(a) Definitions. In this rule:
- (1) Comity means the recognition by a court of one jurisdiction of the laws and judicial decisions of another jurisdiction.
- (2) Foreign law means a law, rule, or code of a jurisdiction outside of the states and territories of the United States.
(b) Applicability of This Rule.
- (1) Except as provided in (2) and (3), this rule applies to the recognition or enforcement of a judgment or arbitration award based on foreign law in a suit involving a marriage relationship or a parent-child relationship under the Family Code.
- (2) This rule does not apply to an action brought under the International Child Abduction Remedies Act (22 U.S.C. § 9001 et seq.) concerning rights under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
- (3) In the event of a conflict between this rule and any federal or state law, the federal or state law will prevail.
(c) Applicability of Texas Rule of Evidence 203.
- (1) Paragraphs (c) and (d) of Rule 203, Texas Rules of Evidence, apply to an action under this rule.
- (2) Paragraphs (a) and (b) of Rule 203, Texas Rules of Evidence, do not apply to an action under this rule.
(d) Notice.
- (1) Party Seeking Enforcement of a Judgment or Arbitration Award Based on Foreign Law. Within 60 days of filing an original pleading, the party seeking enforcement must give written notice to the court and all parties that describes the court’s authority to enforce or decide to enforce the judgment or award.
- (2) Party Opposing Enforcement of a Judgment or Arbitration Award Based on Foreign Law. Within 30 days of the date that a notice under (1) is served, a party opposing enforcement must give written notice to the court and all parties that explains the basis for the party’s opposition and states whether the party asserts that the judgment or award violates constitutional rights or public policy.
(e) Pretrial Conference. Within 75 days of the date that a notice under (d)(1) is served, the court must conduct a pretrial conference to set deadlines and make other appropriate orders regarding:
- (1) the submission of materials for the court to consider in determining foreign law;
- (2) the translation of foreign-language documents; and
- (3) the designation of expert witnesses.
(f) Determination Hearing and Order.
- (1) At least 30 days before trial, the court must conduct a hearing on the record to determine whether to enforce the judgment or award. The parties must have timely notice of the hearing.
- (2) Within 15 days of the hearing, the Court must issue a written order on the determination that includes findings of fact and conclusions of law. This deadline must not be altered absent extraordinary circumstances.
- (3) The court may issue any order necessary to preserve the principles of comity or the freedom to contract for arbitration while protecting against violations of constitutional rights and public policy.
- (4) The court must comply with all requirements of this paragraph and make an independent determination whether to enforce the judgment or award even if no party opposes enforcement of the judgment or award.
(g) Temporary Orders. Notwithstanding any other provision of this rule, the court may set filing deadlines and conduct the determination hearing to accommodate the circumstances of the case in connection with issuing temporary orders.