Tex.
Fam. Code Section 201.308
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:(A)
the appearance of witnesses; and(B)
the appearance of a parent who has failed to appear before an agency authorized to conduct an investigation of an allegation of abuse or neglect of a child after receiving proper notice;(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 proceedings in a hearing;(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; and(14)
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.
Source:
Section 201.308 — Powers of Associate Judge, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.201.htm#201.308 (accessed May 26, 2025).
