When legal issues affect families, they require the skills of a family lawyer. These include contested divorce cases, child custody proceedings, and child support negotiations.
Experienced lawyers familiar with Texas judicial rules and practices can help you achieve your goals in a timely manner. They can also anticipate how judges might rule on particular issues and provide valuable insights into your case.
Divorce
Family lawyers provide services in divorce cases. A lawyer will help their client file the necessary paperwork and gather important information to proceed with the case. Once the discovery process is complete, a lawyer will assist in settlement negotiations to get the best outcome for the client. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will go to trial.
A lawyer can help their client take confident, rational steps during this emotionally draining time of their life. They can also help with child custody and visitation issues. They can also help their clients obtain financial support if needed. They can also handle appeals if a final judgment is found to be unfair or incorrect. They are familiar with all types of trials and contested matters.
Child Custody
If children are involved in your divorce, you need a family law attorney to help you with child custody concerns and other issues that arise during the process. These concerns include visitation schedules, possession and access (which is the legal term for child custody), parenting plans and child support.
Custody cases involve a very emotional situation for parents and children alike. The goal in these cases is to achieve a custody arrangement that will be best for your child and family.
Texas courts prefer to award joint custody or conservatorship, which allows both parents to participate in the ongoing raising of their children and share access according to a predetermined schedule. This arrangement can be modified later as circumstances change. Parents may also wish to seek sole custody or guardianship in certain situations.
Child Support
Child support is a crucial part of divorce cases involving children. Texas law establishes a set of guidelines with specific amounts that are supposed to reflect the financial resources of each parent and the needs of their children.
Typically, a court will order one parent to pay the other child support based on a percentage of that parent’s net income. This includes wages, salary, commissions, tips, overtime and bonuses. Social security taxes, state and federal income tax, union dues and health care costs are deducted from the parent’s gross income to calculate net income.
It is important to have an experienced family lawyer guide you through this process and prepare the necessary documentation to ensure that your agreement with your spouse is approved by a judge and is legally binding. This can help reduce your stress and save you money in the long run.
Prenuptial Agreements
Though it may be unromantic, discussing a prenuptial agreement (or premarital agreement) with your future spouse can be one of the most important discussions you have before getting married. Prenups establish each party’s property and financial rights in the event of a divorce.
A prenup can also be used to prevent future community property by designating assets that are separate, such as those owned before marriage or inherited items. It can also address how debt will be handled during the marriage.
Generally, a prenup is enforceable if both parties enter into it voluntarily. However, if a Court finds that the terms would cause one spouse undue hardship it could be overturned. This is why it is essential for couples to discuss their finances openly and candidly before drafting an agreement.
Adoption
The experienced adoption attorney in Texas can help prepare legal documents, file the petition for adoption, and represent you in court. The goal of the lawyer is to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
A family law attorney can also help you navigate the adoption process if you are a birth mother. Adoption is a life-changing decision, so it is important to be fully committed before starting the process.
During the adoption process, a case worker (also known as an evaluator) will be assigned to conduct your Adoption Home Study. During this process, the lawyer can assist you in establishing contact with the birth mother and facilitate communication between the parties. In agency adoptions, the birth parents and adoptive family may sign a contact agreement specifying the type and frequency of contact.
