FAMILY LAW · DFW · AUSTIN · HOUSTON
Texas Child Custody & Support Attorneys Protecting Your Family
When your children's future is on the line, you need clear answers — not more confusion. Dooley Noted Law helps Texas parents understand their rights under conservatorship and child support laws, and builds a plan that puts your kids first.
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We'll walk you through your options, rights, and next steps under Texas law — no pressure, no runaround.
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Child Custody & Support in Texas
What Does Child Custody Mean in Texas?
If you're researching custody in Texas, you'll quickly run into a term most other states don't use: conservatorship. Texas courts don't award "custody" in the traditional sense — they designate parents as either joint managing conservators or, less commonly, sole managing conservators, and decide where the child primarily lives and how time is divided.
Regardless of the terminology, the underlying question courts ask is the same: what arrangement serves the best interest of the child? That standard shapes decisions about decision-making rights, possession schedules, and child support in Texas.
Understanding how conservatorship in Texas actually works — before you're in the middle of a dispute — puts you in a much stronger position to protect your relationship with your kids.
SERVICES
What We Handle
Conservatorship (Custody) Disputes
We represent parents seeking joint or sole managing conservatorship, and help you understand what rights and duties come with each.
Possession & Visitation Schedules
We help parents establish or modify possession schedules that work for their family's real-life logistics, not just a generic template.
Child Support Calculations
We help clients understand how child support in Texas is calculated, and represent parents seeking to establish, increase, decrease, or enforce support orders.
Custody Modifications
Life changes. We help parents petition the court to modify an existing conservatorship or support order when circumstances genuinely warrant it.
Enforcement of Court Orders
If the other parent isn't following a custody or support order, we help you pursue enforcement through the appropriate legal channels.
Relocation & Move-Away Cases
We advise parents on the legal steps required when a custodial move could affect an existing possession schedule.
How Are Custody & Support Decided in Texas?
Texas courts use the "best interest of the child" standard as the foundation for every custody-related decision. Judges consider factors like each parent's ability to meet the child's needs, the child's existing relationships, and any history of family violence or neglect. There's no single formula — every case is fact-specific.
Child support in Texas, on the other hand, generally follows statutory guidelines based on the paying parent's income and the number of children involved. Courts can deviate from those guidelines in certain circumstances, such as a child's special needs or significant disparities in parental income.
Because Texas custody laws touch both parental rights and financial obligations, it's worth understanding both sides of the equation before heading into a negotiation or hearing — not just the piece that feels most urgent right now.
What to Expect Working With Dooley Noted
You'll work directly with your attorney from the first conversation — not a call center. We'll walk through your specific family situation, explain how Texas custody laws are likely to apply, and lay out realistic options in plain language.
We represent parents across DFW, Austin, and Houston, with a virtual-first approach that lets consultations, document review, and much of the case preparation happen without requiring time off work.
Ready to Move Forward?
Tell us about your situation. We'll review your case and be in touch soon.
Payment collected at booking.
File the Petition
We prepare and file the petition to establish or modify conservatorship, possession, and support.
Serve the Other Parent
The other parent is formally notified and given time to respond.
Negotiate & Draft
We negotiate a possession schedule and support terms, and draft the proposed order.
Final Hearing
A court appearance finalizes the order. We prepare you for every detail.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Why Our Families Trust Dooley Noted Law
★★★★★
"I was very pleased with my outcome and follow through. I would definitely recommend this law office to friends and family."
Michele M.
★★★★★
“My entire experience with Dooley Noted Law was above and beyond what I expected. I was given precise, clear instructions and direction in return my questions, of which there were many, were responded to quickly and explicitly."
Sandy D.
★★★★★
"Everything was great! Very quick and efficient, great communication along the way! I really can't say enough positive things!! Thank you!!!"
Joseph M.
READY TO MOVE FORWARD?
Get the Legal Guidance You Need to Protect Your Family
Contact Dooley Noted Law for a free case review, or book a consultation directly with a licensed Texas family law attorney.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Questions About Child Custody & Support in Texas
Not finding your answer here? Schedule a free case review and we'll walk you through your specific situation.
What's the difference between custody and conservatorship?
Texas doesn't use the word "custody" in its family law statutes — the legal term is conservatorship. In everyday conversation, people use both terms to mean the same thing.
How is child support calculated in Texas?
Texas generally applies statutory guidelines based on the paying parent's net income and the number of children, though courts can adjust support in certain situations.
Can custody or support orders be changed later?
Yes. A parent can petition to modify an existing order, but generally needs to show a material and substantial change in circumstances.
Does Texas favor mothers in custody cases?
No. Texas law doesn't give either parent an automatic advantage — courts decide based on the child's best interest, not a parent's gender.
What happens if the other parent won't follow the custody order?
You may be able to pursue enforcement through the court. The right approach depends on the specific violation and your existing order.