The change of residence of the person who has physical custody of a child does not automatically require a change of custody of the child or relitigation of the issue. The laws vary from state to state as to who has the burden of proving that the relocation will constitute a material change of circumstances affecting the child and whether the change is in the child's best interests.
In order to protect a child, a court will sometimes impose restrictions on the rights of a noncustodial parent to visit with a child. The extent of the restrictions is based upon what the court finds will best protect the child while still fostering the relationship between the child and the parent.
A parent's child support obligation may not terminate when the child attains the age of majority. If an adult child cannot be self supporting due to a disability, the state may require that child support be continued.
There are times when a court finds it necessary to appoint someone to be responsible for a minor child. In Texas, that means the appointment of a "managing conservator." When a managing conservator is appointed, the court may appoint a "possessory conservator," which is an order setting the times and conditions for possession of or access to the child.
In most states, "joint physical custody" means that each of the parents shall have significant periods of physical custody of a child. Joint physical custody is shared by the parents in such a way so as to assure the child of frequent and continuing contact with both parents. It does not require that both parents have equal time with the child.
