Monthly Archives: March 2012
When Can a Support or Maintenance Obligation be Modified?
A child support obligation usually continues until the child in question reaches the age of majority—18 in Texas. A maintenance obligation continues for the duration of the court order—up to ten years for marriages of 30 years or more. For maintenance obligations, the paying spouse may petition a court to terminate the obligation once the… Read More »
When Can Courts Limit or Deny Visitation Rights?
In Texas, the guiding principal when deciding visitation issues is the best interests of the child. Normally, courts presume that it is in the best interests of the child to have some contact with each of his or her natural parents. Thus, Texas public policy is to encourage continued involvement by both parents, even after… Read More »
No-fault Divorce in Texas
There are many grounds for divorce under the Texas Family Code. These include adultery, imprisonment, cruelty, abandonment, and living separate and apart. All of these are fault grounds, which the party seeking the divorce must offer evidence to prove before a court can issue a divorce decree. This can complicate the process, especially if the… Read More »
The Best Interests of the Child
In Texas and most other states, the best interests of the child is the deciding standard in child custody, visitation, and support matters as well as placement of children in the custody of the Department of Family and Protective Services. But the words themselves provide little insight into their practical application. In fact, this standard… Read More »
Paternity Tests: When Do You Need One?
Like many states, Texas has adopted the Uniform Parentage Act (UPA) to govern jurisdiction and procedures in paternity and child support suits. Under the UPA, a court may order genetic testing upon the request of a party in a paternity suit. Genetic testing, however, may not always be necessary to establish paternity. The UPA provides… Read More »
What Can We Do For You?
Family law disputes are emotionally charged and deeply subjective. These can include divorce, property division, alimony, support, child custody, and visitation. Parents and couples have many options when dealing with these issues, but they can only take advantage of these options if they are well informed. An experienced Texas family law attorney can provide valuable… Read More »
Recent Changes to Texas Alimony Laws
In the past, the Texas Family Code restricted the availability of alimony—called maintenance in Texas—to the following: Spouses who were victims of domestic violence Spouses leaving a marriage of 10 years or longer who were unable to support themselves due to a mental or physical disability Spouses who were unable to obtain employment due to… Read More »
Helping Women Enforce Support and Child Custody Orders
An excellent divorce settlement or order does not amount to much if your former spouse simply refuses to honor his obligations. For women who rely on support payments and maintenance to provide for themselves and their children, this can create a vicious cycle where the lack of support makes it financially difficult to enforce a… Read More »
