Texas Codes

Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003 (2026)

General Standing To File Suit

✓ current as of May 2026

Find cases: SyfertCases citing this section TX-LEGstatutes.capitol.texas.gov Justiaon Justia CornellLII Search CasesGoogle Scholar

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. 2011).

Sort: Relevance Newest Treatment

Jasek v. Texas Dep't of Fam. & Prot. Servs., 348 S.W.3d 523 (Tex. App. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 1999).

In Re Pr, 994 S.W.2d 411 (Tex. App. 1999).

in the Interest of D. A. A-B., a Child (Tex. App. 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. 2008).

in the Interest of C.A.M.M., 243 S.W.3d 211 (Tex. App. 2007).

— Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(12) — 4 cases

In Re Roxsane R., 249 S.W.3d 764 (Tex. App. 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. 2003).

In Re Cvg, 112 S.W.3d 180 (Tex. App. 2003).

in Re Tina & Greg Salverson (Tex. App. 2012).

— Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(13) — 1 case

in the Interest of C. Z. H.-O. & C. N. H.-O. (Tex. App. 2017).

— Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(5) — 2 cases

In Re Attorney Gen. of Texas, 195 S.W.3d 264 (Tex. App. 2006).

Rivera v. Off. of the Attorney Gen., 960 S.W.2d 280 (Tex. App. 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 (Tex. App. 2022).

— Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(9) — 14 cases

in the Interest of S.A.H, a Minor Child, 420 S.W.3d 911 (Tex. App. 2014).

in the Interest of K.D.H., a Child, 426 S.W.3d 879 (Tex. App. 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. 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. 2013). “6 See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. §§ 102.003 (West Supp.”

Doncer v. Dickerson, 81 S.W.3d 349 (Tex. App. 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. 2007).

In the Interest of L.D.F., a Child, 445 S.W.3d 823 (Tex. App. 2014).

In Re Mata, 212 S.W.3d 597 (Tex. App. 2006).

— Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(1) — 6 cases

In Re Kmm, 326 S.W.3d 714 (Tex. App. 2010).

in the Interest of I.M.M. & K.R.M., Child. (Tex. App. 2019).

in the Interest of H.D.D.B, a Child (Tex. App. 2022).

in the Interest of D. A. A-B., a Child (Tex. App. 2022).

In the Interest of I.M.S. & C.K.S., Child. v. the State of Texas (Tex. App. 2023).

— Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(10) — 6 cases

In Re Cervantes, 300 S.W.3d 865 (Tex. App. 2009).

Angelica Mitchell Moore & Kevin Alexander Moore v. Donna M. Brown & Alvin Benard Brown, 408 S.W.3d 423 (Tex. App. 2013).

Dep't of Fam. & Prot. Servs. v. Alternatives in Motion, 210 S.W.3d 794 (Tex. App. 2007).

in the Interest of A.T., a Minor Child (Tex. App. 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. 2011). “) (citing Tex. Fam.Code Ann. §§ 102.003, .004, .0045, .”

In Re Kkc, 292 S.W.3d 788 (Tex. App. 2009).

in Re Jamie Brice (Tex. App. 2019).

In Re Pdm, 117 S.W.3d 453 (Tex. App. 2003).

In Re Cmv, 136 S.W.3d 280 (Tex. App. 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. 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. 2007).

In Re Roxsane R., 249 S.W.3d 764 (Tex. App. 2008).

in the Interest of S.L.W., a Child, 529 S.W.3d 601 (Tex. App. 2017).

— Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(13) — 3 cases

In Re Samantha Hale Battenfield v. the State of Texas (Tex. App. 2025).

in the Interest of A.C.M.R., a Child (Tex. App. 2019).

In the Interest of M.G.G., a Child v. the State of Texas (Tex. App. 2023).

— Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(14) — 2 cases

in Re J.H. & C. H. (Tex. App. 2020).

in Re Joseph Andre Davis (Tex. App. 2015).

— Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(2) — 3 cases

In the Interest of J.A., 109 S.W.3d 869 (Tex. App. 2003).

In Re Ja, 109 S.W.3d 869 (Tex. App. 2003).

In the Interest of J.M.R.C & J.M.A.C, Child. v. Texas Dep't of Fam. & Prot. Servs. (Tex. App. 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. 2008).

In Re Adp, 281 S.W.3d 541 (Tex. App. 2008).

in the Interest of A.D.P., a Child (Tex. App. 2008).

— Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(5) — 2 cases

HCA, INC. v. Miller Ex Rel. Miller, 36 S.W.3d 187 (Tex. App. 2000).

in the Interest of M.F., C.B.F. & E.F., Child. (Tex. App. 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. 2007).

— Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(8) — 7 cases

In the Interest of K.M.S., 68 S.W.3d 61 (Tex. App. 2001).

in the Interest of K.I.A., a Child, 205 S.W.3d 14 (Tex. App. 2006).

In Re Kms, 68 S.W.3d 61 (Tex. App. 2001).

In Re Hcs, 219 S.W.3d 33 (Tex. App. 2006).

In Re Kia, 205 S.W.3d 14 (Tex. App. 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. 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 Re Salgado, 53 S.W.3d 752 (Tex. App. 2001). “See Tex.Fam. Code Ann. § 102.003(a)(9)(Vernon Supp.”

Coons-Andersen v. Andersen, 104 S.W.3d 630 (Tex. App. 2003).

— Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(9)(13) — 1 case

in Re Joseph Andre Davis (Tex. App. 2015).

— Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(a)(ll) — 5 cases

In Re Salgado, 53 S.W.3d 752 (Tex. App. 2001). “See Tex.Fam. Code Ann. § 102.003(a)(9)(Vernon Supp.”

in Re K.K.C., 292 S.W.3d 788 (Tex. App. 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. 2003).

In the Interest of C.T.H.S., 311 S.W.3d 204 (Tex. App. 2010).

In the Interest of C.M.V., 136 S.W.3d 280 (Tex. App. 2004).

— Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(b) — 20 cases

Doncer v. Dickerson, 81 S.W.3d 349 (Tex. App. 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. 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. 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. 2013).

In the Interest of E.G.L., 378 S.W.3d 542 (Tex. App. 2012).

— Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(b)(3) — 1 case

TXI Operations LP v. Texas Comm'n on Env't Quality (Tex. App. 2023).

— Tex. Fam. Code § 102.003(c) — 2 cases

in the Interest of S.C. (Tex. App. 2022).

in the Interest of K.T.R., a Child (Tex. App. 2022).

Annotations are extracted automatically from the opinions in the Syfert caselaw corpus and ranked by authority, recency, and treatment. Dots show Syfertize treatment of the citing case itself.