp.”
in the Interest of N.L.G., a Child, 238 S.W.3d 828 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2007).
In Re Roxsane R., 249 S.W.3d 764 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2008).
in the Interest of S.L.W., a Child, 529 S.W.3d 601 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2017).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(13): 3 cases
In Re Samantha Hale Battenfield v. the State of Texas, No. 06-24-00090-CV (Tex. App.—Texarkana Feb. 14, 2025).
in the Interest of A.C.M.R., a Child, No. 04-18-00448-CV (Tex. App.—San Antonio Jan. 23, 2019).
In the Interest of M.G.G., a Child v. the State of Texas, 673 S.W.3d 363 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi–Edinburg 2023).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(14): 2 cases
in Re J.H. & C. H., No. 04-20-00012-CV (Tex. App.—San Antonio Mar. 4, 2020).
in Re Joseph Andre Davis, No. 01-15-00408-CV (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Aug. 5, 2015).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(2): 3 cases
In the Interest of J.A., 109 S.W.3d 869 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2003).
In Re Ja, 109 S.W.3d 869 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2003).
In the Interest of J.M.R.C & J.M.A.C, Child. v. Texas Dep't of Fam. & Prot. Servs., No. 14-22-00681-CV (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] Mar. 17, 2023).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(4): 3 cases
in the Interest of A.D.P., a Child, 281 S.W.3d 541 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2008).
In Re ADP, 281 S.W.3d 541 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2008).
in the Interest of A.D.P., a Child, No. 08-06-00245-CV (Tex. App.—El Paso Oct. 23, 2008).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(5): 2 cases
HCA, INC. v. Miller Ex Rel. Miller, 36 S.W.3d 187 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2000).
in the Interest of M.F., C.B.F. & E.F., Child., No. 11-08-00276-CV (Tex. App.—Eastland May 13, 2010).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(7): 1 case
Dep't of Fam. & Prot. Servs. v. Alternatives in Motion, 210 S.W.3d 794 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2007).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(8): 7 cases
In the Interest of K.M.S., 68 S.W.3d 61 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2001).
in the Interest of K.I.A., a Child, 205 S.W.3d 14 (Tex. App.—Eastland 2006).
In Re KMS, 68 S.W.3d 61 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2001).
In Re HCS, 219 S.W.3d 33 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2006).
In Re Kia, 205 S.W.3d 14 (Tex. App.—Eastland 2006).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(9): 106 cases
Jasek v. Texas Dep't of Fam. & Prot. Servs., 348 S.W.3d 523 (Tex. App.—Austin 2011). “) (citing Tex. Fam.Code Ann. §§ 102.003, .004, .0045, .”
In Re Derzapf, 219 S.W.3d 327 (Tex. 2007). “" Tex. Fam.Code § 102.003(a)(9). 10 . This is not to say that grandparents may not seek conservatorship by satisfying chapter 102’s standing requirements.”
in the Interest of H.S., a Minor Child, 550 S.W.3d 151 (Tex. 2018). “" Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(12). Two other Family Code provisions that allow grandparents to seek conservatorship or possession of a child under narrow circumstances are not before us.”
In Re Salgado, 53 S.W.3d 752 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2001). “See Tex.Fam. Code Ann. § 102.003(a)(9)(Vernon Supp.”
Coons-Andersen v. Andersen, 104 S.W.3d 630 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2003).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(9)(13): 1 case
in Re Joseph Andre Davis, No. 01-15-00408-CV (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Aug. 5, 2015).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(ll): 5 cases
In Re Salgado, 53 S.W.3d 752 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2001). “See Tex.Fam. Code Ann. § 102.003(a)(9)(Vernon Supp.”
in Re K.K.C., 292 S.W.3d 788 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 2009). “The petitioner in this case alleged standing based on his assertion that "the child has resided with him continuously for over a six month period of time.”
in the Interest of P.D.M. & K.E.M., 117 S.W.3d 453 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2003).
In the Interest of C.T.H.S., 311 S.W.3d 204 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 2010).
In the Interest of C.M.V., 136 S.W.3d 280 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2004).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(b): 20 cases
Doncer v. Dickerson, 81 S.W.3d 349 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2002). “Tex.Fam.Code Ann. § 102.003(a). This section derives from former Section 11.”
In Re Salgado, 53 S.W.3d 752 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2001). “See Tex.Fam. Code Ann. § 102.003(a)(9)(Vernon Supp.”
In Re Guardianship of Cem-K., 341 S.W.3d 68 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2011). “(citing Tex. Fam.Code Ann. §§ 102.003, 102.004, 102.”
In the Interest of I.I.G.T., a Child, 412 S.W.3d 803 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2013).
In the Interest of E.G.L., 378 S.W.3d 542 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2012).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(b)(3): 1 case
TXI Operations LP v. Texas Comm'n on Env't Quality, 665 S.W.3d 203 (Tex. App.—Austin 2023).
Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(c): 2 cases
in the Interest of S.C., No. 09-21-00325-CV (Tex. App.—Beaumont Apr. 7, 2022).
in the Interest of K.T.R., a Child, No. 10-22-00219-CV (Tex. App.—Waco Dec. 21, 2022).
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