Many people who go through a custody battle think the matter is set in stone once you sign the original custody agreement papers. But what if circumstances change? Or you feel that the agreement doesn't meet your child's needs? Under Texas law, you can seek a child custody modification. Keep in mind that only a few [...]
I wanted to chat a bit today about child support. How in Texas do we calculate child support for a given case? We'll talk about a little theory, do some math, and then throw in a whole bunch of weirdness that we have in this area of law. Why would a Texas court order [...]
What is a Protective Order? A protective order is a court order that can protect the life, limb, and emotional well-being of you or a family member (the "Protected Person"), from someone who has committed an act of family violence (the "Restricted Person"). Typically, a protective order prohibits the Restricted Person from contacting, going [...]
The brief answer: you don't. Texas does not have legal separation as some other states do. During your separation, you and your spouse are under the same legal requirements as any other married couple. This includes the presumptions of community property and the duty to support each other. If you want a separation, [...]
I think we take this for granted a little bit as clients. I want to make sure that you have the information you need to be able to make the right choice for hiring an attorney for your particular case. What can hiring an attorney do for me? Before we get started on particular questions [...]
I probably use this snarky phrase in conversation with clients at least once a day. My clients come to me so frustrated, so tired, and often so unreasonable in their expectations. I use this time-tested principle - baby daddies are forever - to convey to my clients that shutting out the other parent is next [...]
The short answer: probably not. Texas law assumes that appointing both parents as conservators best serves the child's interest. Each conservator comes into a Suit Affecting the Parent Child Relationship (SAPCR), which is the fancy term for a custody suit, with assumed rights. Among those rights, every parent can inquire about and attend school [...]
Friends and family always stare incredulously when I tell them I practice family law. "But isn't it hard dealing with clients in that emotional state?" I tell them that clients aren't difficult; opposing counsel is difficult. Lawyers have an ethical duty to zealously represent the interests of their clients. Every lawyer has his or [...]
I have been thinking about the difficult work of negotiation in family law cases. So much about negotiating involves understanding what you really want, what they really want, and how to provide both. It's about listening. Focusing in on what matters. Honestly, these are the skills that make for a successful marriage. You can understand [...]
On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled that bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional. This news caused many same-sex couples to jump for joy, but for same-sex couples seeking a divorce, the news was bittersweet. History of Same-Sex Marriage in Texas Prior to SCOTUS' landmark decision declaring same-sex [...]
