lol at all the wannabee attorneys on the board. but seriously if your friend needs advice have him go to a legal clinic and speak to an attorney for free. If he doesn't have much money or assets he might qualify for representation. Tell him to check out Lone Star Legal Aid or Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program. - the following is not intended to be legal advice - google best interest factors and the Holley v. Adams case there's no gender bias (or there's not supposed to be) in Texas. Friend needs to show the court that him being named primary conservator is the best option. There's not custody in Texas its called conservatorship now. If its Harris County, most cases go to mediation so the parties can try to come to an agreement. Just my 2 cents
Hopefully he and his wife can come to a mutual agreement on joint custody. Since she has a job and he doesn't, there shouldn't be a child support issue. The best option is always to be amicable in divorce. Otherwise the attornies win, and the former spouses often hate each other. Not a way to live.