parenting plan

5 Warning Signs That Your Parenting Plan Needs a Modification

Parenting plans are designed to provide structure, stability, and predictability for parents and children after a divorce. But life does not stand still, and what worked for your family at one point may no longer be the best solution. As children grow and circumstances change, it may become necessary to revisit and revise the existing…

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Parental Alienation

6 Legal Remedies for Handling Parental Alienation in Texas

When you picked up your daughter for your scheduled weekend, she refused to speak to you. She kept repeating that you were “dangerous” and “didn’t love her”—words you never imagined would come out of her mouth. Over time, you began to realize that these ideas were not your daughter’s. They had been planted by her…

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Texas Divorce Settlements

10 Assets People Forget to Include in Texas Divorce Settlements

In the emotional and legal whirlwind of a divorce, it’s easy to zero in on the big-ticket items—house, vehicles, retirement accounts—and overlook the quieter categories of wealth that can significantly affect your financial future. Texas is a community property state, which means that most assets acquired during the marriage are owned equally by both spouses.…

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Protective Order Against My In-Laws

Can I Get a Protective Order Against My In-Laws?

Imagine for a moment that your brother-in-law, father-in-law, or other family member is involved with a dangerous organization and has started making disturbing comments concerning your kids. If you begin to believe they pose a threat, you are entirely within your rights to petition the court for a protective order, not just for your children,…

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Credit Card Debt

What Happens if My Ex Runs Up Credit Card Debt Before the Divorce is Final?

You’ve filed for divorce. You’re adjusting to a new routine as well as a new budget. Then, suddenly, unbeknownst to you, your ex-spouse starts racking up charges on the joint credit cards—before the divorce is final. The charges include concerts, flights, and expensive dinners. None of it was discussed. None of it benefits you or…

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request child support

Can I Request Child Support Even If I Earn More Than My Ex?

It is a common misconception that only the parent who earns less is eligible to receive child support. However, the truth is that Texas courts do not base child support solely on which parent earns the most money. Instead, they base it on the child’s needs and the structure of the custody arrangement. Just Because…

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Pay Alimony

Can You Be Forced to Pay Alimony Even If Your Ex Cheated on You?

When you found out your spouse had been cheating, you thought that was the end of it—marriage over, move on, start fresh. You filed for divorce, thinking that at least you’d walk away with some dignity. But then came the real gut punch: You were told that you might have to pay spousal support, also…

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Divorce Mediator

What Should I Be Looking for in a Divorce Mediator?

A husband and wife sat down in a mediator’s office—both anxious and very frustrated. They had agreed on very little so far, but neither wanted to spend the money or the time fighting it out in court. After just a few sessions with an experienced mediator, they walked away with a customized parenting plan, a…

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Access and Possession

What’s the Difference Between Access and Possession in Child Custody?

When parents separate or divorce in Texas, questions about time with the children are often the most emotionally charged and complicated to address. One of the first terms you’ll hear in a Texas family court isn’t “visitation,” even though that’s what many people call it. The legal terms are “access” and “possession.” While these words…

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divorce trial

Divorce Myth Busted: Are All Divorces Ugly and Go to Trial?

If you have ever watched a movie or TV show about divorce, chances are it included dramatic courtroom scenes, bitter arguments, and emotionally charged standoffs. That is because one of the most common—and most damaging—myths about divorce is that it always has to be ugly, messy, and destined for trial. Our team at Christman Attorneys…

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