Many people in Texas are parents. While the parents are together, co-parenting and raising a child can be a little simpler. However, when parents divorce or split up, the parenting dynamics change drastically. The children obviously cannot be in two places at one time. In many situations, the children will end up splitting time between both parents’ abodes. The parents will also still have to make decisions regarding the child’s upbringing.
Whether the parents will share that responsibility, and how, or if only one parent will have that responsibility is determined in a child custody order, or ‘conservatorship,’ as it is called in Texas. The decision will be made by what is in the best interests of the children. If a parent is granted custody, whether joint or sole, he or she will have certain rights even if the other parent objects in any way.
These rights include, but are not limited to, the ability to obtain information from the other parent about the child’s well-being, access to the children’s medical and school records, to consult with medical professionals, teachers and other school officials about the child’s well-being and progress, attend school functions, to be notified in the case of emergency, and to consent to any medical or surgical procedures. There can also be additional rights given to the parent by the court.
Many parents in Texas are no longer together. However, in many situations both parents are still involved in the children’s lives. Generally, the extent to which they are involved is governed by a conservatorship order. If granted conservatorship or custody, the parent has certain rights which cannot be taken away. Understanding the law surrounding custody can be very important for parents to ensure that the best interests of the children are being considered.
Source: Texas State Legislature, “Family Code Chapter 153” accessed on Mar. 7, 2017