I was talking to a friend who lives in another state and she said that custody/child support/divorce hearings are closed where she lives, and she asked if that’s the case in Texas. I think in Texas they’re open, but I want to be sure before I give her an answer.

Even if they are “open” judges usually can sense if they are going to be nasty and leave them for the last hearing. Most are open cause it is cheaper for the justice system.