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HB 2524

Relating to the recovery of fees, court costs, and expenses in family law proceedings.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Pat Curry and 3 co-sponsors

Texas HB 2524 allows courts to award attorney fees, court costs, and expenses to prevailing parties in family law cases, effective September 1, 2025.

Effective on 9/1/25
#attorney'sfees(s0202) #courts--general(i0160) #divorce(s3940) #family--childsupport(i0352) #family--general(i0354) #family--marriagerelationship(i0350) #family--parent&child(i0355) #protectiveorders(s0495)
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Bill Summary · HB 2524

Legislative bill overview

HB 2524 modifies Texas family law procedures to allow courts to award attorney fees, court costs, and related expenses to prevailing parties in family law proceedings. The bill expands the circumstances under which these financial recoveries can be ordered and clarifies the standards courts should apply when making such determinations.

Why is this important

Family law cases are often financially draining for litigants, and this bill directly affects who bears the financial burden of litigation. By enabling courts to shift legal costs to the losing party, it could deter frivolous claims, incentivize settlement, or conversely, create barriers for lower-income individuals to pursue legitimate family law claims. The practical effect depends heavily on how courts interpret and apply the bill's provisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Access to justice concerns: Expansion of fee-shifting provisions may discourage lower-income individuals from pursuing necessary family law relief if they risk paying the other side's attorney fees
  • Fairness and symmetry: Questions about whether fee awards will be applied equally regardless of parties' income levels or case complexity, or whether this favors wealthier litigants
  • Definition and scope: Unclear what specific conduct or circumstances trigger fee awards, potentially leading to inconsistent application across courts and judges

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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