Major Changes Coming to Texas Family Law on September 1, 2025
Beginning September 1, 2025, several important updates to Texas family law will take effect. These changes will impact child support, custody, possession schedules, protective orders, and Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) cases. Families involved in custody or support matters should be aware of how these laws may affect them going forward.
At the Barrows Firm in Southlake, we stay ahead of legislative updates so we can provide the best counsel to families. Here is a summary of the most significant changes.
Child Support Guidelines Revised
Texas child support guidelines are being updated for the first time in six years. The maximum net income cap used to calculate guideline support will increase from $9,200 to $11,700. This change ensures that support amounts better reflect the rising costs of raising children. The Attorney General reviews guidelines every six years, and this is the largest increase ever adopted.
Parents with new cases or modifications finalized on or after September 1, 2025, will see these updated figures applied to their cases. Existing orders will remain under the old cap unless successfully modified.
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SB 1559: Protective Orders Consolidated
Protective orders will now be consolidated into related divorce or custody cases, rather than requiring separate proceedings. This change streamlines the process and provides families with a more efficient way to obtain necessary legal protections. For those dealing with domestic violence, this makes protective orders more accessible and integrated into ongoing family law cases.
SB 1398: Kinship and Reunification in DFPS Cases
This bill makes important adjustments to how DFPS handles conservatorship and placement of children. It emphasizes placing children with relatives or within their community whenever possible and prioritizes reunification with parents when safe and appropriate. These changes reflect a broader push to keep children in familiar environments and reduce unnecessary disruption to their lives.
SB 1936: Expanded Possession Schedules
Noncustodial parents will now have more time under the standard possession schedule, including expanded weekends and holidays. This change recognizes the importance of meaningful time with both parents and adjusts visitation schedules accordingly. Families should review their parenting plans to see if the new standard possession schedule applies to their case.
Why These Updates Matter
These legislative updates affect how many families experience custody, support, and protective orders in Texas. For custodial parents, the increase in child support guidelines may bring additional financial support.
For noncustodial parents, expanded visitation ensures stronger relationships with children. For families navigating DFPS or domestic violence issues, these changes streamline the process and keep the child’s best interests at the forefront.
How the Barrows Firm Can Help
Families navigating child support, custody, or protective orders should review their cases in light of these updates. Some may benefit from modifications, while others may need new strategies for visitation or DFPS proceedings.
The Barrows Firm has extensive experience in high-stakes family law and understands how legislative updates impact real families. We guide clients through these transitions with clarity and confidence, protecting children’s best interests at every step.
If you have questions about how these legislative changes may affect your family, contact the Barrows Firm in Southlake to schedule a consultation. Our team is ready to advise you on child support, custody, and protective order matters under the new laws taking effect this September.
