by Houston, TX – Families throughout Texas are navigating significant updates to family law that took effect on September 1, 2024. These changes impact child support, custody, visitation, and parental rights, ushering in new regulations that parents across the state should understand to protect their and their children’s interests.
Board-certified family law attorney Charlotte Rainwater provided insight into these extensive reforms during an interview on KHOU 11 Morning News, elaborating on the practical effects for families and how parents can adapt.
Major Changes in Child Support Calculations
One of the most impactful modifications revolves around child support payments. Parents earning a net income exceeding $140,000 annually will face an approximate increase of $500 per month in their child support obligations. Specifically, for the support of one child, the new calculation sets payments at 20% of income, which currently translates to about $2,340 monthly. This change applies immediately to all new or modified child support orders issued on or after September 1, 2024.
- Applies to parents with net income over $140,000 per year
- New support amount for one child is around $2,340 per month
- Effective for all new or modified orders after Sept. 1
Custody and School Choice Authority Redesigned
Texas family courts now hold the authority to assign which parent has the exclusive right to make school enrollment decisions for their child. Judges may grant one parent the sole right to enroll the child in school and decide on the use of school vouchers, eliminating the previous norm of joint decision-making in this regard.
New ‘Three Strikes’ Rule for Visitation Enforcement
A significant addition is the introduction of a ‘three strikes’ rule designed to safeguard parental visitation rights. If a parent is found in contempt of court for blocking visitation three times, the court may leverage this record to potentially remove them as the custodial parent. This measure intends to deter interference and ensure children maintain meaningful access to both parents.
Ban on Controversial Therapy Practices
The legislature has also banned a contentious therapy practice formerly used in cases involving parental alienation. Previously, some children were subjected to intensive “deprogramming” programs—lasting days or months—after removal from one parent. These programs have now been prohibited to protect children’s emotional well-being and family stability.
Clarifications on Gender Affirmation and Parental Rights
Another noteworthy update is the clarification regarding gender identity issues. Texas courts will no longer classify it as abuse if a parent chooses not to provide gender-affirming care for their child or does not use the child’s preferred pronouns. This clarification significantly alters how courts assess cases involving gender identity within family law disputes.
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What These Changes Mean for Texas Families
Attorney Charlotte Rainwater emphasized that this legislative session enacted more extensive amendments to the Texas Family Code than in recent years. She encourages parents to stay informed by:
- Researching new laws and updates online
- Tracking relevant state bills related to family law
- Consulting with family law attorneys for personalized guidance
- Contacting local legislators for clarification or advocacy
“This is a pivotal moment for Texas families. Staying informed and seeking professional advice will help parents navigate these changes effectively,” said Rainwater during the interview.
For more detailed information on these law updates and how they might affect you, visit the full report by WFAA here.
Stay Prepared and Informed
As Texas families adjust to these new legal standards, understanding the specifics of the three strikes visitation rule, increased child support payments, and custody decision changes becomes essential. These laws aim to better protect children’s welfare and clarify parental rights, but they also demand that parents remain proactive in safeguarding their interests.
What do you think about these Texas family law changes? Have you been affected by custody or child support updates recently? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
