Custody FAQ

Texas law uses the term ‘conservatorship’ instead of ‘custody.’ Texas Family Code § 153.131 presumes joint managing conservatorship is in a child’s best interest, meaning both parents typically share rights and duties, though one parent is usually designated as the primary residence parent.

The Standard Possession Order under Texas Family Code § 153.312 is the default visitation schedule Tarrant County courts apply, generally giving the non-primary parent the first, third, and fifth weekends, Thursday evenings during the school year, and alternating holidays.

Yes. A Tarrant County family court can modify conservatorship, possession, or support if there’s been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order, under Texas Family Code § 156.101, and the change serves the child’s best interest.

Tarrant County child custody cases are generally filed and heard in the county’s family district courts, with many proceedings taking place at the George Allen Courts Building in downtown Fort Worth.