If a judge orders counseling during your Texas custody dispute, you may worry about what the process could require from you or your child. Lawmakers adopted House Bill 3783 following concerns about reunification programs that could isolate children from their support systems or involve force or coercion.
House Bill 3783 limits certain practices courts can require in family counseling. Although the law does not specifically name reunification therapy, it changes how judges may order counseling involving children.
What limits apply to court-ordered counseling?
A state court may order counseling when parents have a history of conflict over conservatorship, possession or access, such as when a parent can spend time with the child. However, a court cannot order a party to participate in counseling that requires:
- Isolation from family, school, religious communities or other support systems
- An overnight or multiday stay at another location
- Transportation through force, threats or undue coercion
- A temporary or permanent change to a parent’s court-ordered time with the child
- Force, threats, undue coercion or verbal abuse against the child
These restrictions focus on what counseling may require rather than banning a particular type of therapy.
How does abuse evidence affect counseling?
When deciding whether to order counseling, a court must consider evidence of family violence or sexual abuse. If credible evidence exists, the court cannot order a victim to attend counseling sessions with the perpetrator or require the victim to pay counseling costs.
Courts consider the standards in Texas Family Code Section 153.004 when deciding whether credible evidence of family violence or sexual abuse exists.
Understanding what the new law means for you
House Bill 3783 took effect June 20, 2025. It applies to cases that were pending that day and those filed afterward. The law may also affect earlier orders involving when a parent can spend time with a child.
If court-ordered counseling affects your child custody case, understanding these limits can help you identify questions about your current or proposed order. An attorney can review the order, explain how the new rules may apply and help you understand your options.