Texas § FA.153.601 - DEFINITIONS

§ FA.153.601. DEFINITIONS

DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (1) "Dispute resolution process" means: (A) a process of alternative dispute resolution conducted in accordance with Section 153.0071 of this chapter and Chapter 154 , Civil Practice and Remedies Code; or (B) any other method of voluntary dispute resolution. (2) "High-conflict case" means a suit affecting the parent-child relationship in which the court finds that the parties have demonstrated an unusual degree of: (A) repetitiously resorting to the adjudicative process; (B) anger and distrust; and (C) difficulty in communicating about and cooperating in the care of their children. (3) "Parenting coordinator" means an impartial third party: (A) who, regardless of the title by which the person is designated by the court, performs any function described by Section 153.606 in a suit; and (B) who: (i) is appointed under this subchapter by the court on its own motion or on a motion or agreement of the parties to assist parties in resolving parenting issues through confidential procedures; and (ii) is not appointed under another statute or a rule of civil procedure. (3-a) "Parenting facilitator" means an impartial third party: (A) who, regardless of the title by which the person is designated by the court, performs any function described by Section 153.6061 in a suit; and (B) who: (i) is appointed under this subchapter by the court on its own motion or on a motion or agreement of the parties to assist parties in resolving parenting issues through procedures that are not confidential; and (ii) is not appointed under another statute or a rule of civil procedure. (4) "Parenting plan" means the provisions of a final court order that: (A) set out rights and duties of a parent or a person acting as a parent in relation to the child; (B) provide for periods of possession of and access to the child, which may be the terms set out in the standard possession order under Subchapter F and any amendments to the standard possession order agreed to by the parties or found by the court to be in the best interest of the child; (C) provide for child support; and (D) optimize the development of a close and continuing relationship between each parent and the child. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 482 (H.B. 252 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005. Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1181 (H.B. 555 ), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1113 (H.B. 1012 ), Sec. 16, eff. September 1, 2009.