What Are the Benefits of Divorce Mediation?
Going through a divorce is usually a difficult process for all parties, particularly when children are involved. But it doesn’t have to be. If you and your spouse are capable of working together, a mediated divorce could save you plenty of headache — and money. In a mediated divorce, a neutral facilitator works with both… Read More »
How Can I Communicate Better with My Divorce Attorney?
Lawyers are very busy people. We often handle many clients and multiple cases at the same time. As a result, sometimes communicating with your attorney can be frustrating. But it’s important to remember communication is a two-way street and there are many things that you can do on your end to improve communication between you… Read More »
Will Joint Physical Custody Work for You?
I work daily with clients to manage, arrange or enforce child custody arrangements in Texas, especially in the southeastern corner of Texas in and near Houston. If you have a family and are divorced, chances are good you will deal with a conservatorship issue somewhere along the line. Along with property issues, disagreement over child… 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 »
The Difference between Binding and Non-Binding Mediated Settlements
Mediation has certain merits and many couples successfully resolve their disputed issues through mediation. When signing a mediation settlement agreement (MSA), couples have two options. An MSA can be either binding or non-binding. This fact bears significant importance and is worth explaining. How a non-binding mediation agreement works Under the Texas Family Code, either spouse… Read More »
What Are Grandparents’ Visitation Rights under Texas Law?
Overall, Texas law gives parents priority when it comes to custody of their children. Parents also have the right to determine who has visitation with their children and to what extent. Other parties can have visitation as long as the parents agree. So when everyone agrees, parents and grandparents, there are no issues. When conflicts… Read More »
Are You More Likely to Divorce During Tough Times?
Myths and opinions circulate from a variety of sources — news articles, surveys and interviews — about the effect of tough economic times on marriages. Financial stress is a known factor that adversely affects relationships. Couples fight over their incomes, their spouse’s spending habits, and a lack of the lifestyle they always wanted. Troubled finances… Read More »
What Is an Acknowledgement Of Paternity?
In recent years, increasing numbers of unmarried couples have had children together. Consequently, paternity has become an issue, especially in relation to child custody and support matters. Texas has passed a number of laws to clarify and help resolve paternity issues. An Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP) has the purpose of legally establishing parentage and is… Read More »
Does a Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigation Mean You Lose Your Children?
While Child Protective Services (CPS) makes the children’s safety their priority, it also works with parents to help them correct abuse or neglect and find constructive ways to discipline children when needed. What is a CPS investigation? The purpose of a CPS investigation is to find out whether a report of child abuse or neglect… Read More »