The Four Types of Fatherhood Under Texas Law, and a Father’s Responsibilities After Divorce
The birth of a baby can be the happiest event of your life but it also establishes a host of legal responsibilities for both parents. While identifying the biological mother is typically straightforward, ascertaining fatherhood in Texas can be somewhat confusing. As an experienced Houston divorce lawyer, I often help mothers make sure their children… Read More »
DIY Paternity Tests
Early in the 20th century, scientists developed a blood-typing method to help establish biological paternity, but the results were limited. The development of genetic testing made paternity testing more accurate, but before 1980, DNA analysis was still only 80 percent accurate. Current DNA tests have an almost perfect ability to determine a familial link, and… Read More »
Child Custody Arrangements for Special Needs Children
Parenting a child is one of the most demanding tasks an adult takes on. However, parenting a child who has special needs because of a physical, emotional or cognitive condition is even more challenging. Along with professional help, special needs children often require accommodations at home and at school, and finding the most useful education… 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 »
How the Courts Use License Suspension to Enforce Child Support Payments
A child support lawyer can take a number of measures to provide legal recourse for a parent who is not receiving child support payments. In addition to wage garnishment, arrest warrants for contempt of court, and liens on property, the court can suspend licenses. When a non-custodial parent does not pay child support for three… Read More »
Visitation Arrangements in Texas
Parents can arrive at their own arrangements for visitation outside of court and submit their agreed parenting plan to the court for approval. In fact, the courts encourage parents to arrive at amicable decisions without court intervention, but always base approval on what is in the best interests of the child. There are various scheduling… Read More »
Common Confusions about Custody Rights and Child Support
Parents often mistakenly believe that paying child support entitles them to custody rights or vice-versa. For example, sometimes a non-custodial parent believes that denied visitation justifies not making a support payment. Or a parent might think that if he or she provides more custodial services in caring for the child, that this custodial service justifies… Read More »
Texas Child Support When a Parent is a Minor
In Texas, parents have child support obligations, even when they are minors and still going to school. How the courts determine child support, of course, depends on a variety of factors: Are the child and mother living with parents or grandparents? Are parents or grandparents currently providing support for the child? What income is the… Read More »