Texas Child Custody Laws

Learn how child custody is determined in Texas, how you can modify custody orders, and more.

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Child Custody in Texas

Texas's public policy is to:

  • assure that children will have frequent and continuing contact with parents who have shown the ability to act in the best interest of the child
  • provide a safe, stable, and nonviolent environment for the child, and
  • encourage parents to share in the rights and duties of raising their child after the parents have separated or dissolved their marriage. (Tex. Fam. Code § 153.001 (2021).)

Texas uses child custody terms that are different from what most people are familiar with. For example, in Texas, when parents are separated or getting divorced, "custody" is called "conservatorship." Also, rather than use the terms "legal custody" and "physical custody," Texas uses "managing conservatorship" and "possessory conservatorship." Although the terms are unique to Texas, the basic concepts are similar to those you'd encounter in other states.

Managing Conservatorship (Legal Custody)

"Managing conservatorship" refers to a parent's role in making critical decisions about the child's life, such as the child's medical needs, and educational, cultural, and religious upbringing. "Possessory conservatorship" refers to where the child will reside at any particular time, and when a parent will have "access" to the child (formerly known as "visitation").

Under Texas law there's a presumption that the parents should have joint managing conservatorship. (Tex. Fam. Code § 153.131(b) (2021).) In other words, both parents have input in the major decisions regarding the child's life. If the court believes joint managing conservatorship isn't in the child's best interest, it can appoint one parent as the "sole" managing conservator. You might see this in situations where one of the parent's decision-making ability has been compromised, such as by untreated alcohol or drug abuse, or where there's a history of domestic violence or child abuse.

Possessory Conservatorship (Physical Custody)

Regarding possessory conservatorship, the law gives parents a lot of leeway in setting the terms of when the child will stay with each of them, and when the parent with whom the child isn't residing will have access to the child. (Tex. Fam. Code § 153.311 (2021).)

If they can't agree on a schedule, the statute provides a "standard possession order" which lays out in detail the times when each parent will spend with the child. The specifics of the order vary depending on how far apart the parents live from each other. Additionally, the standard possession order doesn't necessarily apply to children under the age of three. (Tex. Fam. Code § 153.254 (2021).)

Note that if the parents have joint managing conservatorship, that doesn't automatically mean they'll have equal or near-equal possessory time with, or access to, the child. (Tex. Fam. Code § 153.135 (2021).)

If the court feels the standard possession order isn't appropriate in a particular case, it can change the terms. (Tex. Fam. Code § 153.253 (2021).) Judges can place restrictions on possession orders if they believe it's necessary to protect a child's or parent's safety or well-being. For example, the court can order that a parent not drink alcohol before and during spending time with the child. And if judges determine that a parent shouldn't be left alone with a child, they can issue a "supervised possession order," which allows access to the child only in the presence of a third party.

Be advised that a parent's wrongful denial of access to a child, in violation of a court's order, can result in serious consequences for that parent.

The Importance of the Term "The Best Interest of the Child"

In the previous section, you saw the phrase "the best interest of the child," which is a term that is crucial in any child-related decisions. Texas law specifically states that the best interest of the child must be the court's primary consideration in determining issues of conservatorship and possession of and access to the child. (Tex. Fam. Code § 153.002.)

To assist judges in reaching a decision, the Texas Supreme Court, in the case of Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367 (Tex. 1976), provided them with a list of factors to consider. These include:

  • the child's desires
  • the child's immediate and future physical and emotional needs
  • any immediate and future physical and emotional danger to the child
  • the parental abilities of each parent
  • the programs available to assist parents who want to promote the best interests of their child
  • the plans each parent has for the child
  • the stability of the home or proposed home
  • any actions or failures to act that may indicate that the parents don't have a proper parent-child relationship, and
  • any excuse the parents may have for those actions and failures to act.

    Notice that the list of factors references "a child's wishes". But that doesn't mean the child's preference is binding on the court. Barring certain circumstances, a child won't have the final say about which parent to live with, or whether to spend time with a parent, until the child reaches the age of 18.

    Modifying a Child Conservatorship Order

    To request a change to a conservatorship or possession and access order, you have to file a "Petition to Modify the Parent-Child Relationship" with the court.

    There are limited circumstances under which a Texas court will grant a request for modification of an existing order. A court will only permit a modification if the change is in the best interests of the child, and the request is based on one or more of the following:

    • the circumstances of the child, a conservator (usually one or both parents), or other person affected by the order have materially and substantially changed since the earlier of: the date of the current order or the date of signing of a settlement agreement which the current order is based on
    • the child is at least 12 years of age and has expressed a preference to the court as to the person who should have the exclusive right to designate the child's primary residence (basically referring to the person the child primarily lives with), or
    • the conservator who currently has the exclusive right to designate the child's primary residence has voluntarily relinquished the primary care and possession of the child to another person for at least six months. (Tex. Fam. Code § 156.101(a) (2021).)

    Be advised that the last item on the above list doesn't apply if the conservator relinquished primary care and possession due to military service. (Tex. Fam. Code § 156.101(b) (2021).)

    Modifying an order can be a complex process, and it might be wise to consult with a family law attorney in advance if you think a change to custody might be in your child's best interest.

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