S.B. No. 25 amends the Family Code to allow indigent parents involved in certain legal proceedings affecting the parent-child relationship to select their own attorney ad litem. Specifically, the bill introduces Section 107.01301, which permits a court-determined indigent parent to choose an attorney who meets specific qualifications, including being licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. The selection process is designed to be independent of any court appointment system, ensuring that the court cannot influence or interfere with the parent's choice of attorney. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the attorney selected will serve as the parent's counsel of record upon filing a notice of appearance, and the court's review of this notice is limited to confirming the attorney's qualifications.

The bill also outlines the payment structure for the attorney ad litem selected by the parent, ensuring that compensation is equal to that of attorneys appointed under existing law and paid from county general funds. Furthermore, it prohibits local rules that conflict with the provisions of this section or impose additional requirements on the selection process. The changes made by this Act will apply only to suits filed on or after its effective date, with the Office of Court Administration required to adopt necessary implementation rules by March 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 107.013 (Family Code 107)