{"id":376581,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:52","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/texas-law\/texas-child-custody-laws.html"},"modified":"2023-10-04T14:56:56","modified_gmt":"2023-10-04T19:56:56","slug":"texas-child-custody-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/texas-law\/texas-child-custody-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Texas Child Custody Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Texas Child Custody Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Bridget Molitor, JD<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

One of the most contentious parts of any divorce is child custody. Issues surrounding child custody and child support are so pervasive the federal government enacted the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act <\/a>(UCCJEA) to minimize custody conflicts across state borders.<\/p>\r\n

Texas child custody laws resemble other state laws, thanks to the UCCJEA. Child custody, support, and visitation depend on a range of factors, so these laws are little more than guidelines for family courts and judges. Courts make decisions about children’s lives with the best interest of the children<\/a> in mind.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides an overview of child custody laws in the state of Texas.<\/p>\r\n

Custody and Conservatorship<\/h2>\r\n

In Texas, child custody is called "conservatorship." The parents are usually considered joint managing conservators, meaning they share the right to make decisions for their child. Some states call this joint legal custody.<\/p>\r\n

In some cases, only one parent receives conservatorship of the child. This parent becomes the sole managing conservator if there are allegations against the other parent of:<\/p>\r\n