In re Turner

OPINION

David Puryear, Justice

Relator Michael Turner has filed a petition for writ of mandamus complaining of the trial court’s order, signed May 24, 2016, referring the underlying divorce proceeding to a private judge. Because we agree that the trial court abused its discretion in referring the cause, we conditionally grant mandamus relief. See Tex. R. App. P. 52.8(c).

*642Procedural Background

Real party in interest Kira Anne Turner filed for divorce from Mr. Turner, and the trial court signed an order referring the proceeding to a special judge under chapter 151 of the civil practice and remedies…