Children love the Fort Worth Zoo, but you’ll often see single parents scrolling through their phones nearby. They are seeking solutions to their divorce problems while the animals keep their children busy.
They’re looking for a divorce lawyer and expert help to understand just what Texas law considers as “conservatorship.”
What Does “Conservatorship” in Texas Mean?
Most states call it “custody,” but conservatorship in Texas divorce refers to the duties, responsibilities, and rights of parents towards their children. According to the Texas Young Lawyers Association, “In Texas, there are two kinds of conservatorship: (1) sole managing conservatorship, and (2) joint managing conservatorship. The presumption is that joint managing conservatorship is in the best interest of the child.”
But, because every divorce case differs, and the courts consider all the factors of individual situations, you’ll want the best family lawyer available to you in the Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex.
Sole managing conservatorship
As the sole managing conservator, you enjoy exclusive specific rights with regards to the children of the divorce. Among them, the court lists:
- Determine the child’s primary residence;
- Receive court-determined child support on the child’s behalf;
- Agree to medical, dental, surgical, psychiatric, and psychological treatments;
- Decide on the child’s education;
- Represent the child in legal action and other decisions of substantial legal significance;
- Approve marriage and enlistment in the armed forces;
- Receive the services and earnings of the child.
In a family law court, your divorce lawyer seeks to the child’s “psychological parent.” Ideally, the court wants to keep the child with the parent who has responsibly cared for the child’s day-to-day needs.
Joint managing conservatorship
If the family law court decides on joint managing conservatorship, that parent has rights such as these:
- Access to concerning the child’s health, education, and welfare;
- Confer with the other parent before deciding issues of the child’s health, education, and welfare;
- Consult with the child’s physician, dentist, or psychologist;
- Confer with school officials concerning the child’s welfare and educational status; attend school activities;
- Consent to emergency medical, dental and surgical treatment;
- Standard rights and duties of a conservator during periods of possession (when the child is with you);
- Duty of care to control, protect, and discipline of the child during periods of possession;
- Duty to provide the child with clothing, food, shelter, and medical and dental care not involving an invasive procedure.
In divorce court, your family lawyer may have to defend your rights and interests, especially if the divorce has been contentious. As joint managing conservator, you must understand your visitation rights, long distant visitation, international travel, relocation, and more.
Conservatorship in Fort Worth (DFW) divorce
Family law oversight also wants to see your parenting plan. The court wants to see a plan that spells out the rights and duties of the parents involved. The plan becomes a working document for both parents to reach and confirm their understanding of their respective roles in their child’s life. And, that takes a quality divorce lawyer in your corner.
The Law Office of Wendy L. Hart
Wendy L. Hart understands divorce is one of life’s most trying experiences. As one of the Fort Worth area’s most experienced divorce lawyers, Wendy provides her clients with the facts needed to make informed decisions. She zealously defends the rights of her clients and shepherds people experiencing a divorce in Texas through the emotionally tumultuous process.
If you have questions regarding divorce or conservatorship in Texas, reach The Law Office of Wendy L. Hart through our website or by calling (817) 842-2336.
