In a decision that has major implications for family law in Texas, a majority of the Texas Supreme Court ruled on Sept. 27 that trial court judges may not overturn mediated settlement agreements between parents — even when the judge believes the agreement may not be in the best interest of a child.

The 5-4 ruling in In Re Stephanie Lee resolves one of the court’s oldest and most difficult cases — one many family law practitioners and judges have been anticipating for nearly two years.