Child Custody

What is Custody vs Joint Custody?

Child custody has two components, the power to make decisions regarding the children or “rights and duties,” and the respective periods of possession of the parents.

The rights and duties of the parents include who decides where the children live and if there is a geographic restriction, who makes decisions on major medical issues, and who decides what school the children attend. Under a joint custody order called a “joint managing conservatorship,” the parents may agree or be given the right to make these decisions together except one parent must have the right to determine where the children live.

The possession schedule is decided separately. The Court is not required to award the parents equal time with the children in cases where the parents are appointed joint managing conservators. Parents may, however, agree to equal time with their children subject to the Court’s approval.

What is “Standard Possession” of Children in Texas?

The Standard Possession schedule is a schedule for possession of the children contained in the Texas Family Code. The law presumes that the Standard Possession order is in the best interest of the child. In practical terms, this means the Standard Possession order is the schedule that the Court usually orders in contested custody matters unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise.

Most custody orders contain provisions allowing the parents to agree to any possession schedule they believe is appropriate, but absent such an agreement, the Standard Order will govern the possession schedule.

Can children decide where they want to live?

When children reach the age of 12, the law allows them to express an opinion, however, it is not binding on the Court. Be advised that involving children in a divorce or putting them in the position of having to choose between their parents can have serious adverse consequences on their long-term well being.

Can my spouse prevent me from moving in the future?

The Court may place a geographic restriction on the residence of the children. This restriction is often either the county in which the divorce occurs or the county of the divorce and any county that shares a border with the county of divorce. These residency restrictions, however, usually require the parent who does not determine where the children live to also remain in the same geographic area or the restriction can be lifted.

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Child Custody



Child Support



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Grandparent Visitation




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