Index
Family Law / CustodyTexas, USA

Texas Family Code: Best Interest of the Child Standard

Summary

Mandates that the primary consideration of the court in any suit affecting the parent-child relationship is the 'best interest of the child,' rather than the preferences of the parents.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    Right for a child's safety and emotional well-being to be prioritized in legal decisions.
  • 02.
    Right for the court to consider the stability of the home environment and the parental abilities of each individual.
  • 03.
    Right for children aged 12 or older to confer with the judge regarding their living preferences (though the judge is not bound by them).

Penalties

  • 01.
    Denial of primary custody (Managing Conservatorship) if the environment is found unsafe.
  • 02.
    Required supervised visitation if a parent's behavior poses a risk to the child.
  • 03.
    Mandatory participation in parenting classes or counseling.

Verified Citations

""