Joe and Sue are down on their luck. Joe just lost his job and Sue has health issues. Along with their four-year-old child, Betsy, they move in with Joe’s parents, who are retired. For months, Joe interviews all over town while working odd-jobs to try to supplement his family income and pay for Sue’s medical
Divorce News
When can a nonparent file suit for custody?
ATTENTION PARENTS! The Texas Supreme Court recently delivered a split 5-4 opinion that is bound to raise eyebrows. The only issue presented is whether a nonparent, like a grandparent or step-parent, has standing under the Family Code to file a suit seeking custody of a child. But, the longstanding implications of this case might force…
Beneficiary designation after divorce invalid — law upheld by US Supreme Court
The Supreme Court recently issued an opinion parsing out the practical concerns at play in a post-divorce life insurance case. Specifically, in Sveen v. Melin, a former spouse designated as primary beneficiary in her ex-husband’s life-insurance policy urged the Court to dissect the constitutionality of a Minnesota statute that automatically revoked such designation upon…
Day of Civility – What’s it all about?
Today is the Day of Civility in Texas.
What does that mean exactly? Well, once a year, the legal community in Texas takes an entire day to focus on and improve the conduct of lawyers and to celebrate the importance of civility in our legal system. This day—known as the Day of Civility—was created to…
Does civility mean hugging your opposing lawyer? (Part 4 of 4)
The big topic among Texas lawyers this week is the Texas Day of Civility in Law, fashioned by joint proclamation by the Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals, the two highest courts in our state. Civility is supposed to be at the core of our profession. But, what does it mean?
First, let’s…
The Texas Lawyer’s Creed — voluntary standards for attorney professionalism and civility (Part 3 of 4)
The Texas Lawyer’s Creed was adopted by the Supreme Court of Texas and the Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas in 1989, then reaffirmed in 2013. Amendments were passed in 2016 to update the creed. Civility is at the heart of the creed – suggesting that the conduct…
Civility and Family law — are the two concepts compatible? (Part 2 of 4)
Family law, like no other practice area of law, is fraught with emotion, tension, and discourse. After all, if the parties could get along and reach civil resolution, they would probably not need family law attorneys, right? But does the parties’ incivility have to pass along to the lawyer’s behavior toward one another? In fact,…
Is civility on the decline? (Part 1 of 4)
This week marks the declared Texas Day of Civility in the Law, according to a joint proclamation by the Texas Supreme Court and Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the two highest courts in Texas. This begs the question, do we need a day of civility? As if we’ve checked that one off for one…
New Texas law bans application of foreign laws
Texas Governor Abbott signed into law House Bill 45 which states that Texas and U.S. law supersedes all other laws. The law prohibits Texas judges from enforcing or upholding any law or order from another country that infringes upon U.S. and Texas constitutional rights. The bill shields litigants in family law cases “against violations of …
New TV Show Divorce with Sarah Jessica Parker
Have you seen the previews of the new television show Divorce with Sarah Jessica Parker coming soon to HBO? Here’s how one website describes the show: “Taking a hard look at love and marriage through a darkly comedic lens, Divorce is raw and uncomfortable at times… but it’s also one of the best…