A Discussion on the Two Types of Child Custody in Texas

 

Having practiced law for over three decades, Frank Mann, attorney in Houston, Texas, maintains membership in the State Bar of Texas and the Houston Bar Association. Focusing his practice on family law, attorney Frank Mann represents clients in child custody cases in Houston.

One of the most contentious issues in divorce proceedings is child custody. In Texas, the family court judges have the final decision on child custody. The courts can grant one of two types of custody: sole managing conservatorship (SMC) or joint managing conservatorship (JMP).

SMC essentially amounts to sole custody. A parent awarded SMC has the legal right to make all the important decisions concerning the child. A parent with sole custody can decide the primary residence of the child; the medical, dental, and surgical treatments the child can undergo; the schools the child attends; and which sports the child can play. He or she also has the right to receive child support.

JMP basically amounts to joint custody. It grants both parents a say in decision making about the child’s primary residence, medical and dental procedures, education, and extracurricular activities. Here, both parents can spend time with the child, but the child still has a primary residence with one parent. Both parents must agree on the important decisions concerning the child’s future.

Voter Registration Skyrockets in Texas

Frank Mann, a family law attorney, runs a private practice in Houston, Texas. His practice focuses on cases involving divorce, child custody, changing prior court orders and other aspects of family law. In addition to his work as an attorney, Frank Mann maintains an interest in Houston and state politics. 

Texan voters are making history in 2016. Election officials are reporting a notable rise in voter registration as voters gear up for an interesting presidential election. Bexar County recently reported that it had more than one million registered voters, a first for the county of less than two million residents. Thus, it is the fourth county in Texas to hit the one million milestone, putting it right behind Harris, Dallas, and Tarrant Counties. 

Election officials generally expect a surge in registrations in the weeks leading up to a major vote, but these registrations flooded in during the typically slow months of July and August. It is likely that the influx is partially due to various organizations registering citizens to vote ahead of the upcoming presidential election.