​Depending on the circumstances of the case, some rights may be exercised jointly, while others may be given exclusively to one parent.

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A Joint Managing Conservatorship may include decisions regarding:

• Medical and dental care​

• Educational matters

• Psychological and counseling services

• Religious upbringing

• Extracurricular activities

• Access to school and medical records

• Receiving information about the child's health and education

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Even when parents share these decision-making responsibilities, the court will usually designate one parent as the parent with the exclusive right to determine the child's primary residence, unless the parties agree otherwise or the court orders a geographic restriction.

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The amount of time each parent spends with the child is determined by a separate possession and access schedule. Parents can agree to a customized schedule, or the court may order a Standard Possession Order or another schedule that serves the child's best interests.

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Texas courts begin with the presumption that appointing parents as Joint Managing Conservators is in a child's best interest. However, that presumption can be overcome if there is evidence of family violence, abuse, neglect, substance abuse, or other circumstances showing that a different conservatorship arrangement would better protect the child's welfare.

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Every family is unique. Whether parents can successfully share decision-making authority depends on their ability to communicate, cooperate, and prioritize the best interests of their child. Contact us today for an experienced Texas family law attorney to help determine the conservatorship arrangement that best fits your family's needs.

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