The agreement would have given time for DNA testing to come back. That, she argues, was a critical component in her case because her client is a mother to a child in custody being cared for by another person. "Ad Litem requested that the court await the outcome of DNA results before entering an order so that a person entitled to possession could be properly identified for each infant in custody."

Malonis is asking for an emergency stay of Walther's order so she and the other attorney have time to submit a negotiated order for the protection of her client.

Overall, however, the order releasing the children taken in the raid on the YFZ Ranch was what attorneys and parents had been hoping for since the country's largest child custody case commenced back in April.

"We gave her an order and we're pleased she signed an order," said Julie Balovich, a lawyer for the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid Society which represents 48 mothers who challenged the decision to place their children in foster care.

Susan Hays, a court-appointed attorney representing one of the mothers, said she picked up her client and drove her across Texas as soon as the order was filed.

"The little girl is sleeping right now after we played a game of spot the cows," Hays said. hey are now driving to other foster care facilities to pick up the mother's other children.

The order requires parenting classes, cooperation in an ongoing child abuse investigation including home visits and interviews between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

The order also requires all children involved in the custody case to remain in Texas unless they get prior approval from the court. Parents can pick up their children from foster care facilities but must sign affidavits and be photographed.

"We're really grateful to have this order signed," said FLDS member Willie Jessop as he left the courthouse. He said logistics were still being worked out about returning the children to their parents and asked for privacy during the reunion. Most shelters are not prepared for what will happen next he said.

"We are grateful that the court at least allowed mothers and children to come back," Jessop said. "We wished it was a better order, but hey, it gets the children and the mothers back and we'll take it."

A spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services said the agency was pleased with the court's order.

"It accomplishes two important goals. It allows the children to be returned safely to their families and caregivers in a prompt and orderly manner," Marleigh Meisner said this morning.

"Second, the court's order ensures that the state's investigation of abuse and neglect continues with strong provisions in place to prevent interference and ensure compliance by the parents. The safety of these children remains our only goal in this case."