Contested family law cases involving children are without a doubt the most emotionally charged cases I deal with. Even once the final orders are entered, there have been times when client’s still struggle with the fact that they must deal with the other party for essentially the rest of their children’s lives. There have been
Children and Parenting
Understanding Child Support Modifications
As a family law attorney, I understand that life circumstances can change unexpectedly. I also understand that these changes can drastically impact the financial dynamics of families. One area where this change often manifests is in child support arrangements. Whether due to a job loss, a significant increase in income, or changes in the needs…
Understanding Parenting Facilitators and Parenting Coordinators
Let’s face it, co-parenting can at times be very challenging. Sometimes two people just shouldn’t be involved with each other at all but have to be because they share a child. Fortunately, for those parents that cannot get along there is a solution. A neutral third party in the form of either a parenting facilitator…
The Keys to a Successful Custody Modification: Part 2
Last week we discussed the process of preparing for and beginning a modification. This week we’ll discuss what comes after the case is filed, and what you need to do to be as prepared as possible. Beginning with temporary orders.
1. Temporary Orders
In family law, temporary orders stand as pillars of stability during periods…
The Keys to a Successful Custody Modification: Part 1
In a previous post, I have written about what a modification is and what it does. But recently a reader asked me to write about how the process works and what is required to change primary custody. Changing primary custody is not something that the courts will do lightly and it requires clearing certain hurdles.
Holiday Possession Schedules under the Texas Family Code
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and creating lasting memories with loved ones. However, for families navigating the complexities of divorce or separation, the holidays can pose unique challenges, especially when it comes to determining possession schedules. Under the Texas Family Code, specific guidelines govern holiday possession schedules to ensure a fair…
Writ of Habeas Corpus
There are times when a parent actively choose to disregard a court order. This is particularly problematic when the order being disregarded is one dealing with the right to possession and access of children. The usual scenario is that Parent B will pick up a child for their scheduled time of possession and simply won’t…
Earning the Standard: Step-Up Possession Schedules
There are times in a case when one parent doesn’t necessarily have it together. This can take many forms; whether they are struggling with addiction, involved with an abusive partner, or currently transient. In one way or another their current circumstances leave them unfit to have the children overnight or for more than a couple…
Termination of Parental Rights in Texas
In Texas family law, few legal actions are as serious and consequential as the termination of parental rights. Termination is the process of permanently severing the legal relationship between a parent and their child. Courts only grant such orders in the most extreme circumstances, prioritizing the best interests and safety of the child above all…
Nesting: A Unique Situation
In Texas family law cases, the concept of “nesting” has emerged as a distinctive and progressive arrangement, offering families an alternative approach to co-parenting during and after a divorce. Nesting, also known as “bird’s nesting,” involves maintaining a single-family home for the children while the parents take turns residing there. This allows the children to…