In Texas, you generally do not need your co-parent’s permission to sign your child up for sports or extracurricular activities unless your court order specifically requires it. If your divorce decree or custody order is silent on extracurriculars, each parent can make activity decisions during their own possession time.
That said, reviewing your specific court order is essential. Some orders require mutual agreement, advance notice, or cost-sharing provisions that change the rules entirely. Below, Fort Worth family law attorneys explain how Texas handles extracurricular decisions after divorce and what to do when parents disagree.
How Does Texas Allocate Decision-Making Authority Between Divorced Parents?
Texas courts divide parental rights and responsibilities through a conservatorship order (also called a parenting plan). Under Texas Family Code § 153.002, the child’s best interest governs every custody decision.
Texas recognizes two conservatorship types under Texas Family Code § 153.131:
Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC): Both parents share rights and duties, including decisions about education, medical care, and extracurricular activities. Texas courts presume JMC serves the child’s best interest unless evidence suggests otherwise.
Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC): One parent holds exclusive decision-making authority. Courts typically reserve SMC for situations involving domestic violence, substance abuse, or other safety concerns.
Your conservatorship type directly affects whether you need permission for activity signups.
What Does Texas Law Say About Extracurricular Activities?
The Texas Family Code does not specifically address extracurricular activities. This means your divorce decree or custody order controls. If your order includes provisions about sports, camps, or other activities, those terms are legally binding.
Common court order provisions include:
Mutual agreement requirements: Both parents must consent before enrolling the child in any activity.
Advance notice provisions: The enrolling parent must notify the other parent a set number of days (often 14 to 30 days) before signup.
Activity limits: Each parent may select one or two activities per year at their own expense.
Transportation duties: If one parent cannot transport the child to practice or games, they must notify the other parent immediately and make the child available.
If your order says nothing about extracurriculars, Texas law allows each parent to make activity decisions during their possession time without the other’s permission.
What Happens If My Co-Parent Schedules Activities During My Visitation?
This is one of the most common co-parenting disputes. If your co-parent enrolls your child in an activity that conflicts with your court-ordered possession time, you are not obligated to accommodate it.
For example, if mom signs up your son for summer camp during dad’s summer possession, dad has no legal duty to take the child to camp. However, refusing could create conflict if the child genuinely wants to participate.
Conversely, if mom physically takes the child to camp during dad’s court-ordered time without permission, she may be violating the custody order. Repeated violations can result in enforcement actions, including contempt of court.
The practical solution is communication. When possible, discuss activity schedules before enrollment. Many parents successfully alternate weekends or divide transportation duties to accommodate their child’s interests.
What If We Cannot Agree on Extracurricular Activities?
Disagreements happen. Parents often clash over activity costs, time commitments, safety concerns, or impact on academics. When you cannot reach a compromise on your own, you have several options.
Mediation: A neutral third party helps both parents negotiate an agreement. Texas courts often require mediation before hearing custody disputes.
Modification: If your current order does not address extracurriculars adequately, you can petition the court to modify the order and add specific provisions.
Enforcement: If your co-parent is violating existing order terms, an enforcement action may be necessary.
An experienced family law attorney can review your order, explain your rights, and recommend the most effective path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my co-parent’s permission to sign my child up for sports in Texas?
Not unless your court order specifically requires it. If your divorce decree or custody order is silent on extracurricular activities, you can enroll your child during your possession time without permission. Always check your order first.
Can my ex enroll our child in activities during my custody time?
Your co-parent can enroll the child, but you are not required to honor activities scheduled during your court-ordered possession time. If the other parent interferes with your time, they may be violating the custody order.
What if our court order requires mutual agreement on activities?
You must follow the order. Enrolling your child without required consent could be considered a violation. If you cannot agree, consider mediation or petition the court for clarification.
How can I modify my custody order to address extracurricular activities?
File a motion to modify with the court that issued your original order. You will need to show that adding extracurricular provisions serves the child’s best interest. An attorney can help you draft appropriate language.
Who pays for extracurricular activities after divorce in Texas?
Unless your order specifies otherwise, the parent who enrolls the child typically pays. Many orders include cost-sharing provisions or require agreement before incurring activity expenses.
Need Help With a Co-Parenting Dispute? Contact Us.
Disagreements about extracurricular activities can strain co-parenting relationships and affect your child. Whether you need to modify an existing order, enforce your rights, or create a new agreement, the family law attorneys at Varghese Summersett are here to help.
Our team includes board-certified specialists with decades of experience handling complex custody matters in Fort Worth, Dallas, and throughout North Texas. Call 817-900-3220 today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options.
