Texas Department of Protective & Regulatory Services v. Sherry

Following the death of C.S.C.’s mother, Charles Sherry filed a suit affecting the parent-child relationship (SAPCR) in an attempt to establish his paternity and acquire managing conservatorship of C.S.C. The trial court dismissed Sherry’s paternity claim, see Tex. Fam.Code § 160.007(a)(1), and ruled that because Sherry did not meet the requirements of Texas Family Code § 102.003, he did not have standing to bring the SAPCR. The court of appeals reversed, holding that Sherry had a constitutional right to establish paternity. 43 S.W.3d 536, 536. The Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory…