Family law FAQs
Family law questions, answered in plain language.
A practical starting point for Texans facing divorce, custody, support, modification, or enforcement questions.
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These answers are an orientation to common questions. They are not legal advice, and the answer for a specific person can turn on details, deadlines, and the applicable court or agency.
Family-law problems carry both legal and personal weight. These answers are designed to help you understand the terms you may hear, identify the documents that matter, and prepare for a more useful conversation. They are general information, not advice for your specific situation.
What is the difference between custody and conservatorship?
Texas commonly uses the term conservatorship for a parent’s rights and responsibilities. Possession and access describe the time a child spends with each parent. The language can be unfamiliar, but the practical questions are usually about decision-making, schedules, stability, and the child’s needs.
Can a custody or support order be changed?
A change may be possible, but it depends on the current order, what has changed since it was entered, and the facts of the family’s situation. Bring the existing order and a short timeline of relevant changes so an attorney can evaluate the available options.
What should I do if the other parent is not following an order?
Keep a clear record of what happened. Save messages, calendars, payment records, and copies of the order. Do not assume that a disagreement changes a court order; the next step often depends on the exact language of the order and the documented facts.
How is child support determined?
Support questions can involve income, health-insurance costs, the number of children, existing support obligations, and other facts. A calculation is not the whole story, so gather pay information, insurance information, and any prior orders before seeking tailored advice.
What happens to a home, retirement account, or business in a divorce?
Property questions can be fact-specific. Records showing ownership, account balances, debts, dates, and contributions help a lawyer understand the picture. Avoid making major transfers or decisions based only on general information before receiving advice about your matter.
What should I bring to a family-law consultation?
Bring any court papers, a short timeline, financial documents that may be relevant, and your questions. If children are involved, include the current schedule, school or medical information, and copies of existing parenting orders.
A practical resource
Organize the facts before the conversation.
Use our Texas legal guides to create a simple timeline, collect the records you already have, and identify the questions you need answered.
Open the related guide