Adults dealing with their own issues can overlook how divorce affects the children. Actions meant to protect themselves from (or retaliate against) their former partner could damage the child. That’s why there’s a such thing as children’s rights in a divorce. From my experience at Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices with divorce and child custody cases, following are my insights into children’s … [Read more...]
Rights of a parent with regard to child custody in Texas
Many people in Texas are parents. While the parents are together, co-parenting and raising a child can be a little simpler. However, when parents divorce or split up, the parenting dynamics change drastically. The children obviously cannot be in two places at one time. In many situations, the children will end up splitting time between both parents' abodes. The parents will also still have to make … [Read more...]
Can I adopt my stepchild in Texas?
One of the main reasons families decide to adopt a child in Texas is because it gives them the opportunity to complete their family and give a child a loving, nurturing environment for them to grow up in. One type of adoption is a stepparent adoption, in which the spouse of a parent requests the adoption court for legal parental rights of the children of their spouse. The only … [Read more...]
Shared parenting benefits children of divorce
Although a divorcing couple agrees to end the legal relationship with one another, when there are children involved the relationship never really comes to an end. In some divorces, where the split has not been amicable, ex-spouses may have no interest in speaking to one another but, according to the Attorney General of Texas, shared parenting can be very beneficial for children after a … [Read more...]
Can children choose who to live with in a divorce?
Many couples in Texas may be under the misconception that when a child reaches a certain age they can decide which parent they want to live with in the event of a divorce. However, this is not the case. There are certain provisions in the Texas Family Code regarding the right of children to express their wish of where they want to live, but there is no obligation for the judge to fulfill that … [Read more...]
How are location services used for Texas child custody cases?
In Texas, there are times when a parent must be located. For that, there is a program that the state will assist with in locating the parent. This is something that can be used for several reasons including the following: for the establishment of a court order regarding paternity, child support or medical support; to seek child support that has been ordered by the court or for the enforcement of a … [Read more...]
Can I relocate with my children after divorce?
When Dallas couples get married, they often begin a new chapter of their lives by promising to stay together for the rest of their lives. You might have children and aspire to raise them to the best of your ability and provide the best for them. However, people, situations and lives change, potentially leaving you at odds with your spouse. This could cause you to face off in an amicable or hotly … [Read more...]
How can a stepparent adopt his or her spouse’s child?
Raising a child alone is difficult and one of the reasons that Texas single parents may decide to marry, with the added benefit of providing their children with more security. One of the ways that a newly married Texas resident can give the child of a new spouse security is by adopting that child. Stepparent adoption can be a way to complete the family and share in the duties and obligations owed … [Read more...]
Keeping parenting plans about the child’s needs
Divorce is often a stressful, emotional and unexpected event, but parents in Texas and elsewhere need to be aware how the process impacts their children. While it is clear that the divorce process will significantly change the lives of both parents, the decisions they make during dissolution shape the upbringing a child will be faced with. More importantly, a parenting plan should be about the … [Read more...]
We can help with your child custody issues
As mentioned in the previous post on our Dallas family law blog, dealing with child custody issues is a difficult matter regardless of the time of year. Even though parenting is often seen as a fundamental human right, various circumstances lead to couples ending their relationship with each other and jeopardizing their right to parent. However, with the right counsel, it is possible to protect … [Read more...]