Texas law presumes that both parents should be joint managing conservators. When considering restrictions on rights and possession, the judge can consider a history of domestic violence, and the amount of time the parent has spent with the child. Read more about the rights and duties of a sole managing conservator.
Standard Rights and Duties of a Conservator
A parent appointed as conservator of a child has the following rights at all times to:
- receive information from any other conservator concerning the child’s health, education, and welfare;
- confer with the other parent to the extent possible before making a decision concerning the health, education, and welfare of the child;
- access to the child’s medical, dental, psychological and educational records;
- consult with the child’s physician, dentist, or psychologist;
- consult with school officials concerning the child’s welfare and educational status, including school activities;
- attend school activities;
- be designated on the child’s records as a person to be notified in case of an emergency;
- consent to medical, dental and surgical treatment during an emergency involving an immediate danger to the health and safety of the child; and
- manage a child’s estate that created by the parent or the parent’s family.
Standard rights and duties of a conservator during periods of possession (when child is with you)
- duty of care, control, protection, and reasonable discipline of the child;
- duty to support the child, including providing the child with clothing, food, shelter, and medical and dental care not involving an invasive procedure;
- right to consent for the child to medical and dental care not involving an invasive procedure; and
- right to direct the moral and religious training of the child.