Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and ex-fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos have reached an amicable custody agreement for their two daughters after Prescott filed a Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) in Collin County, Texas on March 17, 2026. The settlement avoids what could have been a contentious court battle under Texas Family Code Chapter 153, which governs conservatorship and possession for unmarried parents.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| What happened | Prescott filed SAPCR; couple reached private custody agreement |
| When filed | March 17, 2026 |
| Court | Collin County District Court, Texas |
| Key statute | Tex. Fam. Code § 153.001 |
| Children involved | Two daughters |
| Wedding status | Lake Como ceremony (April 10) canceled |
Why This Filing Matters for Unmarried Texas Parents
Prescott's SAPCR filing demonstrates the legal reality unmarried fathers face in Texas: without court orders, they have no guaranteed custody or visitation rights regardless of their involvement in their children's lives. Under Tex. Fam. Code § 160.204, a man who is not married to the mother must establish paternity through acknowledgment or court order before pursuing conservatorship rights.
The March 17 filing reported by TMZ came just weeks before the couple's scheduled April 10 wedding in Lake Como, Italy. According to sources who spoke with TMZ, trust issues stemming from a joint bachelor/bachelorette party in the Bahamas led to the relationship's collapse. Alleged communications with other women reportedly triggered the final breakup.
What makes this case instructive is how quickly Prescott moved to formalize his parental rights. Texas law creates a presumption that the mother of a child born outside marriage has sole custody until a court orders otherwise. By filing immediately after the relationship ended, Prescott protected his ability to maintain a relationship with his daughters.
How Texas Courts Handle Custody for Unmarried Parents
Texas uses the term "conservatorship" rather than "custody." Under Tex. Fam. Code § 153.131, courts presume that appointing both parents as joint managing conservators serves the child's best interest. This presumption applies equally to unmarried parents once paternity is established.
The standard possession order (SPO) outlined in Tex. Fam. Code § 153.312 typically grants the non-primary parent:
- First, third, and fifth weekends each month (Friday 6 PM to Sunday 6 PM)
- Thursday evenings during the school year (6 PM to 8 PM)
- Alternating holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break
- Extended summer possession (30 days with proper notice)
For parents living within 100 miles of each other, which likely applies to Prescott and Ramos given his Cowboys contract, these possession schedules provide approximately 43% of the child's time to the non-primary conservator.
Texas courts also consider each parent's ability to encourage a positive relationship with the other parent. Under Tex. Fam. Code § 153.002, the policy of the state is to assure children have frequent and continuing contact with parents who have shown the ability to act in their best interest.
What the Private Settlement Likely Includes
While the specific terms remain confidential, Texas custody agreements typically address several core issues. The agreement Prescott and Ramos reached likely covers:
- Designation of conservators (joint managing conservators vs. sole managing conservator)
- Primary residence designation determining which parent's address establishes school enrollment
- Possession schedule specifying when each parent has the children
- Decision-making rights for education, medical care, and extracurricular activities
- Child support obligations based on Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125 guidelines (20% of net resources for two children)
- Geographic restrictions limiting where the primary conservator can relocate
Given Prescott's $240 million contract with the Cowboys (signed September 2024), child support calculations could involve complex income determinations. Texas caps guideline support at $9,200 monthly net income, but courts can order above-guideline support when circumstances warrant.
Practical Takeaways for Texas Parents
-
Unmarried fathers should establish paternity immediately through a voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) at the hospital or through court proceedings under Tex. Fam. Code § 160.301
-
Filing a SAPCR promptly after separation protects parental rights and prevents potential relocation issues before court orders exist
-
Private settlements allow parents to create customized possession schedules that accommodate unique work situations like professional athletics
-
Geographic restrictions in Texas agreements typically limit relocation to the county of residence plus contiguous counties unless both parents agree otherwise
-
Mediation before litigation often produces better outcomes for children and costs substantially less than contested court proceedings (median Texas custody litigation costs $15,000-$30,000 per party)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do unmarried fathers have automatic custody rights in Texas?
No. Under Texas Family Code, unmarried fathers must first establish paternity before gaining any custody rights. Until paternity is legally established through an Acknowledgment of Paternity or court order under Tex. Fam. Code § 160.201, the mother has sole legal custody. Fathers should file a SAPCR immediately upon separation.
How long does a Texas SAPCR case typically take?
Most contested SAPCR cases in Texas resolve within 6-12 months from filing to final orders. Uncontested cases where parents reach agreement can finalize in 60-90 days. Collin County, where Prescott filed, typically processes family law matters faster than larger counties like Dallas or Harris due to lower case volumes.
Can a custody agreement be modified later in Texas?
Yes. Under Tex. Fam. Code § 156.101, custody orders can be modified if circumstances have materially and substantially changed since the last order. Texas imposes a one-year waiting period for most modifications unless the child's welfare is endangered or the conservator is relocating.
What happens if unmarried parents cannot agree on custody in Texas?
When parents cannot reach agreement, Texas courts conduct a trial and apply the best interest of the child standard under Tex. Fam. Code § 153.002. Judges consider factors including each parent's abilities, the child's emotional and physical needs, stability of each home, and any history of family violence. Courts may also appoint an amicus attorney or guardian ad litem to represent the children's interests.
How does Texas calculate child support for high-income parents?
Texas guideline child support caps at $9,200 monthly net resources, resulting in maximum guideline support of $1,840 monthly for two children (20%). However, under Tex. Fam. Code § 154.126, courts can order above-guideline support when proven needs of the children require it. High-profile cases often involve additional provisions for private school tuition, extracurricular activities, and health insurance.
If you're navigating custody matters in Texas, our directory of family law attorneys can help you find experienced representation in your county.
This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.