Supervised Visitation – Who can supervise custody visitation? A court may order supervised visitation in a case of family violence, including child neglect or abuse. Supervised visitation means the parent committed the abuse or family violence cannot visit the child alone. Therefore, a third party must be present in the room when he or she […]
How Does Summer or Extended Summer Period of Possession Work in a Standard Possession Order? During the summer breaks, parents or guardians find themselves arguing over who gets to spend time with the child, when, and for how long. In a Standard Possession Order, the general (standard) boilerplate languages per the Texas Family Code read: […]
What is the main difference Between Informal Agreement and Mediation? Informal Agreement Informal agreement is an agreement between the parties outside of court. Generally, both parties may reach a verbal or written agreement regarding the use or division of properties, custody, and child support. However, the court has discretion on the fairness of such division. […]
What are some reasons to modify a possession order or custody? Perhaps routines have changed or there is a new development for the child. If you and the co-parent have a stable relationship and communication, then you can make changes based on mutual agreement. In most Final Order, there is a statement: “in the absence […]
Mediated Settlement Agreement A mediated settlement agreement, also known as MSA is a contract. It is binding on the parties once signed. If you are represented by an attorney, then your attorney must sign as well. The purpose of a mediation is for the parties to reach an agreement. Therefore, once you have signed, any […]
“I want my money back!” His wife, soon to be ex-wife, shouted. Under section 3.402 of the Texas Family Code, a claim of reimbursement includes: Payment by one marital estate of the unsecured liabilities of another marital estate; Inadequate compensation for the time, toil, talent, and effort of a spouse by a business entity under […]
How Uncontested Divorce Works? In an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse agree on all of the issues in your divorce. The issues in a divorce include: Custody or conservatorship parenting or visitation schedule Child support Injunctions Spousal support Medical and Dental support Division of marital property The benefits of an uncontested divorce is that it […]
Paternity. What is paternity? Paternity means the “legal” father of a child. The topic of paternity generally comes up where two parents are not married to each other. Therefore, the alleged father of the child must establish paternity in order for him to be viewed as the legal father of the child in a court. […]
Does My Immigration Status Matter in Child Support Case? A parent is obligated to financially support his or her child. Whether the parents of a child are married or not, they must support the child. Therefore, your immigration status does not bar (stop) the collection of child support. Undocumented Parent (Status) If the parents of […]
How Can I Collect the Cost of Baby Delivery and Medical Expenses from My Baby’s Father? For married couples, a baby born into a marriage is presumed as the child of the married couples. For unmarried couples, Texas law does not recognize the biological father as the legal father. Therefore, you must establish paternity before […]