A court may award couples “joint custody” of their children after a divorce. Texas statutes, however, refer to parents who share child custody as “joint managing conservators.” A joint conservatorship may not specify a visitation schedule or how much time each parent may spend time with a child.

By appointing divorced parents as conservators, a judge may include specific instructions in a divorce decree, as noted on the Texas Constitution and Statutes website. Through an order of the court, each parent may have different duties or responsibilities related to a child’s upbringing.

What rights may the court assign to a conservator?

With a joint managing conservatorship, each parent has a right to remain informed about a child and help with decision-making. At all times, you may ask for information regarding your child’s well-being, education and healthcare. You may request access to your child’s school, dental and medical records.

You may communicate any concerns that you have about your child with a teacher or school official. You may also contact your child’s physicians or other medical practitioners and discuss treatment options. As a joint managing conservator, your ex-spouse may not prevent you from participating in your child’s life. You may attend your child’s sports or extracurricular activities when you wish.

How often may I see my child or spend time together?

The Texas Family Code presumes that two ex-spouses have the right to a Standard Possession Order. As a conservator, you may see and take possession of your child as often as your ex-spouse allows you to.

When both parents live within a 50-mile radius of each other, your visiting schedule may reflect times and days you and your ex-spouse agree on. Living apart over greater distances, however, may require more rigid and scheduled visiting arrangements as determined by Texas law.