If you're going through a custody dispute in DFW, here are the laws and practical realities.
Texas Family Code basics:
Conservatorship (not "custody"): Texas uses the term "conservatorship" instead of custody.
- Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC): Both parents share decision-making. This is the DEFAULT in Texas (Family Code 153.131). It does NOT mean 50/50 time.
- Sole Managing Conservatorship: One parent has primary decision-making authority. Only ordered when JMC isn't in the child's best interest.
- Possessing Conservatorship: The non-custodial parent's rights.
Standard Possession Order (SPO) — Family Code 153.312: The default visitation schedule in Texas:
- 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends (Friday 6 PM - Sunday 6 PM)
- Thursday evenings (6-8 PM)
- Alternating holidays
- 30 days in summer
Child support (Family Code Chapter 154):
- Calculated as a percentage of the obligor's net resources:
- 1 child: 20%
- 2 children: 25%
- 3 children: 30%
- Net resources capped at $9,200/month (2024 guideline). Support on income above the cap is discretionary.
- Use the Texas AG child support calculator: texasattorneygeneral.gov
Modification:
- Custody/support orders can be modified if there's a "material and substantial change in circumstances" (Family Code 156.101)
- Must wait 1 year from the last order, unless the child's welfare is at risk
DFW-specific:
- Dallas County Family Courts: George Allen Sr. Courts Building
- Tarrant County Family Courts: Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center
- Collin County: Collin County Courthouse, McKinney
Sources:
- Texas Family Code Chapters 153-156
- Texas AG — child support calculator
- Dallas County Family Court Clerk
- TexasLawHelp.org — family law self-help
Document everything. Communications, schedules, expenses. The parent with better documentation wins.
Use the Texas AG child support calculator before going to court. The formula is straightforward and judges rarely deviate from guidelines without strong cause.