Houston Parental Rights Lawyer
Rights & Duties Under Texas Family Code
When you’re going through a divorce or custody case, knowing your rights as a parent is essential. The Texas Family Code outlines exactly what you can and cannot do when it comes to your child’s education, health, and welfare. But the law can be confusing, and every family situation is different. Parents across Houston, Katy, and Sugar Land often wonder: “Can I call my child’s doctor without the other parent’s permission?” or “Am I allowed to attend school events after custody is decided?”
That’s where we come in. At Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers, our attorneys are recognized leaders in Texas family law. We help parents understand and enforce their rights, from accessing medical records to protecting your child’s safety in the other parent’s home. With decades of experience handling complex custody battles, modifications, and enforcement cases in the Greater Houston area, we know how to apply the Family Code to protect what matters most: your children, your assets, and your peace of mind.
If you’re searching for a child custody lawyer in Houston, Katy, or Sugar Land who understands parental rights under the Texas Family Code, you’ve found the right team. Call us today at (832) 688-6606 to schedule a confidential consultation. The sooner you act, the sooner we can protect your parental rights and fight for your family’s future.
parental rights faq's
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Under Texas Family Code § 153.073, a parent who is appointed as a conservator (unless limited by court order) always has the right to:
- Receive information from the other parent about their child’s health, education, and welfare.
- Access medical, dental, psychological, and educational records.
- Talk with teachers, doctors, and school officials.
- Attend school activities such as performances, field trips, and lunches.
- Be listed as an emergency contact for their child.
- Consent to emergency medical care if their child’s health or safety is in danger.
- Manage any property or estate the parent created for the child.
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Not always. Under Texas Family Code § 153.073(a)(2), parents generally have the right to confer with one another before making decisions about their child’s health, education, and welfare.
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Yes. Unless restricted by a court order, § 153.073(a)(6) gives you the right to attend school activities, including lunches, performances, and field trips.
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No, not unless the court specifically restricts it. Under § 153.073(a)(6), both parents have the right to attend school lunches, performances, and field trips.
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Yes. Under § 153.073(a)(3), each parent has the right to access their child’s medical, dental, psychological, and educational records at all times even if one parent has primary custody.
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Yes. According to Texas Family Code § 153.076(b), you must notify the other parent if you live with, marry, or plan to marry someone who:
- Is a registered sex offender, or
- Has charges that would require sex offender registration if convicted.
You must also notify the other parent if you live with or allow your child around someone who is the subject of a protective order (§ 153.076(b-1)).
- Is a registered sex offender, or
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According to Texas Family Code § 153.076(a), each parent must keep the other informed about important matters involving the child’s health, education, and welfare. This prevents one parent from withholding significant updates.
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Yes, but only under certain circumstances. If your new partner is a registered sex offender or is subject to a protective order, you must notify the other parent within specific timelines under § 153.076(b)–(c-1).
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Yes. Under § 153.073(a)(8), either parent can consent to medical, dental, or surgical treatment during an emergency involving immediate danger to the child’s health or safety.
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Yes. Texas law gives you the right to be designated on your child’s records as someone to be notified in case of an emergency (§ 153.073(a)(7)).
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Besides caring for the child, parents must:
- Share significant information about the child’s health, school, and welfare (§ 153.076(a)).
- Notify the other parent if living with someone dangerous or under a protective order (§ 153.076(b)–(c-1)).
- Share significant information about the child’s health, school, and welfare (§ 153.076(a)).
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Yes. Unless restricted by a court order, § 153.073(a)(5) gives you the right to consult with school officials about your child’s welfare and educational status. You don’t need the other parent’s permission to speak with teachers or school administrators.
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Yes. Under § 153.073(a)(6), parents have the right to attend school activities such as lunches, field trips, and performances. If your ex tries to block you from attending, you may need to enforce your rights through the court.
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“Matt's legal expertise and strategic approach were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to listen to my concerns, addressing each one with patience and clarity. His ability to navigate the complexities of family law while being completely present and compassionate was truly remarkable. I felt supported every step of the way, which made a challenging time in my life much more manageable.”- Milana T.
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“Skillern Firm was an outstanding law firm that guided me through my divorce petition from start to finish. Amber, my attorney, was a pleasure to work with. I truly appreciate her dedication and the effort she put into ensuring the process went as smoothly as possible.”- Luna O.
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“Not one detail missed and with the situation where my children were at risk, the extra care and attention made all the difference to get full judgement in my favor. I highly recommend Matt and his team!”- Tracy C.
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“My hired attorney is Alex. She’s phenomenal! I recommend her at any opportunity that I can. She is everything you would want in an attorney and it was so reassuring to have her support throughout this whole process. She’s worth every penny!”- Taylor T.
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“I had a divorce case involving a minor child, and choosing this law firm was the best decision I could have made. Attorney Amber Skillern was outstanding — professional, efficient, and incredibly supportive. Everything was handled quickly and precisely. She explained every step clearly and made a stressful situation feel manageable.”- Olena L.
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“Skillern Firm is the best attorneys in Houston. He genuinely cares about his clients and his firm is diligent, hardworking and very through. I highly recommend him and do not have enough words to thank him for his extraordinary performance in getting justice for my family.”- Fauzia S.
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