Custody

It is the public policy of Texas that a child have frequent and continuing contact with his/her parents and have the parents share the rights and responsibilities of raising their child as long as it is in the best interest of the child.¹ The law favors granting parents sole or joint managing conservatorship but evidence of family abuse is taken into serious consideration when determining the best interest of a child.² (See Can a parent who committed violence get “custody” (conservatorship) or “visitation” (access)?) Alternatively, a competent adult, a licensed child-placing agency, or the Department of Family and Protective Services can be appointed sole or joint managing conservator of a child.³

A child’s relative might be granted managing or possessory conservatorship. See Other than a parent, who else can file for managing or possessory conservatorship (custody)? for more information.

Note: In determining custody, there should be no discrimination based on sex or marital status.⁴

¹ Tex. Fam. Code § 153.001
² Tex. Fam. Code § 153.131
³ Tex. Fam. Code §§ 153.005; 153.371; 153.372
⁴ Tex. Fam. Code. § 153.003