Texas family law implemented multiple new laws on September 1, 2025. These new laws will transform how family courts handle custody, child support, protective orders, and parental rights. Fort Worth families and those across Texas should prepare for updates that strengthen enforcement, protect parents, expand support, and streamline court processes.
Informal Marriages Can Now Remain More Private
For those who decide to make an informal marriage declaration, they can now keep their personal information confidential. All new declarations must include “a printed box for either party to check ‘Yes, please keep the identifying information on this form confidential.'” If this box is checked, county clerks are restricted from publishing personally identifiable information except for names or releasing copies to anyone but the parties and their legal representatives.
Protective Orders Integrated into Divorce and Custody Cases
A pivotal update from Senate Bill 1559 consolidates family violence protective orders into pending divorce and child custody cases between the same parties.
In the past, protective orders for domestic violence were handled separately. Now, when allegations of abuse appear during a divorce or custody dispute, the judge overseeing that case will have full access to those claims and legal tools to prioritize safety.
This streamlines proceedings and better protects children and survivors, since custody decisions must now reflect any threat or history of violence.
Major Child Support Guideline Changes
Effective September 1, 2025, Texas has raised the thresholds and income caps used for child support calculations. For example, the monthly net income cap has increased from $9,200 to $11,700. Higher-earning parents may pay more in support, and calculations better reflect today’s cost of raising a child.
These updates may lead to modifications of existing child support if either parent’s circumstances change. Many families in Fort Worth could have a reason to consider modification requests if it will meet their children’s needs better.
Parents whose rights are terminated for more serious offenses will still be required to provide financial support to their child or children until the child reaches 18, is adopted, emancipated, or graduates.
The New “Three Strikes” Visitation Law
Protecting non-custodial parents’ access to children is a new priority. Under Senate Bill 2794—the “three strikes” law—it is now a criminal offense for a custodial parent to interfere with court-ordered visitation. After three proven violations, the offending parent may face serious legal consequences, including possible jail time or even a change in custody. This law enforces fairness and works against “parental alienation,” helping children maintain their relationships with both parents whenever safe and possible.
Repealed: Parental Rights and Termination Standard
Another important change restricts the ability of courts to terminate the parent-child relationship for failure to complete a court-ordered Family Service Plan (FSP). Inconsistency and concerns about fairness led to the change.
Parents will no longer automatically lose their parental rights over procedural requirements if other conditions for termination are not clearly met. Families in crisis, especially those involved with CPS, have a stronger chance to stay together, provided that parents meet the required safety standards.
Additional Protections For Parents
New laws include a collection of newly added restrictions that prevent DFPS from removing children from their parents’ custody and terminating parental rights:
- Administering prescribed low-THC cannabis preparations
- Allowing age-appropriate independent activities
- Economic disadvantages
- Homeschooling
- Non-violent misdemeanor charges (exception: family violence, Title 5, or Title 6 offenses)
- Pursuing second medical opinions or transferring care
- Rejecting immunizations for conscience/religious reasons
- Rejecting psychotropic medications (unless there is a considerable risk)
- Selecting alternative health treatments (unless there is considerable risk)
These are new protections that previously did not exist. These limit the state’s intervention authority and expand parental rights and protections. There are similar grounds that are not allowed to be used to support the termination of parental rights.
Other Noteworthy Updates
- Texas lawmakers attempted but failed to repeal no-fault divorce in 2025. No-fault divorces remain available, streamlining uncontested cases.
- Guidelines were clarified for how courts handle family law cases after September 1, both for new filings and unresolved matters.
What Fort Worth Families Should Do Now
Families preparing for divorce, custody, or support cases should review these updates with an experienced local attorney. Families facing action by DFPS also have additional protections. Strategic timing for filing, requests for modification, and understanding newly enforced rights can affect outcomes for parents and children.
These changes to Texas family law will shape how courts address safety, support, and parental rights for many years to come. The 2025 reforms provide consistency, increase protections, and ensure that children’s best interests come first. Fort Worth residents facing family law issues should stay informed and seek legal guidance to navigate the new landscape successfully.
Family Law Attorney Wendy L. Hart In Fort Worth and Tarrant County
If these major 2025 changes to Texas family law may affect you or your loved ones, don’t navigate the new landscape alone. Contact the family law team at The Law Office of Wendy L. Hart today to schedule your consultation. An attorney experienced in these updates can help protect your rights, answer your questions, and advocate for your family’s best interests throughout the legal process.
You can contact our office by using our online contact form or by calling us at (817) 842-2336. We work with both men and women for divorce, child support, child custody, and other family law issues. The Law Office of Wendy L. Hart can help make family law issues easier for everyone involved.
