Text Version
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF TEXAS
Misc. Docket No. 20-9050
SEVENTH EMERGENCY ORDER REGARDING THE COVID-19 STATE OF DISASTER
ORDERED that:
- Governor Abbott has declared a state of disaster in all 254 counties in the State of Texas in response to the imminent threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. This order is issued pursuant to Section 22.0035(b) of the Texas Government Code.
- This Order supplements and does sot replace or amend prior Emergency Orders Regarding the COVID-19 State of Disaster.
- This order applies to and clarifies possession schedules in Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship. For purposes of determining a person’s right to possession of and access to a child under a court-ordered possession schedule, the existing trial court order shall control in all instances. Possession of and access to a child shall not be affected by any shelter-in-place order or other order restricting movement issued by a governmental entity that arises from an epidemic or pandemic, including what is commonly referred to as the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Nothing herein prevents parties from altering a possession schedule by agreement if allowed by their court order(s), or courts from modifying their orders on an emergency basis or otherwise.
- This Order is effective as of March 24, 2020, and expires May 8, 2020, unless extended by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
- The Clerk of the Supreme Court is directed to:
- post a copy of this Order on www.txcourts.gov
