Free Texas Child Custody Agreement: Complete Legal Template

Parenting plan and custody arrangements

Sales Tax: 6.25%Notary: $6-$10Witnesses: 1

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CHILD CUSTODY AND PARENTING PLAN
State of Texas

This Agreement is entered into on [DATE] between:

PARENT 1:
Name: [NAME]
Address: [ADDRESS], TX [ZIP]

PARENT 2:
Name: [NAME]
Address: [ADDRESS], TX [ZIP]

CHILD(REN):
Name: [CHILD NAME] DOB: [DATE]
Name: [CHILD NAME] DOB: [DATE]

1. LEGAL CUSTODY:
   [  ] Joint legal custody (both parents make major decisions)
   [  ] Sole legal custody to [PARENT]

2. PHYSICAL CUSTODY:
   [  ] Joint physical custody
   [  ] Primary residence with [PARENT]
   [  ] Sole physical custody to [PARENT]

3. PARENTING SCHEDULE:
   Regular Schedule: [DESCRIBE WEEKLY SCHEDULE]
   Holidays: [DESCRIBE HOLIDAY ROTATION]
   Summer: [DESCRIBE SUMMER SCHEDULE]
   School Breaks: [DESCRIBE]

4. TRANSPORTATION: [DESCRIBE PICKUP/DROPOFF ARRANGEMENTS]

5. COMMUNICATION: The non-custodial parent may communicate with the child via [PHONE/VIDEO] at [TIMES].

6. RELOCATION: Neither parent may relocate more than [MILES] miles without [DAYS] days written notice and [  ] consent [  ] court approval.

7. CHILD SUPPORT: [PAYOR] pays $[AMOUNT] per month per Texas guidelines.

8. MEDICAL: [  ] Shared equally [  ] [PARENT] provides insurance. Uninsured costs split [PERCENTAGE]%.

This agreement is governed by Texas family law (TX Statutes).

PARENT 1: _____________________ DATE: _____
PARENT 2: _____________________ DATE: _____

Where to File Your Child Custody Agreement in Texas

Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Child Custody Agreement.

Harris County Clerk

Houston

201 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002

Dallas County Clerk

Dallas

509 Main St, Dallas, TX 75202

Bexar County Clerk

San Antonio

100 Dolorosa, San Antonio, TX 78205

Travis County Clerk

Austin

5501 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751

Child Custody Agreement Costs in Texas

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee Type	Cost	Notes
Notary Fee	$5-$15 (if required)	Texas standard rate: $6-$10
Filing Fee	Varies by state	State registration (if applicable)
Processing Time	1-3 business days	Typical turnaround in Texas
Sales Tax	6.25%	Texas base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement	1 witness	Single witness sufficient
Our Template	FREE	Download instantly, no cost

Fees shown are Texas-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.

FAQ: Child Custody Agreement in Texas

Is a Child Custody Agreement required in Texas?

Yes, in Texas, a Child Custody Agreement is required for most transactions of this type. Under Texas State Code, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by at least one individual. Failure to use a proper Child Custody Agreement may result in legal complications.

Does a Child Custody Agreement need to be notarized in Texas?

Notarization requirements in Texas (TX) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $6-$10. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.

What are the tax implications of a Child Custody Agreement in Texas?

Texas has a base sales tax rate of 6.25%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Child Custody Agreement, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Texas tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.

JRJ

Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Jennifer Rodriguez, J.D.

Estate Planning Attorney

Licensed in 5 states, 12+ years experience

Focuses on wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents

This Child Custody Agreement template for Texas has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Texas Child Custody Agreement Requirements

Review the following requirements to ensure your Child Custody Agreement is legally valid in Texas.

Notarization required

1 witness must sign

Vehicle identification number (VIN) required

Odometer disclosure mandatory

Buyer and seller signatures required

Purchase price must be stated

Date of sale required

Blue or black ink only

Electronic signatures accepted

County clerk filing required

Texas Notarization

While notarization may not be required in Texas, it is recommended. Fees range from $6-$10.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Texas, a 6.25% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

Keep copies of all signed documents. Texas law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.

Texas Filing Deadlines

Check Texas deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.

Texas Child Custody Agreement Legal Guide

For residents of Texas, ensuring this form is compliant with state-specific requirements is a top priority for legal validity.

In Texas, according to Texas State Code, a 6.25% sales tax applies to applicable transactions. Notary fees in TX typically range from $6-$10. A single witness signature is sufficient under state law.

Ensure your transaction is legally sound in Texas with this expertly crafted, state-compliant template.

parenting plancustody schedulevisitation rightslegal custodyphysical custodychild support

A properly executed Child Custody Agreement in Texas protects all parties involved and ensures compliance with TX state law. Below, we cover the critical steps, common pitfalls, and state-specific rules you should be aware of before signing.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Download the template — Our Texas-specific form includes all fields required by TX law.
2. Enter your information — Fill in names, addresses, dates, and transaction details accurately.
3. Review carefully — Double-check all entries against your source documents.
4. Sign and witness — Execute the document according to Texas's signature requirements.
5. Notarize if needed — Some Texas transactions require notarization.
6. File or distribute — Provide copies to all parties and file with the appropriate Texas office if required.

Legal Validity & Enforcement

Once properly executed, your Child Custody Agreement is legally binding in Texas and enforceable in TX courts. The document remains valid for the duration specified in its terms. Texas courts generally uphold properly executed documents, provided they comply with applicable TX statutes.

What Texas Attorneys Want You to Know

Practicing lawyers in Texas emphasize three things: accuracy, completeness, and compliance with TX statutes. A well-prepared Child Custody Agreement saves time, money, and potential legal headaches down the road. When in doubt, a brief consultation with a Texas-licensed attorney is worth the investment.

What Texas Law Requires

Texas's statutes are clear: a valid Child Custody Agreement must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of at least one witness where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under TX law can render the document unenforceable.

Other Forms in Texas

Child Custody Agreement in Neighboring States

Document Information

Document: Child Custody Agreement
State: Texas (TX)
Category: Family
Format: PDF / Word / Print
Cost: 100% Free
Sales Tax: 6.25%
Notary Fee: $6-$10

Texas Legal Requirements

Governing Statute:

State Law

✓Consult with a licensed attorney for specific requirements

Legal Disclaimer

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Texas may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.