Parenting Time in Texas Child Support Cases

Abstract

The Texas Title IV‐D child support agency has, on a universal basis, included parenting plans in its child support orders for the last thirty years. While most state child support agencies are just beginning to consider the idea of parenting time orders, Texas has successfully navigated federal regulations and federal funding limitations to ensure that parenting time is made available, as fairly and safely as possible. This article explains how this achievement has been possible, with the existence in Texas law of a standard possession order and a set of simple child support guidelines. It also discusses a variety of innovative and collaborative activities to inform and educate the public about the availability of these services. Keypoints for the Family Court Community It is possible for a state child support enforcement agency to obtain child support orders that routinely include parenting time provisions for the nonresident parent. The inclusion of parenting time in all orders can be accomplished effectively and safely in Texas due to strong public policy, supportive legislation, and agency practices that are innovative and collaborative.