Aren’t bench trials by a judge, more cost effective, quicker, and both sides obtain better results?

In Texas, the only state to allow jury trial right in family and dependency courts, bench trials are often less expensive and faster than jury trials, but jury trials can produce better outcomes in certain family‑law situations—especially when a parent needs protection from an unfair attempt to limit their rights. Parents enter court with full legal rights to their children, and ideally they resolve disputes quickly through settlement leaving court without a percentage of custody assigned to either parent. Settlements reduce stress, lower attorney fees, keep matters private, and tend to last longer than court‑ordered arrangements. 

It is also important to consider the role of older children in these disputes. As teenagers gain independence—such as obtaining a driver’s license, employment, or transportation—the practical impact of court orders may diminish. This can make timely and efficient resolution of family law matters especially important. 

However, when disputes cannot be resolved and one party (or the State of Texas) seeks to limit or terminate parental rights, jury trial rights can become crucial. Juries can provide a check on judicial discretion, particularly in dependency (CPS) courts and contentious family law cases. There have been very few high-profile Texas family law cases that proceeded to jury trial rather than settlement, illustrating the rarity of such proceedings.