Terms Used In Texas Family Code 42.009

  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005

A person sued for damages as provided by this chapter is entitled to recover attorney’s fees and court costs if:
(1) the claim for damages is dismissed or judgment is awarded to the defendant; and
(2) the court or jury finds that the claim for damages is frivolous, unreasonable, or without foundation.