COVID-19 Family Law Update No. 4

Texas courts continue to respond in real time to current evolving circumstances and their effects on parents and children.

On March 24, 2020, the Supreme Court of Texas issued its Seventh Emergency Order Regarding The Covid-19 Disaster (linked here) providing that all prior court-ordered possession periods continue as ordered during any shelter in place orders that may be issued by local jurisdictions.

Also of note is a statement of guidance issued to counsel and parties by the 378th District Court of Ellis County (link here).  This statement includes specific guidance regarding supervised visitation, and also scheduling electronic access to the children in the event that physical possession is interrupted by a Covid-19 diagnosis or mandatory quarantine.  These guidelines could be helpful to those outside Ellis County in addressing possession issues.