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Monthly Archives: January 2013

What Are Temporary Mutual Injunctions?

Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce

Temporary mutual injunctions are a tool used in the divorce process that prevent either party from conducting themselves in a manner that would harass the other party, destroy or tamper with marital assets or disrupt the lives of the children. Mutual injunctions apply to conduct, property, assets and children. The parties and their attorneys may agree to mutual injunctions at the onset of a divorce or the judge may order them at a temporary orders hearing. Once the judge has signed temporary mutual injunctions it is very important that the parties comply.

What Impact Does Adultery Have On Child Custody In A Divorce?

Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Child Custody, Divorce

There is no clear cut answer to this question. A judge must look at the best interests of a child when making a child custody determination. The existence of adultery may affect a judge’s decision regarding child custody but absent a strong case the adultery has had a negative impact on the child, it will likely have little impact. It is up to the individual judge to examine the facts and circumstances of an alleged affair to decide if it will have any impact on child custody. Judges are more willing to consider the existence of adultery when one of the parents has engaged in the affair in front of the children. A divorce can be a difficult and confusing time for children.

Need an Adult Adoption in Texas?

Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Adoption

The recent adult adoption of a Florida businessman’s girlfriend in an attempt to protect assets from civil litigation has put the spotlight on the legal act of adopting an adult. The Texas Family Code, Section 162.501 specifically allows for the legal adoption of an adult by another adult. Adult adoption differs little from the adoption from a minor, with the exception that an adult must consent to the adoption. The biological parents of the adoptee do not need to be notified of the adoption and are not entitled to notice of any adoption proceedings. An original petition for adoption must be filed with the court and a hearing will be held.

I Recently Moved To Texas. Can I File A Divorce Or Family Law Suit Here?

Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce, Uncontested Divorce

To obtain a divorce in the state of Texas, at least one of the spouses must have been domiciled in the state of Texas for the six months preceding the filing of the divorce suit as well as a resident of the county in which the suit will be filed for at least the preceding 90 days. If neither spouse has been a Texas resident for at least six months prior to filing the suit, you have not established jurisdiction and will need to wait until six months have passed until you may file for divorce in Texas. This is a jurisdictional issue, meaning that the Court has no power to grant a divorce until at least one spouse has met the residency requirements.

How Do I Keep Separate Property Separate During Marriage?

Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce

Texas is a community property state, which means that there is a presumption that assets are community property, not separate property of a spouse. To overcome this presumption, one must be able to definitively show to a court that an asset was acquired before the marriage and has maintained its characterization as separate property. The key to maintaining the character of your property as separate is to avoid commingling the property with community property.

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