Understanding Texas Child Custody Laws to Help Brazos County Parents
Custody battles can be lengthy and emotionally draining. At Rodriguez & Gimbert, we understand that your priority is your children’s well-being and the health of your family. Our child custody lawyers in Bryan and College Station can fight for you, providing the compassionate yet aggressive representation you deserve.
Our attorneys have more than three decades of combined experience and are well equipped to help you navigate the local courts and proceedings.
Please contact us online today or by calling (979) 559-3599 to discuss your child custody case. We serve clients in Bryan, College Station, and throughout Brazos County.
What is Conservatorship in Texas?
Texas refers to child custody as "conservatorship," and parents are called "conservators" to reflect their legal rights and responsibilities.
Conservatorship of a child generally refers to a parent's right to:
Receive updates from the other parent regarding the child's health, education, and welfare
Access the child's records (educational, medical, dental, psychological, etc.)
Consent to treatment in the event of a medical or dental emergency
Talk to teachers and other school officials about the child's progress, activities, etc.
Speak with the child's doctor, dentist, or other medical professional
Types of Conservatorship
Types of conservatorship are either joint managing conservatorship (JMC) or sole managing conservatorship (SMC). When parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, a judge will decide the terms of conservatorship based on the best interests of the child or children:
Joint Managing Conservatorship - a judge may award one parent the exclusive right to make certain decisions, depending on various factors. In these cases, a judge will make sure both parents understand which rights they share and which are exclusive to one parent.
Standard Possession Order (SPO) - is decided separately, which determines a visitation schedule. It is this order that outlines physical custody and visitation. Our conservatorship attorney in Bryan and College Station can help you understand the process and advise you of your options.
Mandatory Parenting Classes
Texas courts generally require mandatory parenting classes before a divorce is granted to a married couple with minor children. The classes are designed to help you and your children deal with the trauma associated with divorce. Although waivers can be granted, most will have to take the classes. They are available in a classroom setting or online. We can help make sure you meet all legal requirements for your divorce and child custody case.
If you are involved in a custody dispute, call (979) 559-3599 or contact us online to get the legal advice you need and deserve.
