Helping Families with Child Custody and Conservatorship Issues in Texas

In Texas, child custody is referred to as conservatorship. A parent who has custody of a child is not his or her “custodian,” rather his or her conservator. Conservatorship grants parental rights and responsibilities, such as the right to make decisions about the child’s: 

• Education
• Religious upbringing
• Healthcare
• Extracurricular activities

How is Custody Determined in Texas?

If both parents can agree on a parenting plan in a joint conservatorship, that plan can be submitted to the court for approval. If the parents cannot agree, they must take their case before a family law judge. Texas courts determine custody arrangements based on the child’s best interests. With that in mind, the court will order either a joint conservatorship or a sole conservatorship.

Physical Custody & Visitation Rights

Physical custody and visitation rights are separate issues that are decided by the court in a schedule known as a standard possession order. This schedule is based on court guidelines. 

• If both parents can agree to a schedule, it can be submitted to the judge for approval. 
• Otherwise, the judge will create a schedule believed to be appropriate for the child. 
• In cases where a parent has a history of domestic violence, alcoholism, or substance abuse, that parent will likely be denied access to his or her child.

Conservatorship is a complex matter that can quickly turn contentious between parties, seek help from the El Paso child custody attorneys at Linette Aguirre-Gonzalez, PLLC today. Contact us online or call (915) 642-0466 to schedule a consultation!