Not legal advice — but the basics every DFW parent should understand.
Texas custody terminology:
- Texas uses "conservatorship" not "custody." Source: Texas Family Code Chapter 153.
- Joint Managing Conservators (JMC) — both parents share rights and duties. This is the default in Texas.
- Sole Managing Conservator (SMC) — one parent has primary decision-making. Courts rarely grant this without evidence of danger.
- Possessory Conservator — the parent who has visitation rights.
Standard Possession Order (SPO):
- The default visitation schedule in Texas. Source: TX Family Code 153.312.
- Non-custodial parent gets: 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends, Thursday evenings, alternating holidays, 30 days in summer.
- This is the MINIMUM. Parents can agree to more.
Child support:
- Texas guidelines: 20% of net income for 1 child, 25% for 2, 30% for 3. Source: TX Family Code 154.125.
- Attorney General calculator: texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support
- Maximum monthly net resources subject to guidelines: $9,200/month (2026).
Key things to know:
- Texas presumes JMC (joint) is in the child's best interest. Source: TX Family Code 153.131.
- Either parent can relocate within Texas, but 60-day notice is required for the other parent.
- Modification of custody requires a "material and substantial change in circumstances."
Free/low-cost legal help in DFW:
- Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas — (888) 529-5277. Source: lanwt.org
- Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program — free consultations for qualifying residents. Source: dallasbar.org/dvap
- Tarrant County Bar Association LRS — $20 referral fee for initial consultation. Source: tarrantbar.org
Sources:
- Texas Family Code (statutes.capitol.texas.gov)
- Texas Attorney General — child support division
- Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
This is informational only. Consult a family law attorney for your specific situation.