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Texas · TX

Texas custody laws, explained for fathers.

Joint Custody Preferred / Encouraged. Everything a Texas dad needs to know before his first hearing—custody standards, paternity, support, relocation, and protective-order defense—cited to Tex. Fam. Code § 153.131 & § 153.252.

Custody presumption

Joint Custody Preferred / Encouraged

Custody & parenting time in Texas

Public policy favors appointing parents as Joint Managing Conservators; Standard Possession Order applies.

Read the general guide: Custody: Legal & Physical

Establishing paternity in Texas

Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) or court order.

Read the general guide: Establishing Paternity

Child support in Texas

Percentage-of-net-income guidelines.

Read the general guide: Child Support & Imputed Income

Relocation & move-away in Texas

Geographic restrictions common; relocation reviewed under best interests.

Read the general guide: Relocation & Jurisdiction (UCCJEA)

Protective orders & false allegations in Texas

Protective Orders available under Family Code Title 4.

Read the general guide: Protective & Restraining Orders

Texas fathers' rights FAQ

Texas follows the "Joint Custody Preferred / Encouraged" approach. Public policy favors appointing parents as Joint Managing Conservators; Standard Possession Order applies.

General educational summary of Texas law, not legal advice. Statutes and local rules change—verify with the official court source and a licensed Texas family-law attorney before acting.