(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, unless a party files a written request for a de novo hearing before the referring court, the referring court may:
(1) adopt, modify, or reject the associate judge’s proposed order or judgment;
(2) hear further evidence; or
(3) recommit the matter to the associate judge for further proceedings.
(b) Regardless of whether a party files a written request for a de novo hearing before the referring court, a proposed order or judgment rendered by an associate judge in a suit filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services that meets the requirements of § 263.401(d) is considered a final order for purposes of § 263.401.