What is conservatorship in Texas?

Texas uses 'conservatorship' instead of 'custody.' Managing conservators make major decisions about the child, while possessory conservators have visitation rights. Joint managing conservatorship is presumed best for children.

What is the Standard Possession Order in Texas?

The SPO is Texas's default visitation schedule giving the non-primary parent the 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends of each month, Thursday evenings, alternating holidays, and extended summer possession.

How is child support calculated in Texas?

Texas calculates child support as a percentage of the non-custodial parent's net monthly resources: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, 40% for five or more.

Can fathers get primary custody in Texas?

Absolutely. Texas law prohibits discrimination based on sex. Courts focus on the child's best interest, and fathers regularly obtain primary conservatorship when they demonstrate it's best for the child.

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Joint Managing Conservatorship

Texas law presumes that appointing both parents as joint managing conservators is in the child's best interest.

Standard Possession Order

The SPO provides a detailed schedule giving the non-custodial parent 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends, Thursday evenings, and extended summer time.

Geographic Restrictions

Courts often limit where a child can live to a specific county or contiguous counties to protect both parents' access.

Key Facts About Texas Family Law

1
Texas uses 'conservatorship' instead of 'custody' terminology
2
Standard Possession Order (SPO) gives non-primary parents significant time
3
Texas child support is calculated as a percentage of net income
4
Fathers have strong rights under Texas Family Code Chapter 153

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