Texas Codes

Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01 (2026)

Right To Appeal

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Sec. 56.01. RIGHT TO APPEAL. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b-1), an appeal from an order of a juvenile court is to a court of appeals and the case may be carried to the Texas Supreme Court by writ of error or upon certificate, as in civil cases generally.

(b) The requirements governing an appeal are as in civil cases generally. When an appeal is sought by filing a notice of appeal, security for costs of appeal, or an affidavit of inability to pay the costs of appeal, and the filing is made in a timely fashion after the date the disposition order is signed, the appeal must include the juvenile court adjudication and all rulings contributing to that adjudication. An appeal of the adjudication may be sought notwithstanding that the adjudication order was signed more than 30 days before the date the notice of appeal, security for costs of appeal, or affidavit of inability to pay the costs of appeal was filed.

(b-1) A motion for new trial seeking to vacate an adjudication is:

(1) timely if the motion is filed not later than the 30th day after the date on which the disposition order is signed; and

(2) governed by Rule 21, Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure.

(c) An appeal may be taken:

(1) except as provided by Subsection (n), by or on behalf of a child from an order entered under:

(A) Section 54.02 respecting transfer of the child for prosecution as an adult;

(B) Section 54.03 with regard to delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision;

(C) Section 54.04 disposing of the case;

(D) Section 54.05 respecting modification of a previous juvenile court disposition; or

(E) Chapter 55 by a juvenile court committing a child to a facility for persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities; or

(2) by a person from an order entered under Section 54.11(i)(2) transferring the person to the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

(d) A child has the right to:

(1) appeal, as provided by this subchapter;

(2) representation by counsel on appeal; and

(3) appointment of an attorney for the appeal if an attorney cannot be obtained because of indigency.

(e) On entering an order that is appealable under this section, the court shall advise the child and the child's parent, guardian, or guardian ad litem of the child's rights listed under Subsection (d) of this section.

(f) If the child and his parent, guardian, or guardian ad litem express a desire to appeal, the attorney who represented the child before the juvenile court shall file a notice of appeal with the juvenile court and inform the court whether that attorney will handle the appeal. Counsel shall be appointed under the standards provided in Section 51.10 of this code unless the right to appeal is waived in accordance with Section 51.09 of this code.

(g) An appeal does not suspend the order of the juvenile court, nor does it release the child from the custody of that court or of the person, institution, or agency to whose care the child is committed, unless the juvenile court so orders. However, the appellate court may provide for a personal bond.

(g-1) An appeal from an order entered under Section 54.02 respecting transfer of the child for prosecution as an adult does not stay the criminal proceedings pending the disposition of that appeal.

(h) If the order appealed from takes custody of the child from the child's parent, guardian, or custodian or waives jurisdiction under Section 54.02 and transfers the child to criminal court for prosecution, the appeal has precedence over all other cases.

(h-1) The supreme court shall adopt rules accelerating the disposition by the appellate court and the supreme court of an appeal of an order waiving jurisdiction under Section 54.02 and transferring a child to criminal court for prosecution.

(i) The appellate court may affirm, reverse, or modify the judgment or order, including an order of disposition or modified disposition, from which appeal was taken. It may reverse or modify an order of disposition or modified order of disposition while affirming the juvenile court adjudication that the child engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision. It may remand an order that it reverses or modifies for further proceedings by the juvenile court.

(j) Neither the child nor his family shall be identified in an appellate opinion rendered in an appeal or habeas corpus proceedings related to juvenile court proceedings under this title. The appellate opinion shall be styled, "In the matter of ..........," identifying the child by his initials only.

(k) The appellate court shall dismiss an appeal on the state's motion, supported by affidavit showing that the appellant has escaped from custody pending the appeal and, to the affiant's knowledge, has not voluntarily returned to the state's custody on or before the 10th day after the date of the escape. The court may not dismiss an appeal, or if the appeal has been dismissed, shall reinstate the appeal, on the filing of an affidavit of an officer or other credible person showing that the appellant voluntarily returned to custody on or before the 10th day after the date of the escape.

(l) Repealed by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 256 (S.B. 1612), Sec. 27(a)(8), eff. September 1, 2023.

(m) For purposes of determining indigency of the child under this section, the court shall consider the assets and income of the child, the child's parent, and any other person responsible for the support of the child.

(n) A child who enters a plea or agrees to a stipulation of evidence in a proceeding held under this title may not appeal an order of the juvenile court entered under Section 54.03, 54.04, or 54.05 if the court makes a disposition in accordance with the agreement between the state and the child regarding the disposition of the case, unless:

(1) the court gives the child permission to appeal; or

(2) the appeal is based on a matter raised by written motion filed before the proceeding in which the child entered the plea or agreed to the stipulation of evidence.

(o) This section does not limit a child's right to obtain a writ of habeas corpus.

Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 1460, ch. 544, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1973. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 385, Sec. 14, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 680, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 262, Sec. 48, eff. Jan. 1, 1996; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1086, Sec. 15, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 74, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1477, Sec. 15, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1297, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 25.059, eff. September 1, 2009.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 642 (H.B. 1688), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 74 (S.B. 888), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2015.

Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 256 (S.B. 1612), Sec. 27(a)(8), eff. September 1, 2023.

Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 950 (S.B. 1727), Sec. 11, eff. September 1, 2023.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 443 cases (85 in the last 5 years), 1976–2026 · leading case: In re J.G., 495 S.W.3d 354 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2016).
In re J.G., 495 S.W.3d 354 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2016). · cites it 3× “See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 56.01 (c)(1)(A) (Vernon Supp.”
in the Matter of E. J. E., a Juv., 557 S.W.3d 615 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2017). · cites it 5× “” TEX.FAM.CODE ANN. § 56.01(f). We agree with the parties that the requirements governing E.”
In the Matter of A.E.E., a Juv., 89 S.W.3d 250 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2002). · cites it 5× “Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 56.01 (Vernon 2002) 1 controls the right to appeal an order from a juvenile court.”
Cathey v. Meyer, 115 S.W.3d 644 (Tex. App.—Waco 2003). · cites it 2× “1(a); see Tex. Fam.Code Ann. §§ 56.01(h), 109.02(a) (Vernon 2002).”
In re S.G.R., 496 S.W.3d 235 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2016). “See Tex. Fam.Code § 56.01 (West Supp.2015). Juvenile Court’s Waiver of Jurisdiction S.”
In re Ruiz, 16 S.W.3d 921 (Tex. App.—Waco 2000). · cites it 2× “, Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 56.01(h) (Vernon 1996) (appeal following juvenile adjudication in which child removed from home), § 109.”
Ex Parte Venegas, 116 S.W.3d 160 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2003). · cites it 3× “See Tex. Fam.Code ANN. § 56.01(c) (Vernon 2002); Small v.”
In re H.Y., 512 S.W.3d 467 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2016). “Laws 1065 , 1065; see also Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(c). The text of the statute negates H.”
In re M.S., 940 S.W.2d 789 (Tex. App.—Austin 1997). · cites it 5× “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 56.01 (West 1996). Appellant again requests leave to file a late statement of facts.”
In re Altschul, 236 S.W.3d 453 (Tex. App.—Waco 2007). · cites it 2× “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 56.01 (Vernon 2002).”
In re J.W.W., 507 S.W.3d 408 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2016). “See Tex Fam. Code Ann. § 56.01(c)(1)(A), (h) (Vernon Supp.”
Small v. State, 23 S.W.3d 549 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2000). · cites it 2× “02 of the Texas Family Code, which provides that a juvenile court may waive its exclusive original jurisdiction and transfer a child to the appropriate district court or criminal district court. Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 54.02 (Vernon’s 1996).”
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(1): 3 cases
In re A.S., 954 S.W.2d 855 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1997).
In re L.P., 51 S.W.3d 855 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2001).
In re K.B., 143 S.W.3d 194 (Tex. App.—Waco 2004).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(I): 3 cases
Matter of As, 954 S.W.2d 855 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1997).
In re Kb, 143 S.W.3d 194 (Tex. App.—Waco 2004).
Matter of KLC, 972 S.W.2d 203 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 1998).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(a): 29 cases
Aguirre v. Texas Dep't of Prot. & Regulatory Servs., 917 S.W.2d 462 (Tex. App.—Austin 1996).
In the Matter of J.T.M., a Juv., 441 S.W.3d 455 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2014).
In re G.C.F., 42 S.W.3d 194 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2001).
In re J.S., 35 S.W.3d 287 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2001).
Hidalgo v. State, 945 S.W.2d 313 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1997).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(a)(b): 1 case
State v. CJF, 183 S.W.3d 841 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2005).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(b): 96 cases
in the Matter of E. J. E., a Juv., 557 S.W.3d 615 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2017). “” TEX.FAM.CODE ANN. § 56.01(f). We agree with the parties that the requirements governing E.”
In the Matter of L.D.C., a Child, 400 S.W.3d 572 (Tex. 2013).
G.A.O. v. State, 854 S.W.2d 710 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1993).
In re M.S., 940 S.W.2d 789 (Tex. App.—Austin 1997). “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 56.01 (West 1996). Appellant again requests leave to file a late statement of facts.”
In the Matter of B.P.H., 83 S.W.3d 400 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2002).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(b1): 1 case
In re Rd, 304 S.W.3d 368 (Tex. 2010).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(bl): 1 case
In re R.D., 304 S.W.3d 368 (Tex. 2010).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(c): 23 cases
In re J.G., 495 S.W.3d 354 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2016). “See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 56.01 (c)(1)(A) (Vernon Supp.”
In re H.Y., 512 S.W.3d 467 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2016). “Laws 1065 , 1065; see also Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(c). The text of the statute negates H.”
Small v. State, 23 S.W.3d 549 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2000). “02 of the Texas Family Code, which provides that a juvenile court may waive its exclusive original jurisdiction and transfer a child to the appropriate district court or criminal district court. Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 54.02 (Vernon’s 1996).”
Ex Parte Venegas, 116 S.W.3d 160 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2003). “See Tex. Fam.Code ANN. § 56.01(c) (Vernon 2002); Small v.”
In re J.L.W., 919 S.W.2d 841 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1996).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(c)(1): 8 cases
In the Matter of A.E.E., a Juv., 89 S.W.3d 250 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2002). “Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 56.01 (Vernon 2002) 1 controls the right to appeal an order from a juvenile court.”
In re J.L.W., 919 S.W.2d 841 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1996).
In re S.N., 95 S.W.3d 535 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2002).
In re Aee, 89 S.W.3d 250 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2002).
In re SN, 95 S.W.3d 535 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2003).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(c)(1)(A): 28 cases
In re J.G., 495 S.W.3d 354 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2016). “See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 56.01 (c)(1)(A) (Vernon Supp.”
In re J.W.W., 507 S.W.3d 408 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2016). “See Tex Fam. Code Ann. § 56.01(c)(1)(A), (h) (Vernon Supp.”
In re C.R., 571 S.W.3d 849 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2018).
In re T.D., 817 S.W.2d 771 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1991).
In re K.C.A., 36 S.W.3d 501 (Tex. 2000).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(c)(1)(B): 13 cases
In the Matter of A.E.E., a Juv., 89 S.W.3d 250 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2002). “Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 56.01 (Vernon 2002) 1 controls the right to appeal an order from a juvenile court.”
C.F. v. State, 897 S.W.2d 464 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1995).
In the Matter of K.T., 107 S.W.3d 65 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2003).
In re D.W., 933 S.W.2d 353 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 1996).
M.B. v. State, 905 S.W.2d 344 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1995).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(c)(1)(C): 5 cases
C.F. v. State, 897 S.W.2d 464 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1995).
CF v. State, 897 S.W.2d 464 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1995).
in the Matter of P. Z., No. 07-02-00227-CV (Tex. App.—Amarillo Oct. 20, 2003).
in the Matter of P. Z., No. 07-02-00227-CV (Tex. App.—Amarillo Oct. 20, 2003).
in the Matter of P. Z., No. 07-02-00227-CV (Tex. App.—Amarillo Oct. 20, 2003).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(c)(1)(D): 5 cases
State Fair of Texas v. Iron Mountain Info. Mgmt., Inc., 299 S.W.3d 261 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2009).
In re P.C., 970 S.W.2d 576 (Tex. App.—Dallas 1998).
In re PC, 970 S.W.2d 576 (Tex. App.—Dallas 1998).
David Edward Saucedo v. El Paso Child.'s Hosp. Corp., 677 S.W.3d 62 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2023).
In the Matter of E. S. v. the State of Texas, No. 03-23-00231-CV (Tex. App.—Austin July 7, 2023).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(c)(2): 8 cases
S.B.C. Matter Of, 805 S.W.2d 1 (Tex. App.—Tyler 1991).
In re J.B.L., 318 S.W.3d 544 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 2010).
In the Matter of F.M., a Juv., 238 S.W.3d 837 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2007).
Matter of SBC, 805 S.W.2d 1 (Tex. App.—Tyler 1991).
In re JBL, 318 S.W.3d 544 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 2010).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(d): 12 cases
in the Matter of E. J. E., a Juv., 557 S.W.3d 615 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2017). “” TEX.FAM.CODE ANN. § 56.01(f). We agree with the parties that the requirements governing E.”
In re M.S., 940 S.W.2d 789 (Tex. App.—Austin 1997). “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 56.01 (West 1996). Appellant again requests leave to file a late statement of facts.”
M.R.R. v. State, 903 S.W.2d 49 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1995).
Matter of A.L.H., 974 S.W.2d 359 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1998).
In re V.G., 746 S.W.2d 500 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1988).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(d)(2): 4 cases
In re A.G., 195 S.W.3d 886 (Tex. App.—Waco 2006).
In re Ag, 195 S.W.3d 886 (Tex. App.—Waco 2006).
in the Matter of J. D. H. v. State, No. 01-17-00890-CV (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Jan. 25, 2018).
in the Matter of K. T. S. v. State, No. 01-18-00778-CV (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Sept. 21, 2018).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(d)(3): 3 cases
In re A.G., 195 S.W.3d 886 (Tex. App.—Waco 2006).
In re Ag, 195 S.W.3d 886 (Tex. App.—Waco 2006).
Matter of DAS, 951 S.W.2d 528 (Tex. App.—Dallas 1997).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(e): 4 cases
C---W v. State, 738 S.W.2d 72 (Tex. App.—Dallas 1987).
Mitchell v. Baum, 668 S.W.2d 757 (Tex. App. 1984).
Joseph v. State, 864 S.W.2d 737 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1993).
C_ W v. State, 738 S.W.2d 72 (Tex. App.—Dallas 1987).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(f): 10 cases
in the Matter of E. J. E., a Juv., 557 S.W.3d 615 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2017). “” TEX.FAM.CODE ANN. § 56.01(f). We agree with the parties that the requirements governing E.”
In re J.M., 287 S.W.3d 481 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2009).
In re A.D., 287 S.W.3d 356 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2009).
S.D.G., Matter Of, 861 S.W.2d 106 (Tex. App.—Waco 1993).
Matter of LG, 728 S.W.2d 939 (Tex. App.—Austin 1987).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(g): 11 cases
Ex Parte Venegas, 116 S.W.3d 160 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2003). “See Tex. Fam.Code ANN. § 56.01(c) (Vernon 2002); Small v.”
In re J.G., 905 S.W.2d 676 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 1995).
In re J.V., 944 S.W.2d 15 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1997).
In re D.S., 833 S.W.2d 250 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 1992).
In re D.W.R., 990 S.W.2d 446 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1999).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(h): 9 cases
Cathey v. Meyer, 115 S.W.3d 644 (Tex. App.—Waco 2003). “1(a); see Tex. Fam.Code Ann. §§ 56.01(h), 109.02(a) (Vernon 2002).”
In re Ruiz, 16 S.W.3d 921 (Tex. App.—Waco 2000). “, Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 56.01(h) (Vernon 1996) (appeal following juvenile adjudication in which child removed from home), § 109.”
In re A.D., 287 S.W.3d 356 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2009).
In re Ad, 287 S.W.3d 356 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2009).
in the Matter of A.S., No. 04-19-00594-CV (Tex. App.—San Antonio Sept. 12, 2019).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(i): 11 cases
In re I.A.G., 297 S.W.3d 505 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 2009).
In re Ad, 287 S.W.3d 356 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2009).
In re Jm, 287 S.W.3d 481 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2009).
In re Iag, 297 S.W.3d 505 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 2009).
In re Ag, 292 S.W.3d 755 (Tex. App.—Eastland 2009).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(j): 35 cases
S.B.C. Matter Of, 805 S.W.2d 1 (Tex. App.—Tyler 1991).
S.D.G. v. State, 936 S.W.2d 371 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1996).
In re T.A.W., 234 S.W.3d 704 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2007).
In re D.S., 833 S.W.2d 250 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 1992).
In re Taw, 234 S.W.3d 704 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2007).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(l): 1 case
in the Matter of N.T., No. 05-16-00821-CV (Tex. App.—Dallas Dec. 6, 2016).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(m): 2 cases
in the Matter of N.T., No. 05-16-00821-CV (Tex. App.—Dallas Dec. 6, 2016).
in the Matter of K. J., a Child, No. 01-13-01063-CV (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Mar. 13, 2014).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(n): 5 cases
In re D.A.R., 73 S.W.3d 505 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2002).
In re Dar, 73 S.W.3d 505 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2002).
Matter of T.V.T. v. the State of Texas, 696 S.W.3d 262 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2024).
in the Matter of C. Z., No. 03-17-00665-CV (Tex. App.—Austin May 16, 2018).
in the Matter of J. I. A., No. 01-12-00791-CV (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Dec. 17, 2013).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(n)(2): 4 cases
in the Matter of J.B.J., a Juv., 86 S.W.3d 810 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 2002).
In re JBJ, 86 S.W.3d 810 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 2002).
In THE MATTER OF T.V.T. v. the State of Texas, 675 S.W.3d 303 (Tex. 2023).
Matter of T.V.T. v. the State of Texas, 696 S.W.3d 262 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2024).
Tex. Fam. Code § 56.01(o): 13 cases
Ex Parte Valle, 104 S.W.3d 888 (Tex. Crim. App. 2003).
In re Altschul, 207 S.W.3d 427 (Tex. App.—Waco 2006).
In re Altschul, 236 S.W.3d 453 (Tex. App.—Waco 2007). “See Tex. Fam.Code Ann. § 56.01 (Vernon 2002).”
In re J. M. W., a Juv., No. 12-17-00043-CV (Tex. App.—Tyler Feb. 8, 2017).
Moon, Ex Parte Cameron Michael v. State of Texas, 667 S.W.3d 796 (Tex. Crim. App. 2023).
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.