Texas House Bill HB845

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to possession of or access to a child.

Impact

The enactment of HB 845 is poised to influence the way the courts handle possession and access cases, potentially reducing the number of disputes between parents regarding visitation schedules. By simplifying the schedules and allowing for easier adjustments, the bill is intended to foster cooperation between parents while also providing predictability for children. Additionally, it may lead to a reduction in litigation related to custody disputes by clarifying terms of possession.

Summary

House Bill 845 addresses the regulations surrounding child custody and possession rights in Texas, specifically amending sections of the Family Code to redefine possession schedules for conservators. The bill allows courts to establish more flexible possession periods that better align with school schedules, providing options for weekend, holiday, and special event access. The changes aim to eliminate conflicts that may arise over custody arrangements and promote the best interests of the child through clearer guidelines in legal custody agreements.

Contention

While some advocates praise the bill for bringing clarity to custody arrangements, there are concerns regarding its overall impact on family dynamics. Critics argue that by standardizing possession times, the legislation may overlook unique family circumstances that require customized arrangements. There are also apprehensions that this could lead to reduced flexibility for parents in managing their custody agreements based on their specific family needs, potentially causing discord in situations where parents cannot mutually agree on changes to standard times.