Family and Criminal Law Blog

What is the process to complete a domestic adoption in the state of Texas?

Adoption can be a wonderful process, offering the adopted child a much-needed home while fulfilling the desire of the adopting parents to welcome a new child into their home. If you are considering adoption, one of the first steps in the process will be deciding what type of adoption you wish to pursue. There are three main types of adoption: domestic infant adoption, international adoption, and foster care adoption. Each type of adoption varies in the process, time to completion, and cost. Below, our Read more . . .

How can creating a budget help me survive a divorce?

A divorce will impact nearly every aspect of your life, including your finances. During a divorce, your marital assets will be split and the joint income level you once shared will decrease to a single income. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take that will help you to preserve your assets during and after a divorce. Our Read more . . .

White collar crimes are considered to be sophisticated in nature. They are nonviolent, financial crimes. The phrase “white collar crime” developed around 1939, according to the FBI. It arose because these crimes are usually the kind of crimes that would be committed by a business professional on the job. The category has grown to include other kinds of Read more . . .

Essentially, a prenuptial agreement is a legal contract between two people who are planning to get married. While there are those who have an adverse reaction to the mention of a prenuptial agreement and think of it as, not a preparation for marriage but preparation for divorce, a prenuptial agreement can set and manage expectations for marriage. It can also bring peace of mind to the parties to the agreement knowing that certain assets will be protected in the event of divorce or, should divorce occur, they will already know how certain things will play out.
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How has social media altered relationships across the country?

Social media has significantly altered the ways in which we interact with others.  Those who use social media now have their own set of “friends” online. Users post pictures, share pages, and comment on posts all as a means of getting “likes.”  While some praise social media as allowing them a way of staying in touch with friends and loved ones that may live far away, others question whether social media has harmfully influenced our sense of self-worth and ability to communicate face-to-face with others. 

One aspect of social media that has been largely overlooked is its impact on marriages.

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What Are the Benefits of Going Through Drug Court Instead of a Traditional Courtroom?

Drug crimes can result in lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, probation, community service, and other harsh penalties. Sadly, many drug offenders find themselves back in jail after serving their time because they violate probation or are arrested on a repeat drug offense. Further, many courts across the nation are brimming with drug offenders, who are typically non-violent and may have substance abuse issues. Recognizing the need to reduce the prison population and recidivism rates, Texas and other states have developed drug courts. These specialty courts deal with nothing but drug offenders, and they can be beneficial to those charged with a drug crime in the state of Texas.
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Will I Lose My Right to Remain in the United States If I Divorce My Spouse?

Divorce can create much stress for any family. Couples going through a divorce may worry about finances, who will remain in the family home, custody matters, alimony, division of assets and much more.  For some couples, there is the added stress of a potential immigration issue. If you are in the United States on a visa that was granted based upon your spouse’s application, you could potentially lose your legal ability to stay in the U.S.
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Under what circumstances can a blood test be ordered on a DUI suspect in Texas?

Recently, the United States Supreme Court ruled that police officers can lawfully order blood tests on unconscious DUI suspects. The ruling came as a surprise as it goes in the face of a previous court ruling that declared blood tests on unconscious suspects can only be ordered with a warrant or exigent circumstances. This important case titled Mitchell v. Wisconsin will have an effect on law enforcement departments across the nation as well as DUI defendants in Texas and elsewhere.

Mitchell v.

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Is verbal abuse a form of domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a serious and sadly common problem in marriages and relationships across the nation.  Across the United States, it is believed that over 10 million people are subjected to a form of domestic violence each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Domestic violence is a factor in a number of divorces in Texas. Domestic violence is traditionally thought of as physical abuse, but it can also encompass verbal and emotional abuse. Our Read more . . .

What are the benefits of a collaborative divorce?

Divorcing spouses will often carry around feelings of hurt and confusion. It can be easy to be swept away by these feelings, fueling a desire for revenge or the need to defeat the other spouse in the divorce.  Before you commit to the litigious route, it is important to consider what litigating your case might cost you, both financially and emotionally. If you are able to set aside the hurt and ego involved in divorce, you may find that you and your ex-spouse can go down the path towards a collaborative divorce.  Our Read more . . .

Divorce can bring out the worst in people. There are hurt feelings and big life changes happening all at once. The consequences of unleashing all of those tough emotions in the wrong way can be devastating, especially when children are involved.
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