If you are working through a child-custody matter in Houston, the decisions ahead can feel overwhelming. Hinojosa Law Office, P.C. is a family-law firm led by attorney Monica A. Hinojosa, serving parents in East Houston and across the greater Houston area. We provide compassionate, attentive representation focused on your children’s well-being. Se habla español.
Child Custody in Texas: Conservatorship
In Texas, what many people call “custody” is legally known as conservatorship. Conservatorship describes a parent’s rights and duties regarding a child — such as making decisions about education, medical care, and where the child primarily lives. Texas courts generally begin with the presumption that both parents should share these responsibilities, unless doing so would not be in the child’s best interest.
Joint vs. Sole Managing Conservatorship
A Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC) means both parents share the rights and duties of raising the child, though not always equally — one parent typically has the exclusive right to decide the child’s primary residence. A Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC) gives one parent the exclusive right to make certain major decisions, which a court may order in situations involving family violence, neglect, or other serious concerns. Attorney Hinojosa can explain which arrangement may fit your family’s circumstances.
Possession and Access (Visitation)
“Possession and access” is the Texas term for the schedule that determines when each parent has time with the child. Many orders follow the Standard Possession Order (SPO), a schedule set out in the Texas Family Code that outlines weekends, holidays, and summer time. Depending on the family’s needs and the child’s age, a court may order a standard, expanded, or customized schedule. We help parents pursue a possession schedule that supports stability for their children.
The Best Interest of the Child
Texas courts decide conservatorship and possession based on the best interest of the child. Judges consider factors such as the child’s emotional and physical needs, the stability of each home, each parent’s ability to care for the child, the child’s own wishes in some cases, and any history of family violence. Understanding how these factors apply to your situation is an important part of preparing your case.
Modifying a Custody Order
Circumstances change, and existing custody orders can sometimes be modified. Generally, a Texas court may modify conservatorship or possession when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances and the change is in the child’s best interest. You can learn more about our family-law services; you can also learn about modifying a Texas custody order. We can review whether a modification may be appropriate in your case.
Relocation and Geographic Restrictions
Many Texas orders include a geographic restriction that keeps a child’s primary residence within a certain area, such as a specific county or adjacent counties. If a parent wishes to relocate with the child, the court will again look to the child’s best interest and any effect on the child’s relationship with the other parent. These cases can be complex, and careful preparation matters.
Related Family-Law Matters
Custody issues often arise alongside divorce and child support. If you are also ending a marriage, see our Houston divorce page. For an overview of everything we handle, visit our family-law services.
How Hinojosa Law Office, P.C. Helps
Custody matters are deeply personal. Attorney Monica A. Hinojosa provides personalized guidance, clear communication, and steady support as you work toward arrangements that serve your children. We serve families throughout Houston, including the East Houston, Northshore, and Uvalde Road communities, in English and Spanish.
Meet attorney Monica A. Hinojosa, the Houston family-law attorney at Hinojosa Law Office, P.C.
Schedule a Consultation
To discuss your child-custody matter with a Houston family-law attorney, contact Hinojosa Law Office, P.C. today.
Hinojosa Law Office, P.C.
540 Uvalde Rd, Suite D, Houston, TX 77015
Phone: 713-455-3575
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This page provides general information about Texas child-custody law and is not legal advice. Every situation is unique; please consult an attorney about your specific circumstances.