At Ramos Law Group, PLLC, we are committed to family law representation. Attorney Mary Ramos is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is passionate about helping clients with legal issues surrounding family law in Galveston, TX. We offer professional guidance and compassionate support for various family-related legal matters. From divorce proceedings to child custody issues, our team is committed to finding the most suitable and amicable solutions for you. Please contact us to schedule a private case review.
How Our Galveston County Family Lawyers Can Help
Sensitive Challenges Require Compassionate Guidance
Legal issues involving your family can be some of your most difficult challenges. Family law issues are uniquely emotional, as they go to the very heart of your personal and family life. The changes you are about to experience will impact your financial security, family structure, and the amount of time you spend with your children.
If domestic violence or abuse were involved in your marriage, these issues could even impact your safety and the safety of your children. We understand that there are no greater concerns than these, so we offer compassionate, results-driven representation tailored to your specific needs.
Negotiations: Trying to Reach an Agreement
We bring decades of experience to the table, and when it comes to family law, there is very little we have not encountered in our years of practice. We can guide you through negotiations with your spouse as we attempt to reach agreements on as many issues as possible before resorting to going to trial. Many couples need guidance to reach amicable resolutions, and we are here to provide such guidance. If you need to attend mediation, we will be there protecting your rights and providing you with legal advice regarding the wisdom of certain concessions.
A judge will only enforce a marital agreement that complies with state law and the interests of fairness. Therefore, during negotiations we will help you arrive at terms that fulfill the law and promote equity. We can draft your agreement so the judge ratifies it with no need for a courtroom battle.
Trial
If you and your spouse cannot agree on all major issues, it is time to go to court, present your case, and allow a judge to decide. We are well-versed in family trial law. We will work to represent your interests in court, present your case effectively, present persuasive legal arguments—and get you the best resolution possible by law.
Now, let’s look at the various aspects of divorce that we can help you with.
Divorce Representation
A family lawyer in Galveston can be your greatest asset and ally during your divorce proceedings. Our lawyers strive to provide the legal support you need to protect your rights and resolve family matters efficiently. Whether you are dealing with a contested or uncontested divorce, a divorce attorney in Galveston can protect your rights and financial interests.
Understanding Your Divorce Options
Before filing, it is important to determine the type of divorce that applies to your situation:
- Uncontested divorce—both spouses agree on major issues such as property division, child custody, and support;
- Contested divorce—disputes exist regarding key issues, requiring negotiation, mediation, or court intervention; and
- High-asset divorce—dividing significant and complex assets, including businesses, retirement accounts, and real estate, requires strategic legal planning.
The right family lawyer in Galveston helps you stay in control of your case, protecting your rights at every stage.
Property Division in Texas Divorce Cases
Texas follows community property laws, meaning assets acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned and subject to a just and right division in a divorce. However, this does not always result in a 50/50 division.
Factors Affecting Property Division
The court considers several factors when determining property division, including:
- Each spouse’s income and financial situation;
- Contributions to the marriage, including homemaking and caregiving; and
- Fault in the divorce, such as infidelity or financial misconduct.
Dividing property in a divorce isn’t always straightforward, but a family lawyer in Galveston can help you evaluate your assets and secure a fair outcome.
Child Custody and Parenting Time
When parents separate, child custody decisions focus on the best interests of the child. Courts consider factors such as parental stability, involvement, and the child’s needs when determining arrangements.
Types of Child Custody in Texas
- Joint custody—both parents share decision-making responsibilities;
- Sole custody–one parent has primary decision-making authority; and
- Visitation agreements—a set schedule outlining when each parent spends time with the child.
Whether you are seeking primary custody or negotiating a fair parenting plan, a Galveston family attorney can help you build a strong case.
Child Support Obligations in Texas
The non-custodial parent is typically responsible for child support payments based on state guidelines. The amount is calculated using factors such as income, the number of children, and additional needs like healthcare or education.
Enforcing or Modifying Child Support
If the parent responsible for child support does not fulfill their obligation to pay, legal enforcement options include:
- Wage garnishment,
- Property liens, and
- Court-ordered penalties.
For those needing to modify an existing order, changes in income, job loss, or medical expenses may justify a revision. A divorce attorney in Galveston can help you enforce or adjust support orders as necessary.
Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) in Texas
Texas law does not automatically grant spousal maintenance—it is only awarded in specific situations. Spouses seeking support must demonstrate financial need and meet legal qualifications.
Who Qualifies for Spousal Maintenance?
To be eligible, a spouse must show:
- A marriage lasting 10 years or more,
- An inability to support themselves,
- A disability preventing full-time employment, or
- A history of domestic violence, with a conviction against the paying spouse.
Since spousal support or alimony isn’t automatic, your lawyer can advocate for a fair outcome.
Adoption and Expanding Your Family
Adoption is a fulfilling way to grow a family, but it requires careful legal preparation. Whether you are adopting privately, through an agency, or as a stepparent, securing legal guidance is essential. Some types of adoption in Texas include the following:
- Private adoption—an agreement between birth parents and adoptive parents;
- Stepparent adoption—a spouse adopts their partner’s biological child; and
- Foster care adoption—adoption of a child placed in the Texas foster system.
Every adoption situation is unique, and your attorney can guide you through the legal process with clarity and efficiency.
Protective Orders and Family Safety
Domestic violence cases demand immediate legal action to protect victims and their families. If you are in danger, obtaining a protective order can help prevent further harm and provide legal safeguards.
Temporary orders offer short-term protection while awaiting a court hearing, while final protective orders can last up to two years or longer, depending on the circumstances. Emergency protective orders provide immediate protection when an arrest for family violence has occurred.
Family Law Appeals
If you received an unfavorable ruling in a family law case, appealing the decision may be an option. However, appeals must be filed within strict deadlines, and success depends on proving a legal error occurred in the original ruling.
Our attorneys will review your case, determine the strength of an appeal, and guide you through the appellate process if necessary.
Family Law Galveston, TX FAQs
We receive a lot of questions on how family law matters work in Galveston. Here are answers to some of the most common ones to help you prepare for your initial client meeting with us.
Is Texas a fault-based divorce state?
Texas offers both fault-based and no-fault divorce options. Most divorces are no-fault, based on “insupportability”—a conflict of personalities preventing reconciliation.
What should I consider when hiring a family law attorney in Galveston County?
You want to hire a family law attorney with extensive experience with family law matters similar to what you’re seeking legal assistance for. You want an attorney with a successful track record, strong negotiation and litigation skills, and a compassionate approach.
What does the court mean by the “best interest of the child” standard?
The best interests of the child standard guides custody decisions, with attention to the child’s safety, health, and well-being. The court looks at various factors to determine the best outcome for the child.
Is mediation suitable for my Galveston family law case?
Depending on the situation, mediation can be a cost-effective and amicable way to resolve disputes. It’s a collaborative process well-suited to many family law cases, but hiring a lawyer with mediation experience is best.
Choose Ramos Law Group, PLLC, for Your Family Law Needs in Galveston
Family law matters require dedicated legal counsel who understands the challenges you face.
The Ramos Law Group, PLLC’s legal team, has decades of combined experience representing clients for all family law needs. While we prefer to find amicable solutions to family law cases, we are ready to litigate when necessary.
Our experienced legal team is committed to helping you resolve family disputes with professionalism and care. Whether you are navigating a divorce, custody battle, or adoption process, our attorneys are here to guide you through every step. Don’t face these legal issues alone. Schedule a consultation today and learn how we can help protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your family. Contact us today to get started.
