Domestic Violence and Emergency Custody Orders
When family violence occurs, the safety of a child becomes the court’s top priority. Texas law allows a parent or guardian to request an emergency custody order, sometimes called a temporary restraining order or temporary order for possession, to protect a child from immediate harm. Understanding when these orders apply and how...
Navigating Spousal Support Modifications in Texas
Life rarely stays the same after a divorce. A job loss, health issue, or significant change in income can make an existing spousal support order feel impossible to manage or unfair to maintain. Texas law recognizes that circumstances can shift, but changing a support order isn’t automatic. It requires clear evidence, legal...
How Domestic Violence Affects Child Custody in West Texas
As a parent, protecting your child’s safety is always your top priority. Custody disputes are already difficult, but when domestic violence is involved, the process becomes even more sensitive and complex. In West Texas, family courts focus first on the safety and well-being of the child. Allegations of violence can significantly impact...
Financial Planning During Divorce in Midland & Odessa
Divorce is not only an emotional transition; it also reshapes your financial life. From deciding how to divide property to determining support obligations, the process requires thoughtful planning. When you take the time to prepare, you can move forward with a clearer picture of your financial future.
Reviewing...Adopting a Newborn in Texas: What the Law Requires
Bringing a newborn into your family through adoption is one of the most meaningful steps a family can take. However, the legal requirements for newborn adoption in Texas can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. At Navarrete & Schwartz, P.C., our family law attorneys in Midland help adoptive parents understand the...
Pre-Nups, Post-Nups, and Spousal Support: What You Agreed to Might Matter
When it comes to divorce in Texas, financial disputes are often among the most complicated and emotionally charged issues. Spousal support (also known as alimony) can provide critical financial stability, but what if you or your spouse previously signed a prenuptial (pre-nup) or postnuptial (post-nup) agreement? At Navarrete & Schwartz, P.C.,...
How Cohabitation Affects Spousal Support in Texas
Spousal support (also known as spousal maintenance) is a significant component of many Texas divorce agreements, providing financial stability to a spouse after the marriage has ended. But what happens if the receiving spouse moves in with a new partner?
At Navarrete & Schwartz, P.C., we frequently advise...
Relative and Kinship Adoption: Keeping Families Together in Texas
When a child’s biological parents are unable to care for them, the best solution isn’t always foster care or placement with strangers. In many cases, a family member steps forward—someone the child already knows and trusts. This is the heart of relative and kinship adoption, a process that keeps families together during...
Spousal Support for Stay-at-Home Parents in Texas: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been a stay-at-home parent during your marriage, the idea of divorce can bring real financial concerns. You may have put your career on hold to raise children or manage the household, and now you're wondering what kind of financial support may be available moving forward.
In Texas,...
Stepparent Adoption in Texas: How to Legally Adopt Your Spouse’s Child
If you're thinking about adopting your spouse’s child in Texas, you’re not alone. Many stepparents form strong, loving bonds with their stepchildren and want to make that connection official in the eyes of the law. In Texas, stepparent adoption is absolutely possible—but it requires going through a legal process that includes terminating...