Dealing with Divorce During the Holidays. Divorce can be highly emotional because it is essentially the death of a relationship. At some point, there was an intimate connection to the person in the petition. Also, when children are involved, it can be difficult to adjust to a new life of separation. These children have to […]
What happens to child support arrears after a parent dies? Let us take a look at Texas Family Code: Texas Family Code – FAM § 154.015. Acceleration of Unpaid Child Support Obligation (a) In this section, “estate” has the meaning assigned by Chapter 22, Estates Section 3, Texas Probate Code. (b) If the child support obligor dies before the […]
The Earned Income Tax Credit, EITC or EIC, is a benefit for working people with low to moderate income. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if you do not owe any tax or are not required to file. EITC reduces the amount of tax you owe and may […]
Child Support and Bankruptcy – The Exceptions to Discharge of Debts. Bankruptcy is the process where a person or business declares its incapacity to pay back creditors. Bankruptcy is a legal process. When the debtor (person or entity that owes) is unable to pay outstanding debts, it may file for bankruptcy. The judge determines, based on […]
Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage. The keyword is ‘legal’ which means it must be dissolved by a court or a competent body. In Texas, separation is neither legal nor counted as divorce. Therefore, in order to get a divorce, you must petition the court for it. There are several steps to note when […]
Does the Office of the Texas Attorney General represent me in Court? Whether you are the custodial parent or non-custodial parent, the office of Texas Attorney General does not represent you. Also known as Texas AG (Attorney General), the AG is the chief legal officer of the State of Texas. Its office handles several issues including consumer […]
What does it mean to be served legally? Service of Process in Texas Whether you were served with a custody paper or civil lawsuit, service must be perfected. Unless you waived service, the person who filed the lawsuit (plaintiff) must ‘serve’ you (the person being sued / defendant) with a copy of the lawsuit and […]
Affirmative Defense to Motion for Enforcement of Child Support Under Texas Family Code Section 157.008, there are affirmative defenses that you can raise in your Answer when you face an allegation of contempt. TFC 157.008 states: (a) An obligor may plead as an affirmative defense in whole or in part to a motion for enforcement […]
Dental Insurance Required. Effective September 2018! Texas Family Law Change: dental insurance coverage is a must according to the Texas Legislature. In 2015, the state amended the child support section of the Family Code with new law requiring dental insurance to be part of the medical support portion of child support orders. On September 1, 2018, the […]
,What is the deadline to file an answer? The answer depends on the type of case and court. Generally, in Texas, an Answer (response to a lawsuit or complaint filed in court) is due by 10 a.m. on Monday after the expiration of 20 days from the date of service. If the 20th day falls […]