What is joint custody?

In Texas, child custody issues fall under two different categories: conservatorship and possession and access.

Conservatorship involves the rights and duties of the parents (i.e. to make decisions for the child regarding schooling, medical decisions, etc.). Sole Managing Conservatorship is when one parent is allowed to make all the decisions. Allowing both parents to jointly make the decisions is Joint Managing Conservatorship.

Possession and access refers to when the parents have physical custody of the children or when they can visit with the children. Texas has the standard and extended standard visitation schedules, but parties can also agree on visitation. One parent usually has the right to designate the primary residence of the children.