Texas Child Protection Law Bench Book

2024 version: As effective October 1, 2024

A. Good Cause

Good cause is defined in Black's Law Dictionary as a "legally sufficient reason." The definition also states that "good cause is often the burden placed upon a litigant . . . to show why a request should be granted or an action excused.

This burden of proof applies to:

•   Hearing for an order in aid of investigation admission by DFPS to the home, school, or other place where the child may be for an interview, examination, and investigation where the court must find good cause to believe that the child is in imminent danger of aggravated circumstances under Tex. Fam. Code § 262.2015. Tex. Fam. Code § 261.303(b)(1).

•   Hearing requesting access to medical records for a parent or caregiver with a history of medical or mental illness. For good cause shown, the court shall order the examination or allow DFPS to have access to the records under terms and conditions prescribed by the court. Tex. Fam. Code § 261.305(b).