Tex. Codes » Family Code · TITLE 5. THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP AND THE SUIT AFFECTING THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP · SUBTITLE B. SUITS AFFECTING THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP · CHAPTER 152. UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT
Texas Codes

Tex. Fam. Code § 152.201 (2026)

Initial Child Custody Jurisdiction

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Sec. 152.201. INITIAL CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION. (a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 152.204, a court of this state has jurisdiction to make an initial child custody determination only if:

(1) this state is the home state of the child on the date of the commencement of the proceeding, or was the home state of the child within six months before the commencement of the proceeding and the child is absent from this state but a parent or person acting as a parent continues to live in this state;

(2) a court of another state does not have jurisdiction under Subdivision (1), or a court of the home state of the child has declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that this state is the more appropriate forum under Section 152.207 or 152.208, and:

(A) the child and the child's parents, or the child and at least one parent or a person acting as a parent, have a significant connection with this state other than mere physical presence; and

(B) substantial evidence is available in this state concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships;

(3) all courts having jurisdiction under Subdivision (1) or (2) have declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that a court of this state is the more appropriate forum to determine the custody of the child under Section 152.207 or 152.208; or

(4) no court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in Subdivision (1), (2), or (3).

(b) Subsection (a) is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a child custody determination by a court of this state.

(c) Physical presence of, or personal jurisdiction over, a party or a child is not necessary or sufficient to make a child custody determination.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 34, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 169 cases (33 in the last 5 years), 2001–2026 · leading case: In re Dean, 393 S.W.3d 741 (Tex. 2012).
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In re Dean, 393 S.W.3d 741 (Tex. 2012). · cites it 8× “See Tex. Fam.Code § 152.201(a) (explaining “home state jurisdiction”); see also id.”
Waltenburg v. Waltenburg, 270 S.W.3d 308 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2008). · cites it 8× “4 Texas Family Code section 152.201(a) “is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a child custody determination by a court of this state.”
In re the Marriage Marsalis, 338 S.W.3d 131 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2011). · cites it 10× “See TEX. FAM.CODE ANN. § 152.201; LA.REV. STAT.”
In re Barnes, 127 S.W.3d 843 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2003). · cites it 5× “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(a) (Vernon 2002).”
Jeanna Nicole Arnold v. Matthew Price, 365 S.W.3d 455 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2011). · cites it 6× “Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(a). A child’s home state is determined as of the date of the commencement of the child custody proceeding.”
In re Milton, 420 S.W.3d 245 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2013). · cites it 7× “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201 (West 2008) (defining Texas court jurisdiction to make initial child custody determinations); id.”
In re Brown, 203 S.W.3d 888 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2006). · cites it 5× “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(2)(A), (B). Texas requires the same two findings, but unlike Missouri, Texas does not require a finding that it is in the best interest of the child that a court of this State assume jurisdiction because of the two findings.”
In re Walker, 428 S.W.3d 212 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2014). · cites it 7× “Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(a) (West 2008).”
In re Burk, 252 S.W.3d 736 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2008). · cites it 3× “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(a). “In the case of a child less than six months of age, the term [“home state”] means the state in which the child lived from birth with a parent or a person acting as a parent.”
in the Interest of S.A.H., a Child, 465 S.W.3d 662 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2014). · cites it 5× “See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 152.201 (a); Parker, 2013 WL 5346417 , at *2.”
Seligman-Hargis v. Hargis, 186 S.W.3d 582 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2006). · cites it 3× “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(a) (Vernon 2002).”
In re Oates, 104 S.W.3d 571 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2003). · cites it 2× “Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(2)(A)(B). The grandparents claim that since the children lived in Texas from birth through April 2001, Texas has the most significant connection with the children.”
Show all 169 citing cases →
Tex. Fam. Code § 152.201(2): 1 case
In re C.J.S., a Child v. the State of Texas, 702 S.W.3d 573 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2024).
Tex. Fam. Code § 152.201(2)(A): 1 case
In re Brown, 203 S.W.3d 888 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2006). “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(2)(A), (B). Texas requires the same two findings, but unlike Missouri, Texas does not require a finding that it is in the best interest of the child that a court of this State assume jurisdiction because of the two findings.”
Tex. Fam. Code § 152.201(2)(A)(B): 1 case
In re Oates, 104 S.W.3d 571 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2003). “Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(2)(A)(B). The grandparents claim that since the children lived in Texas from birth through April 2001, Texas has the most significant connection with the children.”
Tex. Fam. Code § 152.201(3): 2 cases
In the Interest of S.J.A., 272 S.W.3d 678 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2008).
In re Sja, 272 S.W.3d 678 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2008).
Tex. Fam. Code § 152.201(a): 46 cases
In re Dean, 393 S.W.3d 741 (Tex. 2012). “See Tex. Fam.Code § 152.201(a) (explaining “home state jurisdiction”); see also id.”
Waltenburg v. Waltenburg, 270 S.W.3d 308 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2008). “4 Texas Family Code section 152.201(a) “is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a child custody determination by a court of this state.”
In re Barnes, 127 S.W.3d 843 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2003). “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(a) (Vernon 2002).”
Jeanna Nicole Arnold v. Matthew Price, 365 S.W.3d 455 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2011). “Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(a). A child’s home state is determined as of the date of the commencement of the child custody proceeding.”
Seligman-Hargis v. Hargis, 186 S.W.3d 582 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2006). “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(a) (Vernon 2002).”
Tex. Fam. Code § 152.201(a)(1): 39 cases
Powell v. Stover, 165 S.W.3d 322 (Tex. 2005).
In re Walker, 428 S.W.3d 212 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2014). “Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(a) (West 2008).”
In re McCoy, 52 S.W.3d 297 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 2001).
In re Barnes, 127 S.W.3d 843 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2003). “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(a) (Vernon 2002).”
Berwick v. Wagner, 336 S.W.3d 805 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2011).
Tex. Fam. Code § 152.201(a)(2): 30 cases
In re the Marriage Marsalis, 338 S.W.3d 131 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2011). “See TEX. FAM.CODE ANN. § 152.201; LA.REV. STAT.”
In re Walker, 428 S.W.3d 212 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2014). “Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(a) (West 2008).”
In the Interest of Brilliant, 86 S.W.3d 680 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2002).
In re Barnes, 127 S.W.3d 843 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2003). “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(a) (Vernon 2002).”
In re Burk, 252 S.W.3d 736 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2008). “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(a). “In the case of a child less than six months of age, the term [“home state”] means the state in which the child lived from birth with a parent or a person acting as a parent.”
Tex. Fam. Code § 152.201(a)(2)(A): 5 cases
In re Oates, 104 S.W.3d 571 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2003). “Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(2)(A)(B). The grandparents claim that since the children lived in Texas from birth through April 2001, Texas has the most significant connection with the children.”
In re Brown, 203 S.W.3d 888 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2006). “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(2)(A), (B). Texas requires the same two findings, but unlike Missouri, Texas does not require a finding that it is in the best interest of the child that a court of this State assume jurisdiction because of the two findings.”
Jumana M. Barabarawi v. Mahaer Abu Rayyan, 406 S.W.3d 767 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2013).
In the Interest of J.S.N., a Child v. the State of Texas, No. 14-23-00572-CV (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] Mar. 26, 2024).
in the Interest of J.B., D.B., B.B., & J.G.B., Minor Child., No. 04-13-00397-CV (Tex. App.—San Antonio Dec. 18, 2013).
Tex. Fam. Code § 152.201(a)(2)(B): 1 case
In re Brown, 203 S.W.3d 888 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2006). “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(2)(A), (B). Texas requires the same two findings, but unlike Missouri, Texas does not require a finding that it is in the best interest of the child that a court of this State assume jurisdiction because of the two findings.”
Tex. Fam. Code § 152.201(a)(3): 8 cases
In re Dean, 393 S.W.3d 741 (Tex. 2012). “See Tex. Fam.Code § 152.201(a) (explaining “home state jurisdiction”); see also id.”
In re the Marriage Marsalis, 338 S.W.3d 131 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2011). “See TEX. FAM.CODE ANN. § 152.201; LA.REV. STAT.”
In re Lewin, 149 S.W.3d 727 (Tex. App.—Austin 2004).
Jeanna Nicole Arnold v. Matthew Price, 365 S.W.3d 455 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2011). “Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(a). A child’s home state is determined as of the date of the commencement of the child custody proceeding.”
In the Interest of J.S., 175 S.W.3d 526 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2005).
Tex. Fam. Code § 152.201(a)(4): 7 cases
Waltenburg v. Waltenburg, 270 S.W.3d 308 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2008). “4 Texas Family Code section 152.201(a) “is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a child custody determination by a court of this state.”
In re the Marriage Marsalis, 338 S.W.3d 131 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2011). “See TEX. FAM.CODE ANN. § 152.201; LA.REV. STAT.”
Jumana M. Barabarawi v. Mahaer Abu Rayyan, 406 S.W.3d 767 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2013).
In the Interest of J.S., 175 S.W.3d 526 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2005).
In re Js, 175 S.W.3d 526 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2005).
Tex. Fam. Code § 152.201(a)(l): 3 cases
Waltenburg v. Waltenburg, 270 S.W.3d 308 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2008). “4 Texas Family Code section 152.201(a) “is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a child custody determination by a court of this state.”
in the Interest of S.L.P., a Minor Child, 123 S.W.3d 685 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2003).
In the Interest of J.C.B., 209 S.W.3d 821 (Tex. App.—Amarillo 2006).
Tex. Fam. Code § 152.201(b): 13 cases
In re Dean, 393 S.W.3d 741 (Tex. 2012). “See Tex. Fam.Code § 152.201(a) (explaining “home state jurisdiction”); see also id.”
Waltenburg v. Waltenburg, 270 S.W.3d 308 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2008). “4 Texas Family Code section 152.201(a) “is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a child custody determination by a court of this state.”
Seligman-Hargis v. Hargis, 186 S.W.3d 582 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2006). “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 152.201(a) (Vernon 2002).”
in the Interest of S.A.H., a Child, 465 S.W.3d 662 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2014). “See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 152.201 (a); Parker, 2013 WL 5346417 , at *2.”
In the Interest of K.M.P., 323 S.W.3d 601 (Tex. App.—Austin 2010).
Tex. Fam. Code § 152.201(c): 5 cases
Waltenburg v. Waltenburg, 270 S.W.3d 308 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2008). “4 Texas Family Code section 152.201(a) “is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a child custody determination by a court of this state.”
Velasco v. Ayala, 312 S.W.3d 783 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2009).
In the Interest of D.A.P., 267 S.W.3d 485 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2008).
In re Dap, 267 S.W.3d 485 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2008).
in the Matter of the Marriage of Matthew Thomas Flowers & Emma Mary Flowers & in the Interest of E.M.F., a Child, No. 06-19-00015-CV (Tex. App.—Texarkana Aug. 22, 2019).
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