What is an order to show cause?

An order to show cause is a type of court order used in the state of Texas. This type of order requires that someone appears in court at a certain time and date to explain why a certain action should or should not take place. This is not an order to take action, but rather an order to explain why action is or is not needed. Generally, the party being served such an order must explain why the action requested by the other side should or should not occur. For example, a judge may issue an order to show cause if one parent has asked the court to modify their child custody agreement. The other parent must appear in court and provide proof as to why the modification should or should not take place. The court can then choose to take action, such as modifying the agreement, based on the information provided. An order to show cause is an important court tool for ensuring that any legal action taken is done with justice in mind. It requires both sides to explain why something should or should not take place, and allows the judge to make an informed decision based on the evidence and facts presented.

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What is an order to show cause?

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