In Texas, custody is referred to as conservatorship, and visitation is known as possession and access. The attorneys at Pittman & Henderson help clients establish custody arrangements and possession schedules that serve the child’s best interest while protecting parental rights.

Child custody cases in Texas are about more than legal rights—they are about protecting your relationship with your child and ensuring stability during a difficult time. Whether you are facing an initial custody dispute, a modification, or an enforcement issue, having an experienced family law attorney on your side is critical.

Courts make custody decisions based on the best interest of the child, considering factors such as each parent’s involvement, the child’s needs, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable environment. This is the standard that each Court will use to determine what is necessary as it relates to conservatorship, possession and access, child support, injunctions, and other provisions that may relate to the parent-child relationship.

Texas courts often appoint parents as Joint Managing Conservators, but this does not always mean equal possession or equal decision-making authority. There are many different ways conservatorship can play out. Sometimes, the legal decisions must be by agreement. In some cases, one parent may be appointed as Sole Managing Conservator when circumstances require it, such as family violence.

Possession and access differ from conservatorship. Although the Court may appoint you and your co-parent as joint managing conservators, that does not mean possession is equal. The Court will use the best interest of the child standard to determine what a possession schedule should look like. A lot of cases in Texas will need an amicus attorney or a child custody evaluator to help with this assessment. An amicus attorney is an attorney appointed by the court to act as an arm of the court and assist the court in making decisions by representing your child or children. As of September 1, 2025, however, amicus attorneys have limited roles and cannot make “recommendations” to courts. Additionally, they can now be called as witness in a trial, which may or may not be needed. A child custody evaluator is not an attorney and is usually a licensed social worker or some other equal licensure. They will evaluate your child, your home, your co-parents home, talk to therapists, doctors, and other professionals involved and write an informed report on what they recommend as far as conservatorship, possession, and other parenting recommendations as it relates to your child. This report will assist the court in making decisions for your family.

Our firm represents parents in child custody matters throughout Texas, providing strategic, child-focused advocacy while guiding you through every step of the legal process. If you are involved in a child custody dispute in Texas, or anticipate one, early legal guidance can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.