Category Archives: Family Law
Texas Protective Orders: What You Need to Know
If you are considering a protective order, there are steps you should take immediately, including the following: Make a plan: If you have been hurt, or fear being hurt, by an intimate partner, you must have a plan of escape. If a batterer suspects that you are making plans to leave, the violence can worsen…. Read More »
What Does Family Violence Look Like?
In 2012, the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) provided shelter for more than 11,000 adults and 14,000 children. In 2011, there were 17,983 incidents of family violence, 102 of which ended in death. Knowing when you need a protective order is critical to your well-being and your health, and the safety of your children…. Read More »
Technology: A Good Idea Except When It Is Not
In a divorce involving children, it generally takes time for even amicable couples to make co-parenting communication work. In this day of smartphones and parenting software, technology is frequently touted as the next best thing for keeping parents and their children moving forward during and after divorce. But is technology the solution to high conflict… Read More »
Second Marriage? Consider a Prenuptial Agreement
Regardless of your age, your chances of remarriage are good. After a first marriage, most people understand the realities of assets and liabilities and how they are split during a divorce. Assets developed and held after a first marriage are important to protect during a second marriage. There are compelling reasons to think about a… Read More »
Who Needs an Estate Plan?
Every person over 18 needs some form of estate and personal planning. If making a will or considering an estate plan is something you are waiting to do until later, you should know that there is no time like the present for helping loved ones and yourself in the event you become incapacitated or pass… Read More »
Supreme Court Decision Provides Federal Benefits to Same-Sex Couples
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court made separate rulings that affect the movement toward legalized marriage for same-sex couples in this country. The recognition of gender-neutral marriage has become a topic of national discussion in recent years. Significant decisions made by the Supreme Court during the recent session include the following: California Proposition 8: By… Read More »
DFPS Took My Child: What Can I Do?
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) may only remove a child from a home under a limited set of circumstances, and then usually only after a hearing. In rare cases, the DFPS may make an emergency removal of a child with no prior court order permitting it to do so. Then the… Read More »
Can Same-Sex Couples Adopt in Texas?
As I discussed recently, same-sex marriage is not presently legal in Texas. While this poses challenges to couples who seek to solemnize their relationship, and to same-sex couples married in other states who seek divorce, it creates a unique path for same-sex couples who seek adoption. Adoption is a lifelong commitment to a child that… Read More »
How Do Rule 11 Agreements Apply to Divorce or Child Issues?
When couples have disputed issues during divorce or any other type of legal case they must resolve them or have the court decide for them. Hearing about a Rule 11 agreement is common during divorce, whether a comment made by a judge, your own lawyer, your spouse’s attorney or seeing it referenced in a court… Read More »
More About the Nature of a Binding Mediation Settlement Agreement
Thoroughly understanding the terms and conditions of a contract or any agreement is very important. For this reason, lawyers work to ensure that agreements contain no ambiguities. With a binding mediated divorce settlement, clearly written terms and full understanding are crucial. What happens if you realize later that you signed the agreement under the duress… Read More »