The “Shelter-in-Place” order was signed on March 24, 2020, as part of Collin County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This executive order was enacted alongside others following Governor Abbott’s declaration of a state of disaster for all 254 Texas counties

This standing order extends and does not replace the Collin County District Courts’ March 17 Emergency Standing Order Regarding Possession Schedule During School Closures. This order is a standing order of the Collin County District Courts that applies in every suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed in Collin County. This includes any pending divorce case with children. Hereinafter “child” refers to a child or children the subject of a court order. 

IT IS ORDERED THAT: 

1. The Collin County shelter-in-place order, standing alone, does not modify current court orders regarding possession and access. Conservators shall pick up and deliver the child pursuant to the court order and the school’s original schedule. 

2. If a conservator or child has been exposed to or diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus, each conservator shall notify the other conservators of the exposure or diagnosis. Conservators shall confer to discuss actions necessary to protect the child’s safety and welfare, subject to the restrictions set forth in any municipal, county, or state emergency order. Conservators may alter a possession schedule by agreement. 

This order expires upon the termination of the Collin County shelter-in-place order. 

WARNING TO PARTIES: FAILURE TO OBEY A COURT ORDER FOR POSSESSION OF OR ACCESS TO A CHILD MAY RESULT IN FURTHER LITIGATION TO ENFORCE THE ORDER, INCLUDING CONTEMPT OF COURT. A FINDING OF CONTEMPT MAY BE PUNISHABLE BY CONFINEMENT IN JAIL FOR UP TO SIX MONTHS, A FINE OF UP TO $500 FOR EACH VIOLATION, AND A MONEY JUDGMENT FOR PAYMENT OF ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COURT COSTS. 

Click Here To Down Load the Official Order

SIGNED on 3/24/2020.