Texas § FA.107.0245 - AMICUS ATTORNEY

§ FA.107.0245. AMICUS ATTORNEY

AMICUS ATTORNEY; MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS. (a) To be qualified to serve as an amicus attorney, an individual must: (1) be an attorney who: (A) is licensed to practice law in this state and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas; (B) has practiced law for at least two years; and (C) is trained in child advocacy or found by the court to have experience equivalent to training in child advocacy; (2) in the two years preceding the appointment, have completed not less than a total of four hours of continuing legal education in the following subject areas: (A) the dynamics of family violence; (B) techniques for interviewing a child in a developmentally appropriate manner; and (C) alternative dispute resolution; and (3) if appropriate due to the nature of the appointment, be familiar with the American Bar Association's standards of practice for attorneys who represent children in custody cases. (b) Continuing legal education described by Subsection (a)(2)(A) must be developed in consultation with a statewide family violence advocacy organization. (c) The court shall determine whether a prospective amicus attorney meets the qualifications of this section. (d) On the request of the court, a prospective amicus attorney must demonstrate appropriate knowledge and competence consistent with professional models, standards, and guidelines. Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 594 (H.B. 2530 ), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2025.