Associate Judges in Family Cases in Texas

JUDICIAL RESOURCES AND SERVICES CHAPTER 201. ASSOCIATE JUDGE SUBCHAPTER A. ASSOCIATE JUDGE Sec. 201.001. APPOINTMENT. (a) A judge of a court having jurisdiction of a suit under this title or Title 1 or 4 may appoint a full-time or part-time associate judge to perform the duties authorized by this chapter if the commissioners court of a county in which the court has jurisdiction authorizes the employment of an associate judge. (b) If a court has jurisdiction in more than one county, an associate judge appointed by that court may serve only in a county in which the commissioners court has authorized the associate judge's appointment. (c) If more than one court in a county has jurisdiction of a suit under this title or Title 1 or 4 the commissioners court may authorize the appointment of an associate judge for each court or may authorize one or more associate judges to share service with two or more courts. (d) If an associate judge serves more than one court, the associate judge's appointment must be made with the unanimous approval of all the judges under whom the associate judge serves. (e) This section does not apply to an associate judge appointed under Subchapter B or C. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.002. QUALIFICATIONS. To be eligible for appointment as an associate judge, a person must meet the requirements and qualifications to serve as a judge of the court or courts for which the associate judge is appointed. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Sec. 201.003. COMPENSATION. (a) An associate judge shall be paid a salary determined by the commissioners court of the county in which the associate judge serves. (b) If an associate judge serves in more than one county, the associate judge shall be paid a salary as determined by agreement of the commissioners courts of the counties in which the associate judge serves. (c) The associate judge's salary is paid from the county fund available for payment of officers' salaries. (d) This section does not apply to an associate judge appointed under Subchapter B or C. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.004. TERMINATION OF ASSOCIATE JUDGE. (a) An associate judge who serves a single court serves at the will of the judge of that court. (b) The employment of an associate judge who serves more than two courts may only be terminated by a majority vote of all the judges of the courts which the associate judge serves. (c) The employment of an associate judge who serves two courts may be terminated by either of the judges of the courts which the associate judge serves. (d) This section does not apply to an associate judge appointed under Subchapter B or C. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.005. CASES THAT MAY BE REFERRED. (a) Except as provided by this section, a judge of a court may refer to an associate judge any aspect of a suit over which the court has jurisdiction under this title or Title 1 or 4 including any matter ancillary to the suit. (b) Unless a party files a written objection to the associate judge hearing a trial on the merits, the judge may refer the trial to the associate judge. A trial on the merits is any final adjudication from which an appeal may be taken to a court of appeals. (c) A party must file an objection to an associate judge hearing a trial on the merits or presiding at a jury trial not later than the 10th day after the date the party receives notice that the associate judge will hear the trial. If an objection is filed, the referring court shall hear the trial on the merits or preside at a jury trial. (d) The requirements of Subsections (b) and (c) shall apply whenever a judge has authority to refer the trial of a suit under this title, Title 1, or Title 4 to an associate judge, master, or other assistant judge regardless of whether the assistant judge is appointed under this subchapter. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Sec. 201.006. ORDER OF REFERRAL. (a) In referring a case to an associate judge, the judge of the referring court shall render: (1) an individual order of referral; or (2) a general order of referral specifying the class and type of cases to be heard by the associate judge. (b) The order of referral may limit the power or duties of an associate judge. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Sec. 201.007. POWERS OF ASSOCIATE JUDGE. (a) Except as limited by an order of referral, an associate judge may: (1) conduct a hearing; (2) hear evidence; (3) compel production of relevant evidence; (4) rule on the admissibility of evidence; (5) issue a summons for the appearance of witnesses; (6) examine a witness; (7) swear a witness for a hearing; (8) make findings of fact on evidence; (9) formulate conclusions of law; (10) recommend an order to be rendered in a case; (11) regulate all proceedings in a hearing before the associate judge; (12) order the attachment of a witness or party who fails to obey a subpoena; (13) order the detention of a witness or party found guilty of contempt, pending approval by the referring court as provided by Section 201.013; (14) render and sign: (A) a final order agreed to in writing as to both form and substance by all parties; (B) a final default order; or (C) a temporary order; and (15) take action as necessary and proper for the efficient performance of the associate judge's duties. (b) An associate judge may, in the interest of justice, refer a case back to the referring court regardless of whether a timely objection to the associate judge hearing the trial on the merits or presiding at a jury trial has been made by any party. (c) An agreed order, a default order, or a temporary order rendered and signed by an associate judge under Subsection (a) constitutes an order of the referring court. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 476, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 550, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. Sec. 201.008. ATTENDANCE OF BAILIFF. A bailiff may attend a hearing by an associate judge if directed by the referring court. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Sec. 201.009. COURT REPORTER. (a) A court reporter may be provided during a hearing held by an associate judge appointed under this chapter. A court reporter is required to be provided when the associate judge presides over a jury trial or a final termination hearing. (b) A party, the associate judge, or the referring court may provide for a reporter during the hearing, if one is not otherwise provided. (c) The record may be preserved in the absence of a court reporter by any other means approved by the associate judge. (d) The referring court or associate judge may tax the expense of preserving the record under Subsection (c) as costs. (e) On appeal of the associate judge's report or proposed order, the referring court may consider testimony or other evidence in the record, if the record is taken by a court reporter, in addition to witnesses or other matters presented under Section 201.015. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Sec. 201.010. WITNESS. (a) A witness appearing before an associate judge is subject to the penalties for perjury provided by law. (b) A referring court may fine or imprison a witness who: (1) failed to appear before an associate judge after being summoned; or (2) improperly refused to answer questions if the refusal has been certified to the court by the associate judge. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Sec. 201.011. REPORT. (a) The associate judge's report may contain the associate judge's findings, conclusions, or recommendations, including a proposed order. The associate judge's report must be in writing in the form directed by the referring court. The form may be a notation on the referring court's docket sheet. (b) After a hearing, the associate judge shall provide the parties participating in the hearing notice of the substance of the associate judge's report. The notice may be given in the form of a proposed order. (c) Notice may be given to the parties: (1) in open court, by an oral statement or a copy of the associate judge's written report, including any proposed order; (2) by certified mail, return receipt requested; or (3) by facsimile transmission. (d) The associate judge shall certify the date of mailing of notice by certified mail or the date of the facsimile transmission. There is a rebuttable presumption that notice is received on the date stated on: (1) the signed return receipt, if notice was provided by certified mail; or (2) the confirmation page produced by the facsimile machine, if notice was provided by facsimile transmission. (e) After a hearing conducted by an associate judge, the associate judge shall send the associate judge's signed and dated report, including any proposed order, and all other papers relating to the case to the referring court. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 464, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.012. NOTICE OF RIGHT TO APPEAL. (a) Notice of the right of appeal to the judge of the referring court shall be given to all parties. (b) The notice may be given: (1) by oral statement in open court; (2) by posting inside or outside the courtroom of the referring court; or (3) as otherwise directed by the referring court. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Sec. 201.013. ORDER OF COURT. (a) Pending appeal of the associate judge's report, including any proposed order, to the referring court, the decisions and recommendations of the associate judge are in full force and effect and are enforceable as an order of the referring court, except for orders providing for the appointment of a receiver. (b) Except as provided by Section 201.007(c), if an appeal to the referring court is not filed or the right to an appeal to the referring court is waived, the findings and recommendations of the associate judge become the order of the referring court only on the referring court's signing an order conforming to the associate judge's report. (c) An order by an associate judge for the temporary detention or incarceration of a witness or party shall be presented to the referring court on the day the witness or party is detained or incarcerated. The referring court, without prejudice to the right of appeal provided by Section 201.015, may approve the temporary detention or incarceration or may order the release of the party or witness, with or without bond, pending appeal. If the referring court is not immediately available, the associate judge may order the release of the party or witness, with or without bond, pending appeal or may continue the person's detention or incarceration for not more than 72 hours. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 476, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.014. JUDICIAL ACTION ON ASSOCIATE JUDGE'S REPORT. Unless a party files a written notice of appeal, the referring court may: (1) adopt, modify, or reject the associate judge's report, including any proposed order; (2) hear further evidence; or (3) recommit the matter to the associate judge for further proceedings. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Sec. 201.015. APPEAL TO REFERRING COURT. (a) A party may appeal an associate judge's report by filing notice of appeal not later than the third day after the date the party receives notice of the substance of the associate judge's report as provided by Section 201.011. (b) An appeal to the referring court must be in writing specifying the findings and conclusions of the associate judge to which the party objects. The appeal is limited to the specified findings and conclusions. (c) On appeal to the referring court, the parties may present witnesses as in a hearing de novo on the issues raised in the appeal. The court may also consider the record from the hearing before the associate judge, including the charge to and verdict returned by a jury, if the record was taken by a court reporter. (d) Notice of an appeal to the referring court shall be given to the opposing attorney under Rule 21a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. (e) If an appeal to the referring court is filed by a party, any other party may file an appeal to the referring court not later than the seventh day after the date the initial appeal was filed. (f) The referring court, after notice to the parties, shall hold a hearing on all appeals not later than the 30th day after the date on which the initial appeal was filed with the referring court. (g) Before the start of a hearing by an associate judge, the parties may waive the right of appeal to the referring court in writing or on the record. (h) Denial of an appeal under this section or waiver of the right to appeal to the referring court does not affect the right of a party to file a motion for new trial, motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, or other post-trial motion. (i) A party may not demand a second jury on appeal of an associate judge's report, including any proposed order, resulting from a jury trial. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Sec. 201.016. APPELLATE REVIEW. (a) Failure to appeal to the referring court, by waiver or otherwise, the approval by the referring court of an associate judge's report does not deprive a party of the right to appeal to or request other relief from a court of appeals or the supreme court. (b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), the date an order or judgment by the referring court is signed is the controlling date for the purposes of appeal to or request for other relief from a court of appeals or the supreme court. (c) The date an agreed order or a default order is signed by an associate judge is the controlling date for the purpose of an appeal to, or a request for other relief relating to the order from, a court of appeals or the supreme court. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 476, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.017. IMMUNITY. An associate judge appointed under this subchapter has the judicial immunity of a district judge. All existing immunity granted an associate judge by law, express or implied, continues in full force and effect. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Sec. 201.018. VISITING ASSOCIATE JUDGE. (a) If an associate judge appointed under this subchapter is temporarily unable to perform the judge's official duties because of absence or illness, injury, or other disability, a judge of a court having jurisdiction of a suit under this title or Title 1 or 4 may appoint a visiting associate judge to perform the duties of the associate judge during the period of the associate judge's absence or disability if the commissioners court of a county in which the court has jurisdiction authorizes the employment of a visiting associate judge. (b) To be eligible for appointment under this section, a person must have served as an associate judge for at least two years. (c) Sections 201.001 through 201.017 apply to a visiting associate judge appointed under this section. (d) This section does not apply to an associate judge appointed under Subchapter B. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1355, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1999. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 308, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. SUBCHAPTER B. ASSOCIATE JUDGE FOR TITLE IV-D CASES Sec. 201.101. AUTHORITY OF PRESIDING JUDGE. (a) The presiding judge of each administrative judicial region, after conferring with the judges of courts in the region having jurisdiction of Title IV-D cases, shall determine which courts require the appointment of a full-time or part-time associate judge to complete each Title IV-D case within the time specified in this subchapter. (b) The presiding judge may limit the appointment to a specified time period and may terminate an appointment at any time. (c) An associate judge appointed under this subchapter may be appointed to serve more than one court. Two or more judges of administrative judicial regions may jointly appoint one or more associate judges to serve the regions. (d) If the presiding judge determines that a court requires an associate judge for Title IV-D cases, the presiding judge shall appoint an associate judge for that purpose. Except as provided under Subsection (e), if an associate judge is appointed for a court under this subchapter, all Title IV-D cases shall be referred to the associate judge by a general order for each county issued by the judge of the court for which the associate judge is appointed, or, in the absence of that order, by a general order issued by the presiding judge who appointed the associate judge. Referral of Title IV-D cases may not be made for individual cases or case by case. (e) If a county has entered into a contract with the Title IV-D agency under Section 231.0011, enforcement services may be directly provided by county personnel as provided under Section 231.0011(d), including judges and associate judges of the courts of the county. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.102. APPLICATION OF LAW GOVERNING ASSOCIATE JUDGES. (a) Subchapter A applies to an associate judge appointed under this subchapter, except that, to the extent of any conflict between this subchapter and Subchapter A, this subchapter prevails. (b) An associate judge appointed under this subchapter may reside anywhere within the administrative judicial region in which the court to which the associate judge is appointed is located. An associate judge appointed to serve in two or more administrative judicial regions may reside anywhere within the regions. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 556, Sec. 41, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.103. DESIGNATION OF HOST COUNTY. (a) The presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions by majority vote shall determine the host county of an associate judge appointed under this subchapter. (b) The host county shall provide an adequate courtroom and quarters, including furniture, necessary utilities, and telephone equipment and service, for the associate judge and other personnel assisting the associate judge. (c) An associate judge is not required to reside in the host county. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.104. POWERS OF ASSOCIATE JUDGE. (a) On the motion of a party or the associate judge, an associate judge may refer a complex case back to the judge for final disposition after the associate judge has recommended temporary support. (b) An associate judge may render and sign any order that is not a final order on the merits of the case. (c) An associate judge may recommend to the referring court any order after a trial on the merits. (d) Only the referring court may hear and render an order on a motion for postjudgment relief, including a motion for a new trial or to vacate, correct, or reform a judgment. (e) Notwithstanding Subsection (d) and subject to Section 201.1042(g), an associate judge may hear and render an order on: (1) a suit to modify or clarify an existing child support order; (2) a motion to enforce a child support order or revoke a respondent's community supervision and suspension of commitment; or (3) a respondent's compliance with the conditions provided in the associate judge's report for suspension of the respondent's commitment. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 556, Sec. 42, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1023, Sec. 46, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.1041. JUDICIAL ACTION ON ASSOCIATE JUDGE'S REPORT. (a) If an appeal to the referring court is not filed or the right to appeal is waived, a recommendation of the associate judge, other than a recommendation of enforcement by contempt or a recommendation of the immediate incarceration of a party, shall become an order of the referring court by operation of law without ratification by the referring court. (b) An associate judge's report that recommends enforcement by contempt or the immediate incarceration of a party becomes an order of the referring court only if: (1) the referring court signs an order adopting the associate judge's recommendation; and (2) the order meets the requirements of Section 157.166. (c) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the decisions and recommendations of the associate judge have full force and effect and are enforceable as an order of the referring court during an appeal of the associate judge's report to the referring court. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 556, Sec. 43, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1023, Sec. 47, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.1042. APPEAL TO REFERRING COURT. (a) Except as provided by this section, Section 201.015 applies to an appeal of the associate judge's recommendations. (b) The party appealing an associate judge's recommendation shall file notice with the referring court and the clerk of the court. (c) A respondent who timely files an appeal of an associate judge's report recommending incarceration after a finding of contempt shall be brought before the referring court not later than the first working day after the date on which the respondent files the appeal. The referring court shall determine whether the respondent should be released on bond or whether the respondent's appearance in court at a designated time and place can be otherwise assured. (d) If the respondent under Subsection (c) is released on bond or other security, the referring court shall condition the bond or other security on the respondent's promise to appear in court for a hearing on the appeal at a designated date, time, and place, and the referring court shall give the respondent notice of the hearing in open court. No other notice to the respondent is required. (e) If the respondent under Subsection (c) is released without posting bond or security, the court shall set a hearing on the appeal at a designated date, time, and place and give the respondent notice of the hearing in open court. No other notice to the respondent is required. (f) If the referring court is not satisfied that the respondent's appearance in court can be assured and the respondent remains incarcerated, a hearing on the appeal shall be held as soon as practicable, but not later than the fifth day after the date the respondent's notice of appeal was filed, unless the respondent and, if represented, the respondent's attorney waive the accelerated hearing. (g) Until a hearing is held on a timely filed appeal under this section or the referring court has rendered an order on a timely filed motion for new trial or a motion to vacate, correct, or reform a judgment, an associate judge may not hold a hearing on the respondent's compliance with conditions in the associate judge's report for suspension of commitment or on a motion to revoke the respondent's community supervision and suspension of commitment. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 556, Sec. 43, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1023, Sec. 48, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.105. COMPENSATION OF ASSOCIATE JUDGE. (a) An associate judge appointed under this subchapter is entitled to a salary to be determined by a majority vote of the presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions. The salary may not exceed 90 percent of the salary paid to a district judge as set by the General Appropriations Act. (b) The associate judge's salary shall be paid from county funds available for payment of officers' salaries or from funds available from the state and federal government as provided by this subchapter. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.106. CHILD SUPPORT COURT MONITOR AND OTHER PERSONNEL. (a) The presiding judge of an administrative judicial region or the presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions, by majority vote, may appoint other personnel, including a child support court monitor for each associate judge appointed under this subchapter, as needed to implement and administer the provisions of this subchapter. (b) The salaries of the personnel and court monitors shall be paid from county funds available for payment of officers' salaries or from funds available from the state and federal government as provided by this subchapter. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1072, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.1065. DUTIES OF CHILD SUPPORT COURT MONITOR. (a) A child support court monitor appointed under this subchapter shall monitor child support cases in which the obligor is placed on probation for failure to comply with the requirements of a child support order. (b) In monitoring a child support case, a court monitor shall: (1) conduct an intake assessment of the needs of an obligor that, if addressed, would enable the obligor to comply with a child support order; (2) refer an obligor to employment services offered by the employment assistance program under Section 302.0035, Labor Code, if appropriate; (3) provide mediation services or referrals to services, if appropriate; (4) schedule periodic contacts with an obligor to assess compliance with the child support order and whether additional support services are required; (5) monitor the amount and timeliness of child support payments owed and paid by an obligor; and (6) if appropriate, recommend that the court: (A) discharge an obligor from or modify the terms of the obligor's community supervision; or (B) revoke an obligor's community supervision. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1072, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.1066. SUPERVISION OF ASSOCIATE JUDGES. The office of court administration shall assist the presiding judges in: (1) monitoring the associate judges' compliance with job performance standards and federal and state laws and policies; (2) addressing the training needs and resource requirements of the associate judges; (3) conducting annual performance evaluations for the associate judges and other personnel appointed under this subchapter based on written personnel performance standards adopted by the presiding judges; and (4) receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints about particular associate judges or the associate judge program under this subchapter based on a uniform process adopted by the presiding judges. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 556, Sec. 44, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Family Code Sec. 201.1065 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 21.001(31), eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.107. STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDS. (a) The office of court administration may contract with the Title IV-D agency for available state and federal funds under Title IV-D and may employ personnel needed to implement and administer this subchapter. An associate judge, a court monitor for each associate judge, and other personnel appointed under this subchapter are state employees for all purposes, including accrual of leave time, insurance benefits, retirement benefits, and travel regulations. (b) The presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions, state agencies, and counties may contract with the Title IV-D agency for available federal funds under Title IV-D to reimburse costs and salaries associated with associate judges, court monitors, and personnel appointed under this subchapter and may also use available state funds and public or private grants. (c) The presiding judges and the Title IV-D agency shall act and are authorized to take any action necessary to maximize the amount of federal funds available under the Title IV-D program. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 556, Sec. 45, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1072, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.110. TIME FOR DISPOSITION OF TITLE IV-D CASES. (a) Title IV-D cases must be completed from the time of successful service to the time of disposition within the following time: (1) 75 percent within six months; and (2) 90 percent within one year. (b) Title IV-D cases shall be given priority over other cases. (c) A clerk or judge may not restrict the number of Title IV-D cases that are filed or heard in the courts. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.111. TIME TO ACT ON ASSOCIATE JUDGE'S REPORT THAT INCLUDES FINDING OF CONTEMPT. (a) Not later than the 10th day after the date an associate judge's report recommending a finding of contempt is filed, the referring court shall: (1) adopt, approve, or reject the report; (2) hear further evidence; or (3) recommit the matter for further proceedings. (b) The time limit in Subsection (a) does not apply if a party has filed a written notice of appeal to the referring court. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 751, Sec. 80, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 556, Sec. 46, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 13, 14, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.112. LIMITATION ON LAW PRACTICE BY CERTAIN ASSOCIATE JUDGES. A full-time associate judge appointed under this subchapter may not engage in the private practice of law. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 556, Sec. 47, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 15, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.113. VISITING ASSOCIATE JUDGE. (a) If an associate judge appointed under this subchapter is temporarily unable to perform the associate judge's official duties because of absence resulting from family circumstances, illness, injury, disability, or military service, or if there is a vacancy in the position of associate judge, the presiding judge of the administrative judicial region in which the associate judge serves or the vacancy occurs may appoint a visiting associate judge for Title IV-D cases to perform the duties of the associate judge during the period the associate judge is unable to perform the associate judge's duties or until another associate judge is appointed to fill the vacancy. (b) A person is not eligible for appointment under this section unless the person has served as a child support master or associate judge for at least two years before the date of appointment. (c) A visiting associate judge appointed under this section is subject to each provision of this chapter that applies to an associate judge serving under a regular appointment under this subchapter. A visiting associate judge appointed under this section is entitled to compensation to be determined by a majority vote of the presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions through use of funds under this subchapter. A visiting associate judge is not considered to be a state employee for any purpose. (d) Section 2252.901, Government Code, does not apply to the appointment of a visiting associate judge under this section. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1023, Sec. 49, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 15, eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 343, Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005. SUBCHAPTER C. ASSOCIATE JUDGE FOR CHILD PROTECTION CASES Sec. 201.201. AUTHORITY OF PRESIDING JUDGE. (a) The presiding judge of each administrative judicial region, after conferring with the judges of courts in the region having family law jurisdiction and a child protection caseload, shall determine which courts require the appointment of a full-time or part-time associate judge to complete each case within the times specified in Chapters 262 and 263. (b) The presiding judge may limit the appointment to a specified period and may terminate an appointment at any time. (c) An associate judge appointed under this subchapter may be appointed to serve more than one court. Two or more judges of administrative judicial regions may jointly appoint one or more associate judges to serve the regions. (d) If the presiding judge determines that a court requires an associate judge, the presiding judge shall appoint an associate judge. If an associate judge is appointed for a court, all child protection cases shall be referred to the associate judge by a general order for each county issued by the judge of the court for which the associate judge is appointed or, in the absence of that order, by a general order issued by the presiding judge who appointed the associate judge. (e) This section does not limit the jurisdiction of a court to issue orders under Chapter 262 or 263. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 17, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.202. APPLICATION OF LAW GOVERNING ASSOCIATE JUDGES. (a) Except as provided by this subchapter, Subchapter A applies to an associate judge appointed under this subchapter. (b) An associate judge may reside anywhere in the administrative judicial region in which the court to which the associate judge is appointed is located. An associate judge appointed to serve in two or more administrative judicial regions may reside anywhere in the regions. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Sec. 201.203. DESIGNATION OF HOST COUNTY. (a) Subject to the approval of the commissioners court of the proposed host county, the presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions by majority vote shall determine the host county of an associate judge appointed under this subchapter. (b) The host county shall provide an adequate courtroom and quarters, including furniture, necessary utilities, and telephone equipment and service, for the associate judge and other personnel assisting the associate judge. (c) An associate judge is not required to reside in the host county. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Sec. 201.204. GENERAL POWERS OF ASSOCIATE JUDGE. (a) On the motion of a party or the associate judge, an associate judge may refer a complex case back to the referring court for final disposition after recommending temporary orders for the protection of a child. (b) An associate judge may render and sign any pretrial order. (c) An associate judge may recommend to the referring court any order after a trial on the merits. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 18, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.2041. JUDICIAL ACTION ON ASSOCIATE JUDGE'S REPORT. If an appeal to the referring court is not filed or the right to appeal is waived, a recommendation of the associate judge becomes an order of the referring court by operation of law without ratification by the referring court. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 19, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.2042. APPEAL TO REFERRING COURT. (a) Except as provided by this section, Section 201.015 applies to an appeal of the associate judge's recommendations. (b) The party appealing an associate judge's recommendation shall file notice with the referring court and the clerk of the court. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 19, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.205. COMPENSATION OF ASSOCIATE JUDGE. (a) An associate judge appointed under this subchapter is entitled to a salary as determined by a majority vote of the presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions. The salary may not exceed 90 percent of the salary paid to a district judge as set by the state General Appropriations Act. (b) The associate judge's salary shall be paid from county funds available for payment of officers' salaries subject to the approval of the commissioners court or from funds available from the state and federal governments as provided by this subchapter. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 20, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.206. PERSONNEL. (a) The presiding judge of an administrative judicial region or the presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions, by majority vote, may appoint personnel as needed to implement and administer the provisions of this subchapter. (b) The salaries of the personnel shall be paid from county funds available for payment of officers' salaries subject to the approval of the commissioners court or from funds available from the state and federal governments as provided by this subchapter. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 21, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.2061. SUPERVISION OF ASSOCIATE JUDGES. The office of court administration shall assist the presiding judges in: (1) monitoring the associate judges' compliance with any applicable job performance standards, uniform practices adopted by the presiding judges, and federal and state laws and policies; (2) addressing the training needs and resource requirements of the associate judges; (3) conducting annual performance evaluations for the associate judges and other personnel appointed under this subchapter based on written personnel performance standards adopted by the presiding judges; and (4) receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints about particular associate judges or the associate judge program under this subchapter based on a uniform process adopted by the presiding judges. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 22, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Sec. 201.207. STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDS; PERSONNEL. (a) The office of court administration may contract for available state and federal funds from any source and may employ personnel needed to implement and administer this subchapter. An associate judge and other personnel appointed under this subsection are state employees for all purposes, including accrual of leave time, insurance benefits, retirement benefits, and travel regulations. (b) The presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions, state agencies, and counties may contract for available federal funds from any source to reimburse costs and salaries associated with associate judges and personnel appointed under this section and may also use available state funds and public or private grants. (c) The presiding judges and the office of court administration in cooperation with other agencies shall take action necessary to maximize the amount of federal money available to fund the use of associate judges under this subchapter. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Sec. 201.208. ASSIGNMENT OF JUDGES AND APPOINTMENT OF VISITING ASSOCIATE JUDGES. (a) This chapter does not limit the authority of a presiding judge to assign a judge eligible for assignment under Chapter 74, Government Code, to assist in processing cases in a reasonable time. (b) If an associate judge appointed under this subchapter is temporarily unable to perform the associate judge's official duties because of absence resulting from family circumstances, illness, injury, disability, or military service, or if there is a vacancy in the position of associate judge, the presiding judge of the administrative judicial region in which the associate judge serves or the vacancy occurs may appoint a visiting associate judge to perform the duties of the associate judge during the period the associate judge is unable to perform the associate judge's duties or until another associate judge is appointed to fill the vacancy. (c) A person is not eligible for appointment under this section unless the person has served as an associate judge for at least two years before the date of appointment. (d) A visiting associate judge appointed under this section is subject to each provision of this chapter that applies to an associate judge serving under a regular appointment under this subchapter. A visiting associate judge appointed under this section is entitled to compensation, to be determined by a majority vote of the presiding judges of the administrative judicial regions, through use of funds under this subchapter. A visiting associate judge is not considered to be a state employee for any purpose. (e) Section 2252.901, Government Code, does not apply to the appointment of a visiting associate judge under this section. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1302, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 23, eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 343, Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2005. Sec. 201.209. LIMITATION ON LAW PRACTICE BY ASSOCIATE JUDGE. An associate judge appointed under this subchapter may not engage in the private practice of law. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1258, Sec. 24, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.