Types of Child Custody in Dallas, Texas

Experienced Texas Child Custody Law Firm

Throughout the United States, people refer to the legal relationship a parent shares with his/her child as child custody.  However, in the state of Texas, that appropriate term is “conservatorship”.  In Texas, it is automatically believed that parents have joint conservatorship, which means that they share rights and responsibilities as parents.  However, in cases where parents are no longer in a relationship with one another, those rights and responsibilities must be divided according to how the court sees fit. 

Texas recognizes 3 different types of child conservatorship, which are detailed below:

• Joint Managing Conservatorship:  in this type of arrangement, the parents share the rights and duties, but the exclusive right to make decisions pertaining to the child may be given to one parent.  In Texas, it is believed that this is the best situation for the child as both parents remain involved and active in the child’s life.  In cases where join conservatorship is awarded, one parent will usually remain in primary possession of the child and serve as the child’s day-to-day caregiver.  This is the parent with whom the child will reside for most of the time.

• Sole Managing Conservatorship:   in this type of arrangement, one parent with make all decisions pertaining to the child and will be responsible for protecting the child’s well-being and providing for the child’s day-to-day needs.

• Possessory Conservator:  in this arrangement, neither parent will be responsible for the child as neither parent may be seen as fit by the court.  Instead, a guardian or conservator will be given possession of the child and will make all decisions pertaining to the child.  The guardian may be a grandparent, other relative or foster parent. 

Dallas Child Custody Lawyers

If you are going through a child custody matter in Texas and you have questions regarding the different types of child custody, now is the time to speak with an experienced Dallas child custody lawyer.  A child custody attorney can provide you with useful information and help you take appropriate legal action measures.

When you have questions related to the different types of child custody, contact a Dallas family law firm that empathizes and that can help!