Title 2 › Chapter 42

Texas Family Code § 42.006

Damages

Civil Liability for Interference with Possessory Interest in Child

(a) Damages may include:

(1) reasonable and necessary attorney's fees, court costs, and expenses incurred in:

(A) locating a child who is the subject of the order;

(B) recovering possession of the child if the petitioner is entitled to possession; and

(C) enforcing the order and prosecuting the suit; and

(2) mental suffering and anguish incurred by the plaintiff because of a violation of the order.

(b) A person liable for damages who acted with malice or with an intent to cause harm to the plaintiff may be liable for exemplary damages.

Official text of the Texas Family Code as published by the Texas Legislative Council.

Official source
Legislative history

Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 751, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 593 (H.B. 2524), Sec. 15, eff. September 1, 2025.