Texas HB3996 allows courts to extend the mandatory dismissal date in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship if extraordinary.

Texas HB3996 amends the Family Code to allow courts to extend the mandatory dismissal date in suits affecting the parent-child relationship if a parent requests an extension and the court finds that extraordinary circumstances necessitate the child remaining in the temporary managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services. The court may retain the suit on the docket for up to 180 days, during which the court must schedule a new dismissal date, make temporary orders for the child's safety, and set the trial on the merits.

Texas HB3996 allows courts to extend the mandatory dismissal date in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship if extraordinary.

Texas HB3996 amends the Family Code to allow courts to extend the mandatory dismissal date in suits affecting the parent-child relationship if a parent requests an extension and the court finds that extraordinary circumstances necessitate the child remaining in the temporary managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services. The court may retain the suit on the docket for up to 180 days, during which the court must schedule a new dismissal date, make temporary orders for the child's safety, and set the trial on the merits.