New Texas Family Laws: Child Support, School Vouchers, and Parental Rights

Child Support Increase

• 💰 Child support payments will increase by approximately $500 per month for families with a net income exceeding $140,000 per year, effective September 1st.
• 📈 For a single child, this change could raise the maximum monthly child support to about $2,340.

School Voucher System

• 🏫 Judges will now have the exclusive right to designate a parent's primary residence for the purpose of enrolling children in school.
• 🤝 This change allows one parent to transact a school voucher without needing the other parent's agreement, a shift from previous joint decision-making.

Parental Alienation Therapy Prohibited

• 🚫 A controversial and intensive therapy aimed at deprogramming children estranged from a parent due to parental alienation is now prohibited in Texas.
• 🧩 This therapy previously involved removing the child from the alienating parent and placing them in a program for up to 90 days to facilitate reunification with the estranged parent.

Three Strikes Rule for Visitation Interference

• ⚖️ A new "three strikes" rule has been implemented to address parents who withhold visitation from the other parent.
• ⚠️ If a parent is found in contempt of court for blocking visitation three times, it can now be used as grounds to potentially remove them as the custodial parent.

Gender Affirming Care and Pronouns

• gender-affirming care or failing to use a child's requested pronouns will no longer be considered abusive acts by parents.
• 🗣️ This marks a significant change in how parental actions related to a child's gender identity are legally viewed in Texas.

Legislative Changes and Information Access

• 📚 The recent legislative session brought more changes to Texas family law than the previous one.
• 📰 Parents can stay informed through news programs, tracking legislative bills, online searches, and by contacting family law professionals or state legislators.