Category Archives: Family Law
Joint Tax Returns for Divorcing Couples
Americans pay over a trillion dollars each year in taxes. As a result, couples are always looking for advantages and ways to pay the least amount of taxes possible. Filing status is determined as of the last day of the calendar year. As such, individuals are considered unmarried for the whole year if on… Read More »
Steps to Take Regarding Technology During a Divorce
The United States Census Bureau reports that that 83.8 percent of United States households reported computer ownership. Seeing as a New York Times’ investigation reveals that 40 some percent of couples may divorce, technology is likely available to many of these couples. During a divorce, there remain certain techniques that couples should utilize to… Read More »
Understanding the Termination of Parental Rights in Texas
There are a variety of issues in Texas concerning paternity. Pregnancy can occur unexpectedly. A father may discover that he is not the genetic father of a child and desire to stop paying child support. Sometimes, a parent is simply in no place to have a child. In these situations and others, a parent… Read More »
Recent Additions to Texas Family Law
In the last few months of 2016, Texas legislature has passed a series of new bills related to family law. While some of these updates to existing Texas law are straightforward, other changes are slightly more complicated. This article will examine the various laws that went into effect recently in Texas in the hopes… Read More »
The Best Interest of the Child Principle
Texas courts today base child custody determinations on the “best interest of the child.” This standard calls for the development of an appropriate parenting plan that best benefits the child’s physical and sociological development. In addition to reflecting the best interest of a child, a court in Texas must also give effect to the… Read More »
How to Keep Separate Marital Property Separate in a Texas Divorce
If a Court determines an asset is your separate property, you keep it without any sharing or interference by your spouse and is not subject to division. Any property owned prior to marriage or that is inherited or received by gift during marriage is separate property. Any mutations of separate property remain separate. Example: … Read More »
Adopting a Child in Texas
Texas laws are broad concerning the adoption of a child. Many issues related to adoption, however, can be complicated. Prospective parents who are thinking of adopting must remember that there are certain procedural requirements that must be met in order to finalize the adoption. In some cases, families choose to adopt children outside the… Read More »
The Termination of Child Support in Texas
The state of Texas enforces regulations against parents who fail to pay child support. Once a court orders child support, the order remains in effect until the court or certain events terminate the order of support. In accordance with Texas law, there are only a few situations when a parent may stop paying court-ordered… Read More »
Pet Custody After A Divorce
There is another divorce issue for many couples to consider besides children, assets, and support: pets. One study estimates that almost half the households in the United States have a dog or cat. Custody issues involving pets can provide much friction between divorcing spouses. Although courts in Texas have remained relatively silent on determining… Read More »
The Role of Professional Licenses in Divorce
Professional licensing in Texas might create some opportunities not enjoyed in many other states. This generally bodes well if you are an architect, chiropractor, dentist, medical doctor, engineer, lawyer, insurance agent, realtor or other type of licensed practitioner, this license will add certain unique elements to a divorce. Some of the most common concerns… Read More »