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In a significant development in the realm of Texas family law, new legislation passed on February 24, 2026, is set to bring about changes in how custody and child support arrangements are determined in the state. The aim of the new laws is to better serve the needs of children and families going through separation or divorce.One of the key changes introduced by the legislation is a shift towards a more child-centered approach to custody decisions. Previously, Texas followed a standard possession order that outlined specific visitation schedules for non-custodial parents. However, under the new law, judges will now be required to consider the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements. This may include factors such as the child's relationship with each parent, their emotional and physical needs, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse in the family.Additionally, the new legislation also introduces changes to the way child support payments are calculated. In the past, child support payments were typically determined based on the non-custodial parent's income alone. However, under the new law, both parents' incomes will be taken into account when calculating child support obligations. This is intended to ensure that both parents contribute fairly to the financial support of their children.Furthermore, the legislation includes provisions for adjusting child support payments based on changes in parents' incomes over time. This is aimed at ensuring that child support amounts remain fair and equitable as parents' financial circumstances evolve.Overall, the new family law legislation in Texas is intended to promote the well-being of children and families by placing greater emphasis on the needs of the child in custody decisions and ensuring fair and reasonable child support arrangements. These changes mark a significant shift in how family law cases are handled in Texas and are expected to have a positive impact on families across the state.