Family Code · §71.005

Member of Household — Definition

Member of Household — Definition is covered under §71.005 and tested on the TCOLE peace officer licensing exam. Cadets typically encounter this topic under "Family Violence Definitions" on practice exams.

To prove this offense, the State must establish each of the following elements: Persons living together in same dwelling, OR; Persons who formerly lived in same dwelling; No biological or marriage relationship required.

Elements you must prove

  • Persons living together in same dwelling, OR
  • Persons who formerly lived in same dwelling
  • No biological or marriage relationship required

Practice 1 question on this topic

Time yourself, score your run, review missed questions with statute references — Free Practice Pass cadets get limited access.

Start Free Practice

Worked examples

Worked example 1

'Member of a household' under §71.005 includes:

  1. Only persons currently living in the same dwelling
  2. A person who previously lived in a household, even if they no longer do Correct
  3. Only blood relatives
  4. Only spouses
Why: Household members include current and former co-residents — past cohabitation suffices, regardless of biological or marital relationship.
Statute: Tex. Fam. Code §71.005; §71.006

Statutory definitions for this topic

Household Tex. Fam. Code §71.005
A unit composed of persons living together in the same dwelling, without regard to whether they are related to each other.