International Travel

Can a Custody Order Include Rules About International Travel?

What started as a simple family visit overseas quickly turned into a legal nightmare. The plan was to spend a few weeks abroad, introduce the child to extended family, and reconnect with cultural roots—nothing out of the ordinary. Flights were booked, passports were in hand, and everything seemed good to go. But not long after…

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How Should I Dress

How Should I Dress in Family Law Court?

Walking into family court can feel intimidating enough without worrying about what you are wearing. But the truth is, what you wear matters—not because it wins your case, but because it helps set the tone for how you are perceived. The judge, court staff, and even the other party will take note of how seriously…

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Draining Our Accounts

Can the Court Stop My Spouse From Draining Our Accounts?

Imagine checking your bank account one morning and instead of the $12,000 you thought was there, you see a balance of $43.17. No warning. No explanation. Just gone. In an instant, you realize that your soon-to-be former spouse has drained the account. For many spouses facing divorce in Texas, that scenario isn’t hypothetical—it’s a terrifying…

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Judge in My Divorce Case

Can I Speak Directly to the Judge in My Divorce Case?

It is a common and understandable question during a divorce to ask, “Can I just talk to the judge?” After all, the judge is the one making decisions that will affect your future, your children, and your finances. But in most cases, the answer is no, and there are important reasons why. Here are some…

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Legally Binding

Is a Mediated Settlement Legally Binding?

After months of tension, two spouses sit across a table—not in a courtroom, but in a quiet office. A neutral third party helps them talk through the divorce terms. They reach a mediated compromise. They even signed a document. However, the question remains: Is a mediated settlement legally binding? Let’s break down what mediation means…

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Ignoring a Court Order

What Are the Penalties for Ignoring a Court Order?

A father decides to keep his child an extra day beyond the scheduled visitation. Maybe he thinks it’s harmless. Perhaps he thinks the order was unfair from the start. But when the other parent contacts their attorney, and a violation is filed with the court, things can escalate quickly. A court order is not a…

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Mental Health History Impact My Chances at Custody

Will My Mental Health History Impact My Chances at Custody?

If you are going through a custody case and have a history of mental health challenges, you are not alone, and you are right to wonder how it might affect the outcome. The good news? A mental health diagnosis does not automatically hurt your chances at custody. Family courts are focused on one thing: the…

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Does a Court Decide Custody

How Does a Court Decide Custody if Both Parents Are Equal in Every Way?

It’s not uncommon in Texas custody cases for both parents to be doing everything right. Maybe both hold stable jobs, live in family-friendly neighborhoods, and have loving, healthy relationships with their children. So, what happens when the court sees two excellent parents, each equally capable of raising their kids? How does a court decide custody…

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Can Child Support Be Changed

Can Child Support Be Changed Without Going to Court?

You and your ex-spouse have been getting along better lately. In fact, you both agreed that the current child support amount no longer suits your situation. Perhaps one of you lost a job, or maybe one of you received a raise. So, you talked it through and shook hands on a new monthly amount. No…

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Adopt in Texas

Do I Need a Lawyer to Adopt in Texas?

If you are considering adoption, allow us to be the first to say congratulations. This is undoubtedly a major step for your growing family, and we couldn’t be happier for you and the child you will soon be providing a home for. That said, it is essential to recognize that adoption can be a lengthy…

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