Skip to content 
In Texas divorces, understanding the most common custody arrangement is essential for parents. This arrangement, which Texas refers to as conservatorship and possession and access, outlines how parents will share responsibilities and decision-making after a divorce. The state’s primary focus is on the child’s well-being, aiming to maintain a stable environment despite the divorce’s disruptions.
Typically, one parent becomes the managing conservator, holding primary custody, while the other parent, known as the possessory conservator, has visitation rights. This arrangement ensures both parents remain engaged in significant decisions, including those related to the child’s residence, education, healthcare, and visitation schedule.
The Texas Family Code governs custody arrangements in Texas. The law recognizes two types of conservatorship: joint managing conservatorship (JMC) and sole managing conservatorship (SMC). JMC allows both parents to share decision-making responsibilities. SMC grants one parent the exclusive right to make major decisions on behalf of the child.
Factors Considered in Determining Child Custody Arrangement in Texas
Child’s Wishes: The court may consider the child’s preferences if they are of an appropriate age and maturity level to express a reasonable preference. However, the child’s wishes are not the sole determining factor and are subject to the court’s evaluation.
Child’s Emotional and Physical Needs: The court examines the child’s emotional and physical needs to ensure a stable and nurturing environment. Factors such as the child’s age, health, and any special needs are considered.
Parent-Child Relationship: The court evaluates the quality of the existing relationship between each parent and the child. The court assesses each parent’s ability to meet the child’s emotional, educational, and developmental needs.
Parental Abilities and Stability: The court considers the parenting abilities and stability of each parent. The court examines factors such as the parent’s mental and physical health, their involvement in the child’s life, and their ability to provide a safe and stable environment.
Co-Parenting Cooperation: The court assesses the willingness of each parent to encourage and facilitate a positive and ongoing relationship between the child and the other parent. Courts generally favor parents who demonstrate a cooperative attitude towards co-parenting and fostering a healthy relationship with the other parent.
History of Family Violence or Abuse: Custody evaluations seriously consider any history of family violence or abuse, whether directed towards the child or another family member. The court prioritizes the safety and well-being of the child. They may restrict or deny custody to a parent with a history of abuse.
Stability and Continuity: The court looks at the stability and continuity of the child’s living arrangement. This includes the child’s school, community ties, and relationships with siblings, extended family members, and friends.
Parent’s Financial Situation: While the financial situation alone does not determine custody, the court may consider each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s financial needs, including healthcare, education, and extracurricular activities.
Geographic Proximity: The court may consider the geographic proximity of each parent’s residence to facilitate regular and meaningful contact between the child and both parents.
Any Other Relevant Factors: Courts have the discretion to consider any other relevant factors that could impact the child’s best interests. Additionally, these may include substance abuse issues, criminal history, or the ability of each parent to promote the child’s cultural and religious upbringing.
Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Texas
Texas family law recognizes various types of child custody arrangements that prioritize the best interests of the child while ensuring the involvement of both parents. This comprehensive article will explore the different types of child custody arrangements available in Texas and provide an understanding of their implications.
Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC):
Joint Managing Conservatorship is the most common type of custody arrangement in Texas, emphasizing the importance of shared parental responsibilities. Key points to note about JMC include:
a. Decision-Making: Both parents have equal rights and duties in making major decisions concerning the child’s upbringing, such as education, medical care, and religious affiliation.
b. Parenting Time: The noncustodial parent typically has visitation rights, allowing them to spend substantial time with the child.
Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC):
Sole Managing Conservatorship is granted when it is determined to be in the child’s best interests or when one parent is deemed unfit. Key aspects of SMC include:
a. Decision-Making: The parent designated as the sole managing conservator has the exclusive right to make significant decisions regarding the child’s well-being.
b. Parenting Time: The noncustodial parent may be granted visitation rights, which can vary based on the circumstances and the child’s best interests.
Split Custody:
Split custody is a less common arrangement in Texas. It occurs when there are multiple children involved, and each parent is granted primary custody of at least one child. Important considerations for split custody include:
a. Division of Custody: Each parent is designated as the primary custodian for one or more children.
b. Parenting Time: The visitation schedule may vary for each child, depending on their needs and best interests.
Bird’s Nest Custody:
Bird’s Nest custody, also known as nesting or shared residence, is a unique arrangement where the child remains in the family home while the parents take turns living there. Key features of this arrangement include:
a. Residence Rotation: The parents rotate in and out of the family home, allowing the child to maintain stability and continuity.
b. Parenting Time: Each parent has designated periods of time when they reside with the child in the family home.
Virtual Visitation:
Virtual visitation, or electronic communication, is a supplementary form of visitation that utilizes technology to facilitate interaction between the child and noncustodial parent. Important aspects of virtual visitation include:
a. Technological Interaction: The noncustodial parent communicates with the child through video calls, emails, instant messaging, or other electronic means.
b. Complementary to Physical Visitation: Virtual visitation is often used to supplement physical visitation, particularly in cases where distance or other factors limit in-person contact.
Determining the most suitable child custody arrangement is a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors. In Texas, the primary concern is always the best interests of the child. Therefore, ensuring their emotional, physical, and educational well-being is paramount. It is essential for parents to consult with a qualified family law attorney. This helps them understand the specifics of their situation and make informed decisions. This is regarding the custody arrangement that will promote the child’s long-term welfare.
The Most Common Custody Arrangement in Texas
When it comes to determining custody arrangements in Texas, there are several options available to parents. While each case varies based on specific circumstances, many families in Texas commonly choose the Standard Possession Order (SPO) as their custody arrangement. The SPO, as outlined in the Texas Family Code, establishes a structured visitation schedule that facilitates regular contact between the child and both parents. Consequently, this arrangement aims to support the child’s best interests by ensuring consistent and ongoing parental involvement.
The SPO consists of several key components that define the possession and access schedule for the noncustodial parent. Here are the main elements of the Standard Possession Order:
Weekend Possession: The noncustodial parent typically has possession of the child on the first, third, and fifth weekends of each month, from Friday evening to Sunday evening. This allows for regular and consistent visitation during weekends.
Weekday Possession: Additionally, apart from weekends, the noncustodial parent typically receives overnight visits on one evening per week during the school year. This helps maintain an ongoing relationship and involvement with the child on a regular basis.
Holiday and Vacation Time: The SPO includes provisions for sharing holiday and vacation time between the parents. It designates specific holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break, alternating between parents each year. Additionally, extended possession during summer vacation is also specified.
Communication and Flexibility: The SPO encourages parents to maintain open lines of communication regarding the child’s well-being and important decisions. It allows for reasonable electronic communication (e.g., phone calls, emails) between the noncustodial parent and the child.
Customization and Modification: While the Standard Possession Order serves as a default custody arrangement, it is essential to understand that parents have the flexibility to customize it to better suit their unique circumstances. They can mutually agree to modifications and adjustments that align with their schedules, the child’s needs, and other relevant factors.
It is important to note that the court will always prioritize the child’s best interests when determining custody arrangements. If parents can agree on a custody arrangement that deviates from the Standard Possession Order and is deemed suitable for the child’s well-being, the court will generally approve it.
Navigating custody arrangements can be complex and emotionally challenging. It is highly recommended that parents seek the guidance of an experienced family law attorney who can provide advice tailored to their specific situation, like the ones here at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan. Our attorneys can ensure that the custody arrangement is legally sound, protect the rights of both parents, and ultimately work towards creating a nurturing and stable environment for the child.
Conclusion
Understanding custody arrangements in a Texas divorce involves grasping the most common custody arrangement, which typically appoints one parent as the managing conservator with primary custody responsibilities. The other parent usually has visitation rights as the possessory conservator. This arrangement ensures both parents stay involved in significant decisions regarding their child’s education, healthcare, and other important areas. Texas family law prioritizes the child’s best interests, striving to provide stability and support through the challenges of divorce to maintain a balanced and nurturing environment.
Ebook
If you want to know more about what you can do, CLICK the button below to get your FREE E-book: “Child Custody E-Book”
Other Related Posts
- Child Support and Shared Custody Arrangements
- How a Child’s Age Can Significantly Impact Custody Arrangements in Texas
- Children with Special Needs and Custody Arrangements in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide
- Finding a Qualified Texas Divorce Lawyer
- Understanding Texas Divorce
- 10 Texas Divorce Myths You Might Have Heard From Friends, Neighbors, and Relatives
- Military health insurance and divorce
- What to do when facing foreclosure during a Texas divorce
- Marriage, Divorce Rates and Statistics in Texas 2022
- Navigating the Divorce Process in Texas: What You Need to Know
- Unconventional Divorce Gifts: Unique Ways to Support Your Divorcing Friend
- 6 Tips for Getting a Free Divorce Consultation
- Does my 18 year old child still have to go with their other parent on the weekend for court ordered visitation in Texas?
- Should I Mention My Ex’s Mental Illness During Our Custody Case?
- Can a possession order be affected by the mental health problems of a parent?
FAQs
If parents cannot reach an agreement on a custody arrangement, the court will make a determination based on the best interests of the child. Therefore, it is advisable to seek legal representation and present your case to the court with supporting evidence and arguments.
Under certain circumstances, grandparents or other relatives may be able to obtain custody of a child. This occurs when it is determined to be in the child’s best interests. Texas law provides provisions for third-party custody under specific conditions. For instance, when the child’s current living situation poses a danger to their well-being.
A custody arrangement typically remains in effect. This is until the child reaches adulthood or until a modification is requested and approved by the court.
If one parent violates a custody arrangement, the other parent can seek legal remedies. Therefore, it is recommended to document instances of violation. Moreover, consulting with a family law attorney is crucial. This will help understand the options available for enforcement or modification of the custody arrangement.
Yes, custody arrangements can be modified in the future if there is a significant change in circumstances. Or, if the current arrangement is no longer in the child’s best interests.
