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Texas SAPCR: Understanding Child Custody, Visitation, and Support

When it comes to your child, nothing is more important than their well-being and future. Whether you are going through a divorce, separating from your child’s other parent, or needing to establish legal rights, Texas law provides a legal process called a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) to determine custody, visitation, and child support.

At The Edgett Law Firm, we know that child custody matters can be highly emotional and stressful. Parents often worry about how much time they will have with their children, how decisions about their child’s future will be made, and how child support will be handled. If you are facing a custody or support dispute in Collin County or Denton County, you don’t have to go through it alone. Our compassionate and skilled legal team is here to guide you through the process, protect your parental rights, and fight for your child’s best interests.

What Is a SAPCR?

A Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) is a legal case that determines the rights and responsibilities of parents regarding their children. SAPCR cases are common in:

  • Divorce cases involving children
  • Unmarried parents seeking custody or child support
  • Modifications to existing custody or support orders
  • Grandparent or third-party custody requests

This type of lawsuit covers three main areas:

  1. Child Custody (Conservatorship)
  2. Visitation (Possession and Access)
  3. Child Support

If you are involved in a custody dispute or need to establish legal rights as a parent, our team at The Edgett Law Firm is here to help you navigate the process and advocate for the best possible outcome for you and your child.

Child Custody in Texas (Conservatorship)

In Texas, child custody is legally referred to as conservatorship and can be granted in different ways:

  • Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC) – In most cases, Texas courts prefer that both parents share decision-making responsibilities for their child. This means both parents have a say in major issues like education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
  • Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC) – In cases where one parent is deemed unfit (such as due to abuse, neglect, or substance abuse), the court may grant sole custody to one parent, giving them the exclusive right to make decisions about the child’s life.

The court’s primary concern in custody cases is always the best interests of the child. Factors considered include:

  • The child’s physical and emotional needs
  • The ability of each parent to provide a stable home environment
  • The relationship between the child and each parent
  • Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse

The Edgett Law Firm team members understand how deeply personal and critical these decisions are. We will work tirelessly to ensure that your parental rights are protected and that the court plays a vital role in your child’s life.

Visitation in Texas (Possession and Access)

Even when one parent is named the primary custodian, the other parent typically has a legal right to visitation, known in Texas as possession and access. The Standard Possession Order (SPO) is the most common visitation schedule, which generally provides:

For parents who live within 100 miles of each other:

  • The non-custodial parent gets the 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends of the month
  • Thursday evenings during the school year
  • Alternating holidays
  • Extended time during summer break

For parents who live more than 100 miles apart:

  • The non-custodial parent may have longer visitation periods, including extended summer and holiday time.

In some cases, customized possession schedules may be created to fit the child’s needs. The Edgett Law Firm team will work to establish a fair, practical visitation plan that allows you to maintain a strong relationship with your child.

Child Support in Texas

Child support is a legal obligation designed to ensure both parents contribute financially to their child’s needs. In most cases, the non-custodial parent (the parent who does not have primary custody) is ordered to pay child support based on Texas child support guidelines, which calculate payments as follows:

  • One child – 20% of net income
  • Two children – 25% of net income
  • Three children – 30% of net income
  • Four children – 35% of net income
  • Five or more children – 40% of net income

Child support covers essential expenses such as food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, and education. In some cases, additional financial responsibilities, like health insurance and extracurricular activities, may also be considered.

If you need to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order, our legal team is ready to advocate for a fair and reasonable outcome.

Modifications and Enforcement of SAPCR Orders

Life changes, and sometimes court orders need to be updated to reflect new circumstances. If a parent experiences a significant change in income, relocation, or changes in the child’s needs, a modification may be necessary.

Additionally, if the other parent fails to comply with custody, visitation, or support orders, legal enforcement actions may be required. The Edgett Law Firm can help you take the proper legal steps to protect your rights and ensure court orders are followed.

Why Choose The Edgett Law Firm for Your SAPCR Case?

At The Edgett Law Firm, we understand that nothing is more important than your child. Whether you are seeking custody, enforcing child support, or modifying an existing order, we provide:

  • Compassionate Advocacy – We listen to your concerns and prioritize your child’s well-being.
  • Aggressive Representation – We fight for your parental rights in and out of court.
  • Local Knowledge – We are experienced in handling SAPCR cases in Collin County and Denton County, giving you an advantage in your case.

Get Help with Your Child Custody or Support Case Today

If you are facing a SAPCR case in Collin County or Denton County, let The Edgett Law Firm help you protect what matters most—your child’s future. We understand how emotionally difficult these cases can be, and we are here to provide the guidance and legal support you need.

Call us today at 972-424-0760 or visit www.EdgettLawFirm.com to fill out our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation today with a member of our family law team. For your child and your child’s future, you deserve strong and compassionate legal representation! Let us fight for you!