Texas HB4656 establishes a rebuttable presumption favoring parents in custody disputes with nonparents.

Texas HB4656 amends the Family Code to establish a rebuttable presumption that a parent acts in the best interest of their child and that it is in the child's best interest to be in the care, custody, and control of a parent. This presumption applies in suits between a parent and a nonparent. The nonparent may overcome this presumption by proving, with clear and convincing evidence, that denying their requested relief would significantly impair the child's physical health or emotional development. The changes apply to suits pending or filed after the act's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Texas HB4656 establishes a rebuttable presumption favoring parents in custody disputes with nonparents.

Texas HB4656 amends the Family Code to establish a rebuttable presumption that a parent acts in the best interest of their child and that it is in the child's best interest to be in the care, custody, and control of a parent. This presumption applies in suits between a parent and a nonparent. The nonparent may overcome this presumption by proving, with clear and convincing evidence, that denying their requested relief would significantly impair the child's physical health or emotional development. The changes apply to suits pending or filed after the act's effective date of September 1, 2025.