Parental rights in Texas are both powerful and limited by law. Whether you’re facing divorce, a custody battle, or simply want to better understand your role as a parent under Texas law, knowing what you can and can’t do is essential.
At Haugen Law Firm, P.C. we work with parents across Denton County, Collin County, Cooke County, Dallas County, and Tarrant County to protect their rights and fulfill their responsibilities. Here’s what every parent should know about their legal rights—and the boundaries—in Texas.
What Are Parental Rights in Texas?
Parental rights are the legal rights and responsibilities a parent has to care for and make decisions for their child. These rights include—but aren’t limited to:
- Physical possession and access (visitation)
- Legal decision-making (education, medical, religion)
- The right to receive information about the child
- The duty to support the child financially
- The right to direct the moral and religious upbringing of the child
In Texas, parental rights are governed by the Texas Family Code, and decisions are always made in the best interest of the child.
What Parents CAN Do (With Rights Granted by the Court)
Texas parents who are designated as conservators (either Joint Managing Conservators or Sole Managing Conservator) may have the right to:
- Make Medical Decisions
- Choose doctors, approve treatment, and manage medical records (if given the right).
- Decide on Education
- Choose schools, approve tutoring, and access report cards.
- Access Information
- Receive information from the other parent, schools, doctors, and counselors.
- Consent to Marriage or Enlistment
- Some decisions (like marriage under 18 or military service) require parental consent.
- Manage the Child’s Estate
- In limited cases, a parent may manage property or finances the child owns.
- Have a Say in Moral/Religious Upbringing
- Parents have the right to guide a child’s faith and values.
Tip: Even in Joint Conservatorship, one parent may have exclusive rights over specific decisions. Always check the court order.
What Parents CANNOT Do (Without Legal Authority)
Even biological parents have limitations. Some things require legal authority or court approval, including:
- Withhold Visitation
- You cannot deny court-ordered visitation—even if the other parent isn’t paying support.
- Move Out of State With the Child (Without Consent or Court Order)
- Relocation often requires court approval or written agreement.
- Make Decisions Outside of Your Rights
- If your court order doesn’t give you the right to choose a school, for example, you can’t do it alone.
- Change a Child’s Name Without Consent
- Name changes must be approved by both parents or ordered by the court.
- Ignore Court Orders
- Violating a custody or support order can result in enforcement actions or contempt of court.
- Control the Other Parent’s Parenting Style
- Unless there’s abuse or danger, the other parent’s choices during their possession time are generally protected.
Joint vs. Sole Managing Conservatorship
In Texas, most parents are named Joint Managing Conservators, meaning they share decision-making rights—even if one parent has primary custody.
But in some cases, a court may award Sole Managing Conservatorship to one parent, giving them exclusive rights on major decisions.
Factors that may lead to sole conservatorship include:
- Abuse or neglect
- Substance abuse
- Criminal history
- Long-term absence or abandonment
Can Parental Rights Be Terminated?
Yes—but it’s rare and serious.
Parental rights can be terminated by court order if:
- The parent is found unfit
- There is abuse, neglect, or endangerment
- The parent voluntarily relinquishes rights
- It’s in the child’s best interest
Termination ends all legal rights and obligations—permanently.
Protecting Your Parental Rights in Texas
Parental rights are a privilege and a responsibility. Whether you’re fighting to stay involved in your child’s life, seeking more time, or defending yourself in a custody dispute, legal representation matters.
At Haugen Law Firm, P.C. we help parents:
- Establish and enforce custody and visitation orders
- Modify existing court orders
- Protect their rights during divorce
- Navigate complex family law cases with confidence
Need Help with Parental Rights? We’re Here for You.
At Haugen Law Firm, P.C., we’re proud to serve families and individuals across Denton, Collin, Cooke, Dallas, and Tarrant Counties with trusted legal guidance in family law, criminal defense, and estate planning. If you have questions about your legal rights or need personalized support, our dedicated team is here to help. Contact us today!