How 2025 Texas Family Law Reforms Affect Custody, Support & Protective Orders

This year, Texas legislators have implemented sweeping changes affecting a wide range of family law cases. These changes tackle protective orders, child welfare suits, and child support calculations. For families who are already navigating custody cases, child support calculations, or DFPS cases, knowing what to expect is crucial. If you wonder how these changes could affect your ongoing case, talking to a family law attorney in Edinburg should be your next step.

At Garza Law Office, we help our clients navigate a wide range of family law concerns. Attorney Dora Alicia Garza has experience both in the mediation and litigation of family law matters, making her a passionate advocate for her clients and their best interests. She recognizes the unique emotional demands of family law cases and handles her cases accordingly. Learn more about your legal options by calling our family law firm at 956-329-1304.

SB 1559: Protective Orders Can Now Be Integrated Into Family Law Cases

One of the biggest changes to come out of Texas is Senate Bill 1559, which merges protective orders into family cases, which includes both divorces and SAPCR, or Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship. By requiring that protective orders be transferred or integrated into the relevant family law cases, legislators provide additional protection to domestic abuse victims. If someone has a protective order against their abuser while going through a divorce or custody dispute with them, they should not have to prove their case again to their family court judge. This new law ensures that the family court judge has full access to the details of the protective order and why it is necessary. There is one main exception to this: if transferring the protective order to the family court would put the victim in danger, the transfer is not required.

SB 1398: Changes to DFPS Conservatorship and Termination Suits

Another important law that went into effect at the same time as SB 1559 is SB 1398, which affects how the Department of Family and Protective Services works toward family reunification. The law redefines certain terms to provide additional clarity and ensure that DFPS is working towards reunification whenever possible. Additionally, DFPS cannot request temporary emergency supervision if there is a safe and suitable placement available. Another important part of this law requires more transparency and accountability from DFPS, ensuring that the agency meets strict notice and reporting standards.

This law may have a number of implications for families with a DFPS case. They must review new standards and protocols, as missing deadlines or making careless mistakes may work against them. Relative and kinship placements may be more highly prioritized, limiting the amount of children who live with strangers while their parents work towards reunification. Families should consult a family law attorney to strengthen their efforts to reunify with their children and better understand state guidelines.

Updated Child Support Guidelines

September 1 also brought a new set of child support guidelines. The maximum support caps for calculating child support are increasing significantly. The cap on monthly resources went from $9,200 to $11,700, a significant jump that’s meant to reflect inflation and the rapidly increasing costs associated with raising children. Additionally, the maximum amount from child support guidelines rose. The maximum amount for one child increased to $2,340 per month, the cap for two children increased to $2,925 per month, and the cap for three children jumped to $3,510.

It’s important to note that these changes to child support won’t automatically change existing child support cases. You’ll need to work with a family lawyer to figure out if your child support order will be affected and request a modification if necessary. If your child support order was previously capped because your ex-partner hit the monthly income limit, the new higher limit may lead to an increase in child support.

Get the Support You Need With Our Texas Family Law Firm!

Whether you’re working through a child custody dispute involving a protective order, a DFPS case, or a child support modification, a family lawyer is your next call. At Garza Law Office, we’ll help you plan for your future and protect your rights. Call us at 956-329-1304 or send us a message online to discuss your case with our team.

Dora Alicia Garza

Dora Alicia Garza is a seasoned attorney based in Texas and the Founder of Garza Law Office, PLLC. She has built a respected practice across multiple areas of law, including criminal defense, family law, personal injury, guardianships & wills, estate planning & probate, immigration, debt defense and juvenile law. Learn more here.