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Custody FAQ
Our custody FAQ answers common Fort Worth and Tarrant County questions about conservatorship, possession schedules, child support, and modifying Texas court orders.
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Custody FAQ
What is ‘conservatorship’ in a Texas custody case?
Texas law uses the term ‘conservatorship’ instead of ‘custody.’ Texas Family Code § 153.131 presumes joint managing conservatorship is in a child’s best interest, meaning both parents typically share rights and duties, though one parent is usually designated as the primary residence parent.
What is the Standard Possession Order?
The Standard Possession Order under Texas Family Code § 153.312 is the default visitation schedule Tarrant County courts apply, generally giving the non-primary parent the first, third, and fifth weekends, Thursday evenings during the school year, and alternating holidays.
Can a custody order be changed later?
Yes. A Tarrant County family court can modify conservatorship, possession, or support if there’s been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order, under Texas Family Code § 156.101, and the change serves the child’s best interest.
Where are Fort Worth custody cases heard?
Tarrant County child custody cases are generally filed and heard in the county’s family district courts, with many proceedings taking place at the George Allen Courts Building in downtown Fort Worth.
Texas custody cases use the term conservatorship to describe parental rights and responsibilities. A court order may address decision-making authority, the child’s primary residence, possession schedules, child support, medical support, travel, communication, and exchanges. The Standard Possession Order is a common starting point, but the schedule can change based on the child’s age, distance between homes, work schedules, safety concerns, and the child’s best interests. If circumstances materially and substantially change, a parent may ask the court to modify an existing order. Enforcement may be available when one parent does not follow clear terms, although the right response depends on the wording of the order and the available evidence. Keep a calendar of missed periods, copies of messages, payment records, school information, and relevant medical records. Communicate calmly and avoid putting the child in the middle of adult disagreements. Before meeting with an attorney, collect the current order and write a short timeline of important events. General online information cannot replace advice based on your family’s facts, the county handling the case, and the orders already in place.
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