People always say that the holidays are a "time for family." But what if you are going through a breakup? Or you are new in town, working through the holidays? Or you just don't have any family close by? Have you experienced the passing of a loved one recently, or during a past holiday season? Or, the time with your actual family is just... too stressful? Those family movies and TV shows from … [Read more...] about Who will be There for you this Holiday Season?
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Organizing Important Information “Just in Case”
What is something were to happen to you? Would someone be able to carry on for you while you were ill and recovering? What if you were to die unexpectedly? Is there at least one other person who knows where to find "all the important stuff"? Whenever I talk with a client about planning ahead, I talk to them about more than just drafting legal documents. Yes, a Will and Powers of Attorney are … [Read more...] about Organizing Important Information “Just in Case”
Denied Access to Your Child during Your Periods of Possession?
Being denied access to your children can be very discouraging. The hope that things will soon get better (and the fear of making things worse) may keep you from taking any action at all. But if you are not keeping accurate records of the denials, then this important evidence can be lost. If you are being denied access to your children then it is very important that you keep accurate … [Read more...] about Denied Access to Your Child during Your Periods of Possession?
Can I Travel With My Children While Getting a Divorce?
If you are getting a divorce in Texas and you have children, you may want to take a trip with your children during the time the divorce is pending. Are you allowed to do it? Well, the first question to ask yourself is whether you are under any court orders. If so, then check them to see if you have any travel restrictions. Be aware that just because you haven't actually been to court … [Read more...] about Can I Travel With My Children While Getting a Divorce?
Have Children from a Prior Relationship and You Don’t Have a Will? Why That’s a Bad Idea….
If you are currently married and have children from a prior relationship or marriage, you should have an estate plan! Why? If you were to die, without a will, Texas law will decide who gets what, and in what amount. And that can be bad. Understand this: if you have children from outside your current marriage, and you die without a will, your children from your prior … [Read more...] about Have Children from a Prior Relationship and You Don’t Have a Will? Why That’s a Bad Idea….
Terminating Parental Rights of an Absent parent
Clients often come to us asking for advice on whether they should try to terminate parental rights of their child's other parent. In some of these cases, the biological parent has been literally absent for years, not paying support and not seeking visitation. Each state has specific laws regarding how parental rights may be terminated. This article pertains to the law in Texas. Parental rights … [Read more...] about Terminating Parental Rights of an Absent parent
Terminating Child Support in the Case of Mistaken Paternity
A man who is paying child support for a child that he mistakenly thought was his own child may be able to seek termination of the parent-child relationship and the duty to pay child support. The case must meet certain requirements in order to proceed. First, a petition is filed in family court. A hearing is held and if the judge determines that certain criteria are met, genetic testing will be … [Read more...] about Terminating Child Support in the Case of Mistaken Paternity
Keeping Yourself Safe- Know the Risks of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a silent killer that can kill in minutes. Keep yourself and your family safe from this hazard by following these tips: Never run generators in indoor spaces, even in garages, porches or sheds. Only operate them outdoors in an open space, away from and downwind of buildings. Don't use a gas range or oven for warmth. Don't use a charcoal or barbeque grill in … [Read more...] about Keeping Yourself Safe- Know the Risks of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
