Child custody and visitation, centered on your children.

In a joint managing conservatorship, both parents share rights and duties, though one may have the exclusive right to designate the child's primary residence. In a sole managing conservatorship, one parent has the primary rights and duties, and the other parent's rights are defined by the order.

The court designates a primary residence, often with one parent, unless the parents agree otherwise. A geographic restriction may limit where the child can live. The arrangement should reflect the child's stability, school, community, and the parents' circumstances.

Not necessarily. Joint managing conservatorship refers to shared rights and duties, not an equal split of time. Possession is set separately. Some joint conservatorships use a standard schedule; others use expanded or week-on/week-off schedules by agreement or court order.

The first, third, and fifth weekends of each month, generally from Friday evening to Sunday evening. The exact exchange times depend on the order and whether the parents live within 100 miles. School pickup and drop-off can change the timing.

Holidays typically alternate between parents and override the regular weekend schedule. Thanksgiving, winter break, spring break, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and the child's birthday may have specific provisions. The order should be read carefully because holiday rules can be detailed.

The expanded possession schedule gives the non-primary parent longer periods during the summer and breaks to account for travel. The order may also adjust weekend and holiday exchange times. Distance can significantly change the practical parenting plan.

A material change is a significant change in the circumstances of a child or a conservator since the last order. Examples may include a relocation, a serious safety concern, a change in the child's educational or medical needs, or a parent's inability to exercise possession consistently.

Yes. Parents can agree to a modified possession schedule or conservatorship arrangement and ask the court to approve it. The court still reviews the agreement for the child's best interest. A written agreement is generally faster and less expensive than a contested modification.

Relocation can affect the geographic restriction and the possession schedule. The other parent may object, negotiate a new schedule, or seek a court order. The notice requirements and the child's best interest are central. Do not assume a move is permitted without reviewing the order.

A guardian ad litem or amicus attorney is appointed to represent the child's interests or to investigate and report to the court. The role and authority depend on the appointment order. These professionals can influence custody decisions, so preparation and documentation matter.

A co-parenting app can create a clear, timestamped record of communication, schedules, expenses, and exchanges. It can reduce conflict and provide useful evidence if a dispute arises. The order or agreement should specify which app and what types of communication are required.

Violations should be documented and addressed promptly. Options may include a motion for enforcement, a request for clarification, or a modification. Safety concerns may require immediate protective action. The right response depends on the specific violation and the risk involved.