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Name Change Of A Minor Child In Texas Sometimes, people change the name of their child for their protection. Other times, a parent may feel that they made the wrong name choice. A request for name change is most common in divorce suit; a mother may decide that she does not want her child to have the last name of her abusive spouse. The name change must be in the interest of the child. The steps to changing the name of a minor child is simple, as long as the change is not for criminal reasons or fraudulence. If the…Read More

Can I Leave A Child Alone In My Car For A Short Period Of Time? Answer: No. Do not leave a child in a motor vehicle for any length of time. If children are trapped inside cars, especially in hot weather, they can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke in a matter of minutes, leading to permanent disability or death. Heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, can cause shock, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and heart attack, as well as brain, liver, and kidney damage. Leaving a child unattended in a car is a crime that is punishable under the Texas…Read More

What Is Service Of Citation? When you file your Petition at the clerk’s office, the clerk may ask you about citation. should issue citation. This is sometimes called “service of citation” or “service of process.” They are used interchangeably. Service of process means you give the other party legal notice that you have filed a lawsuit against them. What is “service of citation”? It is legal notice to the other side that you have filed your case. It is not enough to tell the person on the other side that you have filed the case. You must follow the Texas…Read More

Grandparents’ Rights To Child Custody In Texas What are the Requirements for Grandparents Rights to Custody of Child in Texas? It is not easy for grandparents to sit by when their grandchild is in a harmful environment; unfortunately, this is the case when one of the parents is unable to take care of the child. Here are some helpful tips in invoking grandparents rights in Texas. Grandparents can seek custody—or as it is called in Texas, Managing Conservatorship. Whether or not the parent of the child is getting a divorce, grandparent can seek custody. However, there is a different between…Read More

A judge issues a restraining order when there is family violence. There are different ways to check if there is a restraining order. In Texas, you can check online or by sending an e-mail to the law enforcement agency. You can also use a victim notification service through third parties if you are not the restrained party. In Texas, a restraining order is known as a protective order. A temporary protective order can last up to 20 days, and a general protective order can last up to two years. Courts and Law Enforcement Agencies Work Together The restrained party, or…Read More

How To Get A Divorce For Common Law Marriage Ascertain if you really do have a common law marriage, called an “informal marriage” in Texas. Section 2.401 of the Texas State Code lists the legal criteria. You and your spouse must have agreed to marry, lived together as husband and wife, and told others you were married. In the alternative, you might have registered your union as an informal marriage with your county clerk. Step 2 Download a petition for divorce from the Internet. Many Texas counties have websites that include free legal forms, including petitions. Legal websites also offer…Read More

Common law marriage is also known as marriage without formalities. Others call it an informal marriage. It is a valid and legal way for a couple to marry in Texas. Section 2.401 of the Texas Family Code noted that a common law marriage may be proved by evidence that the couple represented to others that they were married. How Do You Prove Common Law Marriage In Texas? If a Texas, common law marriage may not be registered; however, the couple can legalize their relationship. There are three requirements: Both parties, at age of majority, must agree to the marriage, Live together in Texas as husband and wife, Not married to other persons, and Hold themselves out to the public as…Read More

What Is Arbitration? Arbitration is the settlement of a dispute between two parties by a neutral third party. The neutral party is the arbitrator, and the parties with the disagreements agree to the arbitrator’s ruling. So….what is the process of arbitration? Parties agree to abide by the independent arbitrator’s ruling on specific issues, as they work toward a negotiated settlement. Attorneys for both parties present their arguments in a series of arbitration hearings and the arbitrator rules on the matter. The decisions are not necessarily win or lose. Most times, the arbitrator finds middle ground for a proposed settlement. When…Read More

What Is Divorce Mediation? Divorce mediation is a civil mediation. It is also a private process. The mediator, a neutral person helps divorcing couples reach a an agreeable settlement. The couple decide the outcomes of their issues. If it is a simple divorce, then the parties simply agree on their separation. When other issues such as child support, custody, alimony, and property division are involved, the process might take longer. However, it is still cheaper. A divorce mediation is confidential – like other mediations. Moreover, it is confidential. You can choose your own mediator or you can be ordered by…Read More

Frequently Asked Questions My ex is out of a job and hasn’t paid child support for over a year. I’m also struggling financially. What can I do? You can apply for government assistance such as WIC. Another alternative is to reach out to organizations that assist needy families. I am owed thousands in back child support, but my child’s other parent is self-employed and hiding assets. I know he can pay support but chooses not to. How do I collect? You may contact the state agency. They are efficient with uncovering assets and will place a lien on the paying…Read More