In this article, you can discover… How to prepare emotionally for a child custody hearing. How long custody hearings last, and what to expect. The role your family law attorney will play in the custody hearing. How Can I Prepare Emotionally For A Child Custody Hearing? The first advice I give to clients is to make sure you have your ducks in a row. Start creating timelines of significant dates and events that led to where you are today. This helps to formulate your testimony and the words you choose. This way, when you are called to testify, you’re not taken by surprise, fumbling for words, or struggling to explain events clearly. Focusing on creating a clear, factual timeline can help you center your mind, focus on a task, and calm any anxiety you feel. I’ll also be clear and transparent with you about the hearing process and answer any questions you have. The more…Read More
In this article, you will discover: How legal paternity is established in Texas The rights a father has after his paternity is confirmed Whether there are legal consequences if a father refuses to sign the birth certificate How Is Paternity Legally Established Through The Texas Family Court System? Paternity can be established in a number of ways. One method is called the Acknowledgment of Paternity. It’s a legally binding document recognized by the court that establishes both parties as the biological parents of a child. The parties typically sign the acknowledgement immediately after the child is born or soon thereafter. When a child is born or conceived during a marriage, it creates a presumption that the husband is the father of the child. You can also use DNA testing as a basis to ask the court to establish your paternity. Then, your paternity is adjudicated through a court order, meaning your paternity is legally established…Read More
In this article, you can discover… The meaning of “joint custody” and how this will impact you and your children. How to know when “sole custody” might be a better option for your family. How an attorney can help protect your rights in a Texas custody dispute. What Is The Difference Between “Child Custody” And “Conservatorship” In Texas? The term “conservatorship” is most often used in legal contexts when defining different types of custody, such as sole or joint. Generally, the two terms mean the same thing and may be used interchangeably. In essence, do one or both parties have the legal right to care for and make major decisions for your child? These matters are decided by awarding either joint or sole custody. What Is Joint Custody In Houston, TX? How Does It Impact Time With Your Child? In Texas, joint custody (or joint conservatorship) means that both parties have equal duties, rights, and…Read More
In this article, you can discover… How Texas law handles a child’s parental preferences. The role of co-parenting in Texas divorce cases. What to do if your child expresses a strong preference for the other parent. How Does Texas Law Handle A Child’s Preference In Custody Cases? In order for your child to let the courts know where they would like to reside, they must typically be at least 12 years old. In these cases, if your child has a strong preference, they will come to court and be interviewed by the judge. The judge will then use your child’s answers to determine if it is truly in their best interests to live with the preferred parent. While your child’s preference will play a role, the ultimate decision will lie with the judge. How Do Texas Courts Balance A Child’s Preference With Their Best Interest? Courts will weigh all applicable factors together. They will consider…Read More
In this article, you can discover… How to begin filing for a divorce in Texas. The forms that you’ll need to begin filing for a divorce. How long the divorce process takes and how much it might cost. How Do I Begin The Divorce Process In Harris County, Texas? First, make sure that you meet the jurisdictional and residential requirements to file in your county. Gather up needed identifying documents and file your petition for divorce with the county in which you reside. It’s important to know whether or not you need to serve the other party with divorce papers. While some couples can agree to separate and are both on the same page, other situations may require you to have these papers delivered to your spouse. Once they have been served with the petition to legally end the marriage, the divorce process can begin in earnest. How Much Does It Cost To File For…Read More
In this article, you can discover… Why it’s unwise to hide assets or information during a Texas divorce. How social media use can impact your divorce case. How hiring an experienced attorney can positively impact the divorce process. What Are The Risks Of Hiding Assets During A Divorce In Texas? If you try to hide assets, they could be discovered and dived up even after your divorce is finalized. It is especially important to disclose all of your assets and be truthful. If hidden assets are discovered, the courts could wind up awarding a disproportionate amount to the other party, leaving you with far less than you would have received had you been forthcoming. How Can Social Media Mistakes Impact My Harris County Divorce Case? Social media use can greatly impact your divorce case, and it’s very important to be careful what you post online. Photos, written posts, videos of yourself, and even content that…Read More
