Texas Child Protection Law Bench Book

2024 version: As effective October 1, 2024

A. Case Must Be Dismissed Within One Year

If DFPS has temporary managing conservatorship of a child, the case must be resolved within one year. Unless the court has commenced the trial on the merits or has granted an extension under Tex. Fam. Code § 263.401(b) or (b-1), on the first Monday after the first anniversary of the date the court rendered a temporary order appointing DFPS as temporary managing conservator, the case will be automatically dismissed without a court order. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.401(a).