If you are going through a divorce, a major point of contention may be how the custody agreement will affect your role in your child’s life. You might be worried that not having primary custody means losing your voice. This post covers how Texas addresses those concerns and what it actually means for you to be the noncustodial parent.
Defining conservatorship in Texas
Instead of “custody”, Texas courts use “conservatorship” to describe parental rights and responsibilities. When the court sets up these arrangements, it usually names one parent as the primary conservator.
It is important to know that courts generally presume that designating both parents as joint managing conservators supports the child’s best interests. In cases involving family violence, abuse, neglect, abandonment or criminal activity, the court can grant sole conservatorship instead.
When the court grants sole conservatorship, the designated parent will have the final say on issues such as where the child lives, the medical or psychiatric care they receive, educational choices and whether for a child’s passport. to apply for a passport for the child.
Participating in major decisions
Even if you are not the primary parent you still have these rights:
- Review your child’s medical, dental, psychological and school records
- Approve emergency medical treatment when your child is with you
- Attend school events such as performances, field trips and lunches
- Act as the emergency contact listed in your child’s records
Beyond these, parents with joint managing conservatorship often share decision-making responsibilities for the matters previously mentioned.
Evaluating your situation
To know your exact parental rights, consider reviewing your court order carefully. It explains which decisions you can make on your own and which need the other parent’s consent. Staying in open communication with your co-parent also helps, as working together on your child’s activities usually leads to better outcomes for everyone.