Texas child custody laws are unique in that they use different verbiage for terms such as “child custody” and “visitation.” You can make informed decisions regarding your child in your divorce if you have a good understanding of Texas child custody laws.
Joint managing conservatorship
Joint managing conservatorship is referred to as joint legal custody in other states. If you and your ex are named joint managing conservators, this means you both share the right to make major decisions regarding the care of your child, such as what school your child will attend, health care decisions and what religion your child will be exposed to.
However, this does not mean that joint managing conservators will split time with their children equally. Moreover, while joint managing conservatorship is preferred, sometimes a court will award sole managing conservatorship to one parent only.
Possession orders
Possession orders dictate who has the child in their daily care and when. This is similar to physical custody and visitation in other states. If you are named as sole managing conservator, you will have the child in your care the majority of the time, and your ex will be named possessory conservator and have visitation rights with your child.
Know your options
Judges will consider the best interests of the child when making conservatorship and possession decisions. Still, you should have a solid understanding of your child custody options following your divorce. This way you can make decisions that benefit you and your child both now and moving forward post-divorce.
