In a landmark decision, the Texas State Legislature has passed a series of comprehensive reforms to the state's family law system, aimed at strengthening protections for children and families. The new laws, which were signed into effect on February 21, 2026, address key issues such as parental rights, child custody, and domestic violence, with the goal of ensuring that the best interests of children are always the top priority.One of the most significant changes introduced by the reforms is the establishment of a presumption of shared parenting in child custody cases. Under the new law, judges will be required to start with the assumption that both parents should have equal access to their children, unless there is clear evidence to suggest that this arrangement would not be in the child's best interests. This move is expected to help reduce the often contentious nature of custody battles and promote healthier relationships between children and both of their parents.In addition to the changes in custody laws, the reforms also include provisions to better protect victims of domestic violence. One of the key measures is the establishment of a mandatory reporting requirement for domestic violence incidents involving children. This means that any time a child is present during a domestic violence incident, it must be reported to the appropriate authorities, even if the child was not the direct target of the violence. This is aimed at ensuring that no child is left in a dangerous or harmful situation without intervention.Furthermore, the reforms also address issues related to parental rights, particularly for non-biological parents. Under the new laws, non-biological parents who have established a significant parental relationship with a child will have greater legal standing in custody and visitation cases. This is intended to recognize the importance of non-traditional family structures and ensure that children have access to the love and support of all the parental figures in their lives.Overall, the passage of these reforms represents a significant step forward for the Texas family law system. By prioritizing the best interests of children and promoting healthy family relationships, the state is working towards creating a more just and equitable system for all families. The reforms are set to take effect immediately, with the state providing resources and support to help families navigate the changes.