If you’re sorting custody, support, or a protective order in Fort Bend County, the rules are clear—but your plan has to be sharper. Here’s what’s changed, what judges look for, and how to prepare. At The Gulley Law Firm, LLC, we’ve seen how these cases unfold inside the Fort Bend County Justice Center, and we know that small details—like where you exchange your child on a Friday evening—can matter more than you’d think.
Standard Possession in plain English: default vs election
Texas recently expanded the options in its Standard Possession Order when parents live within 50 miles of one another. The “default” schedule gives the noncustodial parent Thursday evenings and alternating weekends. The “election” option—sometimes called the extended schedule—shifts pick-up times to give a parent longer stretches of weekday and weekend parenting.
It may sound technical, but parents here in Sugar Land often describe it more simply: Do you want shorter but more frequent visits, or longer blocks of time that feel less rushed? Judges want to see that whichever option you choose, you’ve thought about your child’s school schedule, traffic on Highway 59, and even after-school activities in Fort Bend ISD.
Child support basics
Support in Texas still starts with percentages under Family Code Chapter 154. One child usually means 20% of net resources, two children 25%, and so on. But the formula isn’t the end of the story. Courts also expect parents to share responsibility for medical and dental support, which often means keeping a child on an employer’s insurance plan if it’s reasonably priced.
Payments don’t go directly to the other parent. Instead, the law requires payments to flow through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU). That can feel impersonal, but it gives both sides a clear record. At The Gulley Law Firm, we’ve seen how missing even one payment can snowball into enforcement actions, so setting up automatic transfers is worth the effort.
Protective orders: when courts grant them and for how long
Protective orders aren’t handed out lightly. A judge will typically grant one if there’s evidence of family violence or a credible threat that it might happen again. Temporary orders can last a couple of weeks, but a full protective order may last up to two years, sometimes longer if the court finds ongoing risk.
For families in Fort Bend County, that might mean juggling exchanges at the Justice Center or arranging supervised visits at a neutral location. It’s not convenient, but judges would rather deal with logistics than put anyone in danger.
Modifications: when a “material and substantial change” really qualifies
Life doesn’t stand still. Jobs shift, kids grow, and schedules change. But a modification isn’t automatic. Courts require proof of a material and substantial change—like a parent moving far away, a serious health issue, or significant changes in a child’s needs.
We’ve had Sugar Land parents ask if a new job with longer hours qualifies. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t. Judges want to see a concrete impact on the child, not just a parent’s inconvenience.
Documents judges expect at the first hearing
It’s easy to underestimate the paperwork. Judges expect pay stubs, tax returns, proof of insurance, and sometimes even a proposed parenting calendar. Showing up without these can delay your case. The Gulley Law Firm often encourages clients to keep a binder ready—copies of communication with the other parent, receipts for child-related expenses, and anything that shows consistency in parenting.
The local angle: Fort Bend County realities
A Sugar Land case doesn’t feel the same as one in Houston or Katy. Hearings are usually held at the Fort Bend County Justice Center in Richmond, and parking can be a headache if you don’t arrive early. School calendars for Fort Bend ISD and Lamar CISD often drive the timing of possession exchanges, so having those printed in your file is smart.
And don’t underestimate traffic. What looks like a 20-minute drive on Google Maps can stretch into 45 minutes on Highway 6 at rush hour. Judges know this, but they still expect parents to plan ahead so kids aren’t left waiting.
Moving Forward
Family law in Sugar Land is never one-size-fits-all. Rules set the framework, but your plan has to work for your family’s daily reality. If you’re sorting through custody, support, or protective orders in 2025, The Gulley Law Firm, LLC offers a free 15-minute case screening for Sugar Land families. Sometimes that first conversation is all it takes to understand your options and avoid costly missteps.