As a family law attorney in Texas, I often am asked about the waiting period for divorce. Many clients are frustrated by the idea that they can't simply walk into a courtroom and have their divorce finalized on the spot. However, there are good reasons for the waiting period, which is mandated by Texas law. The waiting period for divorce in Texas is 60 days. This means that from the date that … [Read more...]
Dallas Family Law Blog
Managing Emotions During a Divorce
Managing your emotions during your divorce can be an extremely challenging task. Divorce is an emotional time and can cause intense feelings of sadness, anger, frustration, and fear. It is crucial to manage and control these emotions during the divorce process because unmanaged emotions can lead to poor decision-making and possibly impede the divorce process. Here are my top divorce tips … [Read more...]
What Do People Need to Know About Getting a Divorce in Dallas?
Every jurisdiction has its own rules for how the family law court system works. Dallas County is no different. It is a large county, which means there are many courts assigned to family law matters. There is some specific information relevant to Dallas County that you may find helpful. Dallas County has Specialized Family Law Courts Because of the size of the county, there are specialized … [Read more...]
Divorce: Fear of Missing Out
Beginning the divorce process is often intimidating. Emotions run high even if both parties agree that a divorce is going to happen. Often, one spouse wants the divorce and the other one is uncertain or does not want the divorce. Decisions must be made about property division, where will the children live, how can each parent spend quality time with the children and how will a one-household … [Read more...]
Can A Child Choose Who To Live With?
Child custody and visitation, referred to in Texas as conservatorship and possession, are almost always sensitive subjects. Children may feel tossed about and as though they have no voice if their parents are arguing over their custody. According to the Texas Family Code, at age 12, a child is mature enough to express to the Judge their preference concerning which parent will have primary … [Read more...]
What Happens When You Don’t Have a Standard Possession Schedule?
When parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court will hear evidence from both sides, and establish a parenting plan which establishes child custody, visitation and child support. Although there is a presumption that the Standard Possession Order (“SPO”) should be in place for all children 3 years of age or older, there are exceptions schedule depending on the unique circumstances of each … [Read more...]
What Is a Standard Possession Schedule?
In Texas, when parents divorce, one parent is commonly the one who provides the children with their primary residence. The other parent has a possession schedule. This schedule defines the time that the children will be with the parent who is not the one providing the primary residence. Amicable parents can agree on their own possession schedule for the court to approve. Many parents follow the … [Read more...]
Common Divorce Misconception: Fathers Never Get Custody of Their Children
Many people still think that courts prefer to award primary custody of the children to the mother. Although that may have been true decades ago, that is not the reality today. Traditionally, at the time when mothers stayed at home and took care of the children while the man of the house advanced his career, that may have been a natural solution when the couple split up. Now, it may be a … [Read more...]
Can I Modify My Divorce Settlement?
Divorcing couples often ask if they will later be able to modify the terms of their settlement agreement. The answer is not an easy one and is both yes and no, depending on what portion or portions of the order the person wants to modify. Petition to Modify Only the court can issue an order modifying the terms of a divorce decree. If you need a modification, you must file a petition with the … [Read more...]
What Makes a Good Divorce Lawyer?
Getting a divorce is a highly stressful life event. It helps to have an experienced divorce attorney by your side who you trust to help you make life-changing decisions involved in a divorce. Consider the following qualities as you consider your choice for a divorce attorney. What Makes a Good Divorce Attorney? Some specific qualities in a good divorce attorney are: Someone who really … [Read more...]