As of March 31, 2026, Texas family law advocates are calling for significant reform in the state's child custody proceedings. Advocates argue that current laws and practices are outdated and in urgent need of revision to better serve the best interests of children and families.One of the key issues being highlighted by advocates is the lack of consideration given to the preferences of children in custody decisions. Under current Texas law, children over the age of 12 can express their preferences regarding custody arrangements, but family courts are not required to follow these preferences. Advocates are pushing for changes that would give greater weight to the desires of children, particularly in cases where older children have clearly stated their preferences for living arrangements.Another major concern for advocates is the lack of uniformity in child custody orders across different courts in Texas. This inconsistency can lead to confusion and uncertainty for families, as custody orders may vary significantly depending on the judge overseeing the case. Advocates are advocating for standardized guidelines that would ensure more predictable and fair custody decisions for all families involved.In addition to these specific issues, advocates are also pushing for broader reforms to the overall approach to child custody proceedings in Texas. They argue that the current system often pits parents against each other in a winner-takes-all battle, rather than focusing on the best interests of the children involved. Advocates are calling for a more child-centered approach that prioritizes cooperation and co-parenting, rather than adversarial litigation.In response to these calls for reform, Texas legislators are currently considering several bills aimed at improving the state's family law system. These bills include measures to increase the consideration given to children's preferences in custody proceedings, to standardize custody orders across different courts, and to promote a more collaborative approach to co-parenting.Overall, advocates are hopeful that these proposed reforms will lead to a more equitable and child-focused family law system in Texas. They believe that by prioritizing the needs and desires of children in custody proceedings, the state can better serve the best interests of families and ensure positive outcomes for all involved.