Back-to-School Custody Issues in Texas: A Parent’s Legal Guide
When school bells ring in Texas each August, kids head back to class—and parents shift into school-year routines. But for divorced or separated parents, this season often brings custody disputes, parenting plan conflicts, and scheduling headaches.
As a Texas custody lawyer, I see the same issues pop up every year: disagreements about school choice, pickup times, extracurriculars, and who pays for what. The good news? Most of these problems can be avoided with a little preparation and an understanding of your rights under Texas law.
Texas Custody Basics Every Parent Should Know
In Texas, custody is called conservatorship, and it comes in three main types:
Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC): Both parents share important decision-making rights.
Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC): One parent makes most major decisions.
Possessory Conservatorship: Usually involves visitation rights, not decision-making authority.
Tip: Review your court order now to know exactly which rights you have regarding your child’s education.
Educational Rights in Texas Parenting Plans
Unless your court order says otherwise, both parents typically have the right to:
Receive school records, grades, and attendance reports
Attend parent-teacher conferences, school events, and activities
Access information about special education or disciplinary matters
Be listed as an emergency contact at school
These rights apply even if your parenting time is limited, unless the court specifically removed them.
Preventing Back-to-School Custody Disputes
Some Joint Managing Conservatorship arrangements require both parents to agree on major educational decisions, such as:
Which school the child attends
Enrollment in special programs or tutoring
Major disciplinary matters
Pro Tip: Communicate early—don’t wait until the first day of school to talk about these issues.
When the Parenting Plan Isn’t Working
If the current schedule causes constant conflict or hurts your child’s school routine, you may need a parenting plan modification. In Texas, this means:
Documenting the problems (missed pickups, late arrivals, schedule conflicts)
Attempting to resolve them with the other parent or through mediation
Filing a Petition to Modify if there’s been a material and substantial change in circumstances
Enforcing a Texas Custody Order
When one parent refuses to follow the order, the other can:
Keep detailed records of violations
Seek enforcement through the court
Texas judges can order make-up parenting time, fines, or even adjust conservatorship if violations are serious.
Co-Parenting Tips for a Smooth School Year
Share calendars for school events and extracurriculars
Use written communication (texts or apps) to avoid misunderstandings
Don’t involve your child in disputes
Be flexible when unexpected school activities pop up
Keep teachers informed about your custody arrangement
Why Late Summer Is a Hotspot for Custody Issues
Family lawyers often see a spike in divorce and custody cases in August and September. The reasons include:
Disagreements over school choice
Stress from back-to-school expenses
Summer schedule conflicts spilling into the school year
Bottom Line
Back-to-school season is challenging enough without legal battles. If your parenting plan isn’t working—or if the other parent isn’t following it—getting advice from a Texas family law attorney early can save time, stress, and money.
McMullen Law Group, PLLC – Protecting Parents’ Rights Across Texas
📞 817-988-0893
📧 brent@mcmullenlawgroup.com
Family Law • Custody & Visitation • Parenting Plan Modifications
