SB 2501

relating to selection of an attorney by an indigent parent for
appointment as attorney ad litem for the parent in certain suits
affecting the parent-child relationship.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 107.013, Family Code, is amended by
adding Subsections (f) and (g) to read as follows:
(f)  A parent who the court has determined is indigent for
the purposes of this section may select an attorney who is licensed
to practice law in this state and is in good standing with the State
Bar of Texas to represent the parent in a suit described by
Subsection (a).  If the court determines the attorney selected by
the parent is otherwise qualified for appointment as attorney ad
litem under Section 107.0131, the court shall:
(1)  appoint the attorney selected by the parent as
attorney ad litem for the parent under this section; and
(2)  terminate the appointment of any previously
appointed attorney ad litem for the parent on the filing of a notice
of appearance by the attorney selected by the parent.
(g)  An attorney selected by a parent and appointed as
attorney ad litem for the parent under Subsection (f):
(1)  is subject to all provisions of this chapter and
Subtitle E applicable to an attorney ad litem for a parent,
including provisions related to attorney discipline; and
(2)  is entitled to the compensation provided by
SECTION 2.  The change in law made by this Act applies only
to a suit affecting the parent-child relationship that is filed on
or after the effective date of this Act.  A suit affecting the
parent-child relationship filed before the effective date of this
Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the suit was filed,
and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.