UNCONTESTED V. CONTESTED DIVORCE: WHAT IS THE REAL DIFFERENCE? When you file for divorce, one of the first decisions you need to make is whether you should pursue a contested or uncontested divorce. Each option has its own benefits, and choosing the right one can help you achieve an optimal outcome in your divorce case….
CAN TEXAS CHILD VISITATION BE DENIED BECAUSE CHILD SUPPORT IS UNPAID? TEXAS Family Code 154.011: SUPPORT NOT CONDITIONED ON POSSESSION OR ACCESS: A COURT MAY NOT RENDER AN ORDER THAT CONDITIONS THE PAYMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT ON WHETHER A MANAGING CONSERVATOR ALLOWS A POSSESSORY CONSERVATOR TO HAVE POSSESSION OF OR ACCESS TO A CHILD. A…
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT IN TEXAS? Whether you are just now to the realization that you will have to pay child support or whether you have just been ordered, the fact is that you may be paying this monthly amount for quite some time. The real question is, however, when…
HOW IS PROPERTY DIVIDED IN A TEXAS DIVORCE? When married couples divorce, the court either approves their agreed upon property division settlement, or makes property division decisions on the couple’s behalf. Texas is an equitable distribution state, which means that courts divide marital property fairly, but not necessarily equally. When dividing property between spouses, the…
WHAT IS COMMON LAW MARRIAGE IN TEXAS Texas courts treat a common law marriage the same manner as traditional marriage, given that the spouses are able to prove the marriage is legitimate. Separating common law marriage partners must file for divorce, and follow the same rules for division of property, child custody, and child support…
Child Custody Orders Like their parents, children are to abide by the court ordered custody. By law, both parents and their children are expected to abide by the designated guidelines of their custody outcome. Consequences for not following the order can be contempt, make-up time, and additional attorney’s fees. If an issue arises, it is…
WHAT DO TEXAS COURTS CONSIDER AN ‘UNFIT’ PARENT Parents in Texas who are getting a divorce may want to become familiar with matters related to child custody. This includes understanding what an “unfit parent” may be, along with how Texas legally defines and determines who an unfit parent is. There is a broad definition of…
What Happens If the Custodial Parent Refuses Visitation? 4 Things to Do Before Going to Court 1. Keep Detailed Records Whenever your ex denies you visitation, record or write down anything documenting your concerns. Keeping a record of every date and time your ex hindered your visitation could help your case in court. 2. Obtain…
OWING CHILD SUPPORT DOES NOT EQUAL DENIAL OF VISITATION You might be a stellar parent when it comes to paying child support. Perhaps you put that check in the mail every month a week before it’s due, just to ensure your children are taken care of. You might be thinking that you should have the…
HOW DOES LEGAL SEPARATION WORK IN TEXAS Many people have questions about what a legal separation is and if they may benefit from it before a divorce. However, the state of Texas does not recognize legal separations. Luckily, there are some options which may have similar results for those who are looking to protect themselves…
