About to file your income taxes? Review your court orders to see who gets to claim your child as a dependent. Where do I find this information? You can find this information in the Final Court Decree in your case. By the "final" decree, I mean the last order that the judge signed when your case was finished. The final decree may be called "Final Decree of Divorce". It can titled "Order in … [Read more...] about Who Gets to Claim My Minor Child as a Tax Deduction?
Legal Blog
Even if the Courts Are Closed You Can Still File for a Protective Order
During partial and complete shutdowns, it is often difficult to know what is going on at any particular time. Be aware that if you need a restraining order or protective order in Texas, you can still file to request one from the court. How the courts are operating varies by Texas county, and also by the particular court. But, rest assured, there are provisions in place to deal with … [Read more...] about Even if the Courts Are Closed You Can Still File for a Protective Order
Child Support for a Child With Special Needs
A divorce that involves a child who has special needs requires careful calculation of child support. The divorce decree and child support provisions should provide for future needs as much as possible. What Texas law says The Texas Family Code states that if a child has a disability then child support can be ordered for an indefinite period. That means that it can go on beyond age 18 if … [Read more...] about Child Support for a Child With Special Needs
Why you Need a Well-Prepared Power of Attorney
There are certain times when you may need a power of attorney. The Texas Power of Attorney lets someone else legally "stand in your place" to get the job done. Power of Attorney basics The person you appoint is legally going to "act as if they are you". The appointed person is called your "Agent". Or, you can appoint "Co-Agents" to act together. In addition, you can appoint an "Alternate … [Read more...] about Why you Need a Well-Prepared Power of Attorney
Professionally Prepared Real Estate Deeds
If you are in need of a deed to transfer a piece of real property, it is important to have it professionally prepared. Times when you may need to request that a deed prepared If you are buying or selling a home with the assistance of a realtor and title company, this will be taken care of for you. But there are some situations where people may be tempted to create a "DIY" (do-it-yourself) … [Read more...] about Professionally Prepared Real Estate Deeds
Getting Ready for your Virtual Meeting, Mediation or Hearing
If you have a meeting, hearing, or mediation set for video conferencing, it is important to get ready in advance of the meeting. Most Likely to be Used There are many different ways to have the conference, but in the legal field the most common for virtual meetings are Zoom and Cisco Webex. We usually use Zoom at our firm, but have backup options. Other available … [Read more...] about Getting Ready for your Virtual Meeting, Mediation or Hearing
Frustration, Despair and Change
When you are struggling with an important decision, like whether or not to divorce, close your business or sell your home, you need facts to help you make informed decisions. If you are facing a crisis in your personal life at this time you are not alone. Current events are overwhelming enough, but when you are also experiencing personal turmoil you have a heavy load to bear. Deep seated … [Read more...] about Frustration, Despair and Change
How to Plan for Your Small Business in Your Last Will & Testament
Abra esta publicación para ver el enlace en español. Small business owners often have their hands full on a daily basis and relaxation is in short supply. There is always a list of "to do's", one more thing to do, buy, read or set up. You know that your time is limited, so here is a short no-nonsense list on what to consider when planning for your business once you are gone. The three … [Read more...] about How to Plan for Your Small Business in Your Last Will & Testament
