Family and Criminal Law Blog

What factors should high net worth individuals consider a divorce?

When ultra-wealthy couples divorce, it often makes headline news. Mega celebrities like Tiger Woods, Madonna, and President Trump have all been hit with costly divorce settlements. These massive divorce settlements are nothing compared to the top divorce settlements of all time. Our

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Does it matter who files for divorce first?

Deciding to file for divorce is never easy. Divorce is a major step that will have an impact on your life. Once you have determined that divorce is your best course of action, you should consult with an experienced divorce attorney right away.

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How can I preserve my paternal rights in Texas?

Several cases of abandoned newborns have made headline news in Texas in recent months. These cases, in which the child is placed into foster care, beg the question as to what steps a biological father can take to protect their legal rights. In Texas, a paternity registry exists that allows registered fathers to be notified in the event their offspring is placed for adoption or the paternal rights are contested in court.

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What are the consequences for wasting marital assets in Texas?

Divorce can get ugly, and sadly some bitter spouses will do anything to avoid giving their spouse a fair cut of the marital assets. One of the most common ways in which a spouse can reduce the number of marital assets is through marital waste. When a spouse intentionally squanders marital assets in order to prevent the other spouse from receiving a fair share, this is considered marital waste.

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Can I adopt my stepchild if his or her absent biological parent will not consent?

Millions of stepparents across the country are raising their stepchildren. Adopting a stepchild can be a wonderful way to create a permanent legal bond. Stepparent adoptions are the most common form of adoption and the adoption process can be completed far quicker than other forms of adoption.

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How could a forensic accountant benefit my divorce case?

Finances are often the most contested issue in a divorce. During your divorce in Texas, all marital assets and debts must be separated between the spouses. A fair divorce requires financial transparency, but at times a spouse will attempt to conceal assets. A forensic accountant can prove invaluable in uncovering hidden assets or dividing complicated assets. For high earners or divorces potentially involving hidden funds, a forensic accountant could be a vital member of..

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Does Texas recognize common law marriage?

More Americans today are electing to cohabitate before or as an alternative to getting married. When a long term cohabiting couple splits, it can raise issues quite similar to divorce. After all, these couples may own property together, have children, and intermix their assets. In some states, long term cohabitating couples are deemed married and can seek a divorce just like a married couple. Other states refuse to recognize so-called common law marriages.

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Do I need to establish paternity to receive child support for my child?

Establishing the legal paternity of your child is critically important for protection of your child’s legal rights.  When a child is born out of wedlock, there are two common ways to determine the paternity of the child. The father can either acknowledge the paternity of the child or a lawsuit will be initiated to adjudicate the paternity of the child.  With paternity established, you may then seek child support from your child’s father for the benefit of your child.

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Do I need to establish paternity to receive child support for my child?

Establishing the legal paternity of your child is critically important for the protection of your child’s legal rights. When a child is born out of wedlock, there are two common ways to determine the paternity of the child. The father can either acknowledge the paternity of the child or a lawsuit will be initiated to adjudicate the paternity of the child. With paternity established, you may then seek

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How can an Order of Protection help keep me safe from violence during my divorce?

Each year, more than 10 million people across America are physically abused by a partner, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.  Domestic violence can make divorcing from your abusive spouse dangerous.  If you are seeking to escape an abusive marriage, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself, including filing for an Order of Protection in the state of Texas.
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Who will keep our pet after the divorce?

Your pet is a treasured member of your family.  If you are considering filing for divorce, you may be concerned with what will happen to your pet post-divorce.  Texas courts take the position that pets are property, not family members.  Nonetheless, there are steps divorcing couples in Texas can take to ensure their pet is care for in the best manner possible post-divorce, which may include setting out ownership of the pet in your

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