Blog Posts - Family law
What Constitutes Domestic Violence?
“Domestic violence” has a specific definition in Texas. The changing face of the American family over the past several years has affected the definition of domestic violence in Texas. But one thing has not changed. Up to a third of domestic violence allegations are exaggerated or fabricated. Usually, this exaggeration...
Continue ReadingWhy Do I Need a Family Law Attorney?
Only a lawyer can successfully navigate the complex legal system. Every blended family needs a family law attorney, and over half of all children live in blended households. Divorce, child custody, and other matters are never “final.” These cases often lie dormant for several years. Then, a relocation, job change,...
Continue ReadingDo Grandparents Have Legal Rights to Visitation or Custody of Grandchildren in Texas?
Yes. Many grandparents ask this question, mostly because, in many cases, 60 is the new 40. A generation ago, people over 55 had little energy or desire to spend time with young children. Now, things are different. Furthermore, in Texas, grandparents have absolutely no voice in the divorce process. No...
Continue ReadingWhat Can I Do to Help Maintain Stability During Family Law Proceedings?
You have the power to bring stability to an unstable situation. Divorce is tough on children. Marriage dissolution inflicts long-term emotional damage on about 25% of kids. Younger kids often blame themselves for divorces, and older kids often feel like they’re caught in the crossfire. This 25% figure is much...
Continue ReadingDo Child Support Payments Increase if You Get a Pay Raise?
Depending on the other facts of the case, yes. More than likely. In terms of child support laws, Texas is a percentage-of-income state. Usually, the obligor’s income and the number of children before the court are the only two child support determination factors. Occasionally, judges make allowances based on the...
Continue ReadingThe Role of Social Media in Family Law Cases
Social media is a stick of dynamite that could serve a useful purpose or blow up in your face. Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and other social media platforms are a double-edged sword in family law matters. Properly managed social media posts could have a tremendous positive effect on your...
Continue ReadingGrandparents’ Rights in a Texas Divorce: A Primer
Grandparents have limited legal visitation rights in Texas. Recently, the Supreme Court sharply limited grandparent visitation rights, mostly based on the “Father Knows Best” presumption in Texas and all other states. Most parents have the exclusive right to determine what their children do and who they do it with. So,...
Continue ReadingAlimony in Family Law: Types, Calculations, and Modification
How to initiate, enforce, and modify an alimony arrangement in Texas depends on whether there is court-ordered spousal support or a provision of a marital settlement agreement that you and your spouse reached during divorce mediation. Most things are bigger in Texas, but not alimony. Compared to the sheer vastness...
Continue ReadingAre You Required to Take a Parenting Course During a Texas Divorce?
Our Texas divorce attorneys explain when parenting courses may be required and the issues they help address. Going through a divorce in Fort Worth is never easy. It is particularly difficult when there are children involved. You may have heard of other people getting a divorce who had to go...
Continue ReadingAre Common Law Marriages Legal in TX?
Do you need an official license from the state to be legally married? The answer depends on your jurisdiction. While most states require a formal marriage license, there are still eight U.S. states that recognize the legal validity of common law marriages. Texas is one of the minority of states...
Continue ReadingWhat is the Role of a Mediator During a Divorce?
Considering or preparing for a divorce? It can be an emotionally challenging, draining experience. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that 20 percent of first marriages end in divorce within five years, and 48% of first marriages end in divorce within 20 years. Mediation may be the best legal option...
Continue ReadingThe Importance of Having a Family Lawyer in Fort Worth, Texas
Family is important. Any conflict that involves family—whether it is divorce, child custody, or child support—should be handled with the highest level of care and sensitivity. The Legal Information Institute defines family law as a specialized practice area focused on all matters related to the family. If you are locked...
Continue ReadingHelpful Answers to Common Family Law Questions in Fort Worth, Texas
Many people have questions about family law’s emotional and financial issues. Family laws in Texas have changed significantly since around 2015, mostly because Texas families have changed so much since then. As of December 2014, fewer than half of American children live in a “traditional” household with a married mother...
Continue ReadingWhat Does a Family Law Attorney Do?
Our Fort Worth family law attorney represents clients in sensitive matters that impact their rights in relationships, now and in the years to come. Family law matters are among the most sensitive types of cases. They can impact your rights in regard to relationships with others, your financial security, and...
Continue ReadingCyberbullying and Davids Law
Our Fort Worth family law attorney explains how, in the state of Texas, David’s Law has empowered schools and family members of cyberbullying victims to seek justice for their loved ones. Bullying is a despicable act that can have devastating impacts on victims. In our technological age, it is increasingly...
Continue ReadingWhat Constitutes Domestic Violence in TX?
Domestic violence, also known as family violence, is any act of physical violence or threat of physical violence against a member of the same family or same household. Family violence, also known as domestic violence, is a common cause of conflict and estrangement among members of the same family. It...
Continue ReadingHow Does Family Court Determine If a Parent is Unfit?
One of the most challenging and contentious aspects of a breakup, separation, or divorce is the issue of child custody, which is also called conservatorship, possession, and access in Texas. In most cases, both parents will fight to gain custody of their children. But when making child custody determinations, the...
Continue ReadingHow Long Does a Temporary Injunction Last?
There are different reasons why a court might issue temporary injunctions, including to protect a person or child, preserve property or evidence, and more. These injunctions prohibit a party from doing something, such as selling property or leaving town with a child. When a court issues a temporary injunction, it...
Continue ReadingCan Domestic Violence be a form of Self-Defense in Texas?
All of us, regardless of gender, have the legal right to defend ourselves against any kind of violence. For example, defending yourself against someone assaulting you in the street or a burglar who entered your home will never be an issue, as far as criminal law is concerned. On the...
Continue ReadingWill Your Custody be Affected if You're a Parent with COVID-19?
Navigating shared custody is difficult enough during a pandemic, but the situation becomes significantly more complicated if one parent starts showing possible symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19. If this happens, how exactly will it impact your child custody arrangement? The guidance from Texas courts so far indicates that existing...
Continue ReadingHow Can Divorce Affect Taxes?
When you are going through a divorce, taxes are probably the last thing on your mind. However, tax time comes around once a year and never fails, so it is important to be aware of the various effects that divorce and related issues can have on your taxes. You should...
Continue ReadingWhat to Consider When Divorcing a Business Partner
Starting your own business can be rewarding both financially and personally. If you start a business with your spouse, it can provide you with more freedom and result in a partnership in more ways than one. However, what happens if you and your spouse/business partner decide to get divorced? ...
Continue ReadingIn Texas, Legal Separation Doesn’t Exist
There are many reasons why you might want to live apart from your spouse without legally ending your marriage with a divorce. Some people hope that some time living separately can help them reconcile their differences and make the marriage stronger in the end. Others know their marriage relationship is...
Continue ReadingIs Parental Alienation a Crime in Texas?
When two people separate or divorce, it’s rarely amicable. With such strong emotions for each other gone awry, there can be a lot of anger, bitterness, and resentment. When those same two people have children, they can lose sight of what’s important and channel that anger and bitterness into the...
Continue ReadingDivorce and holidays Keeping bah humbugs away
This is the time of year when you probably start thinking about all the favorite traditions you share with your children during the holidays. Perhaps you’ve even ventured out to stores in Texas to buy a few gifts or get groceries in preparation of your celebrations. Such times are special,...
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