3 important things to know about child custody in Texas

 Posted on October 04, 2019 in Child Custody

Child custody rules differ somewhat from state to state, and the rules in Texas are somewhat unique. If you’re approaching a custody battle with your child’s other parent, it helps to understand the language and process used to determine custody in this state.

Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we hear about custody:

1. What is a parent with custody called?

In Texas, someone with legal custody of a child is called that child’s managing conservator. Conservators may act alone or hold the position jointly with another person.

2. What does a child’s managing conservator do?

Typically, managing conservators make the decisions that are most important to the child’s well-being and future, including:

• Where the child will live
• How the child is educated
• What medical treatment the child receives

The right to make these decisions is usually fought over fairly hard when parents are unable to agree.

3. Is sole managing conservatorship ever awarded?

Yes. While this isn’t the option the court tends to prefer, there are times when it is justified. For example, if one parent has a serious drug or alcohol addiction and has significant legal difficulties, it might be in the child’s best interest to have the other parent obtain sole conservatorship.

If you’re struggling to understand what happens during a custody case, make time to talk to an experienced attorney so that you can better understand how the system works. That’s the best way to start planning for the eventual future.