Sign the Petition
Join thousands of Texans demanding reform of service of process in family courts. Every signature sends a message to our legislators.
Our Petition to the Texas Legislature
TO: The Texas Legislature, 90th Session
RE: Protection Against Extrinsic Fraud and Abuse of Process in SAPCR Cases
We, the undersigned residents of Texas and supporters across America, petition the Texas Legislature to pass the SAFE SAPCR Act (Service Accountability and Fraud Elimination for Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship).
Under current Texas law, parents can lose custody of their children through default judgments without ever receiving notice of the proceedings. Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 239a allows attorneys to certify a respondent's "last known address" without verification, enabling extrinsic fraud and abuse of process.
This loophole has devastating consequences. Children are separated from loving parents. Constitutional due process rights are violated. Families are destroyed—not by evidence or argument, but by paperwork fraud.
We Demand That the Texas Legislature:
- Require mandatory constable service for initial SAPCR citations
- Mandate attorney due diligence certification before alternative service
- Create an automated case notification registry so parties can register for alerts
- Establish expedited Bill of Review hearings for fraudulent service claims
- Enact criminal penalties for knowingly filing false address certificates
Every parent deserves their day in court. Every child deserves protection from weaponized legal procedures. The status quo is unacceptable.
Pass the SAFE SAPCR Act. Protect Texas families.