The Anne E. Casey Foundation reported over 7.4 million children lived in Texas in 2022. Each of these children has parents who have certain rights.
Texas law recognizes and outlines these. Parents need to understand the legal protection they have to parent their children.
Decision-making
Parents have the right to make decisions concerning the upbringing and well-being of their children. This includes choices related to education, medical care and religious upbringing. Parents in Texas have the authority to determine what they believe is in the best interest of their children and to make decisions accordingly.
Custody
Texas law recognizes the right of parents to have physical custody of their children. In the context of divorce or separation, parents also have the right to parenting time. Both parents generally have the right to meaningful and regular contact with their children.
Information about the child
Parents have the right to access and obtain information about their child’s medical, dental, educational and psychological records. They have legal protection to allow them to stay informed about their child’s well-being and development to actively participate in their children’s lives and make informed decisions.
In cases where parents are not raising a child together or where there are concerns about a parent’s ability to raise a child, the court can step in and alter parental rights. The legal system always focuses on the best interests of the child. Parents can lose their rights if they put a child in danger or otherwise are not stable and responsible caregivers.
