I have written before about a common misconception about grandparents’ rights, specifically related to a grandparent’s “standing” to file suit related to the custody of or visitation with a minor grandchild. A recent decision by the Texas Supreme … [Read more...]
The Family Code and New Changes Going into Effect
Recently my wife had to have done dental work done. IT WAS EXPENSIVE! No… seriously… expensive. Fortunately, we have dental insurance. Otherwise, that $3,000 we paid out of pocket may well have been twice as much. That got me to thinking about … [Read more...]
If You Think It Is Expensive to Hire a Professional to Do a Job, Wait Until You Hire an Amateur
Like everyone else, I have to be careful with my money, and, whenever possible, I try to do a job myself rather than hire a professional. There are plenty of outlets to help you do it yourself in order to save a buck, including TurboTax, Home Depot, … [Read more...]
No Man’s Life, Liberty, or Property are Safe while the Legislature is in Session
No Man’s life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session. ~ Gideon Tucker For as long as anyone can remember, alimony has been tax deductible. In Texas, we do not call it alimony instead, it is referred to as Post Divorce … [Read more...]
“It’s not the stuff we know that’s a problem. It’s what we know that’s wrong!”
This summer I attended the Advanced Family Law Course as I do most years. However, this year my wife attended with me. I was struck by something she said. At one point, we were watching one of the seminars and she commented “This is a lot more … [Read more...]
Child Custody During the Holidays
It seems every year about this time people lose their minds. The Possession and Access schedule listed on most Divorces and Suits Affecting the Parent Child Relationship list a holiday schedule. Every year people seem to have trouble understanding of … [Read more...]
“Can’t We All Just Get Along?” Suggestions for Holiday Parenting
In Texas, as in most states, the law tells judges that the most important thing, overriding pretty much everything except the Constitution, is the “best interest of the child.” If you are a parent, and you aren’t living with your child’s other … [Read more...]
MEDIATION
As I am sitting here today in Mediation it got me to thinking about what a large role it plays in the domestic or family law litigation. About 30 years ago the legislature passed a law encouraging the use of alternative dispute resolution methods in … [Read more...]
RIGHTS & DUTIES
Typically the rights and duties of a parent are outlined in Chapter 151 of the Family Code. Those rights include (a) A parent of a child has the following rights and duties: (1) the right to have physical possession, to direct the moral and … [Read more...]
Common Law Marriage in Texas
What Is Common Law Marriage? Under the common law marriage doctrine, if certain conditions are met, a couple is considered to be legally married, despite not having a marriage license, a ceremony, or a marriage certificate. Texas recognizes common … [Read more...]
Introducing our New Board Certified Family Law Attorney Duana Boswell-Loechel
Duana Boswell-Loechel grew up in Moore, Oklahoma and moved to League City, Texas her junior year of high school where she attended and graduated from Clear Creek High School. Duana earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology and Marine … [Read more...]
DIVORCED OR WIDOWED? Words matter
One of the common ways divorce litigation ends is with mediation. Mediation is a method of alternative dispute resolution encouraged by the Texas Family Code and the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. In mediation the parties meet with a neutral who … [Read more...]