Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Contested Divorce, Divorce
It is no secret that divorce is expensive and this is even truer in cases that involve conflict. Contested divorces are those in which the couple does not agree to all terms. During the divorce process, these issues must be resolved and that can become costly. The average cost of a contested divorce in Texas …
Continue reading "How to Lower the Cost of a Contested Divorce"
Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Child Support
Even when you receive a “final” order in a Texas divorce or paternity case, it is important to remember that child support is subject to modification in certain situations. Change is inevitable, so when a new reality impacts the payor, recipient, or child, the laws allow for appropriate adjustments. The Texas child support statute …
Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Family Law
You might not appreciate the expansive nature of Texas family law concepts until you realize that the relevant concepts encompass many of your closest, most personal relationships. Some scenarios involve joyful occasions and meeting the legal requirements for marriage or welcoming a new member of the family. Others are less cheerful, but it is still …
Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Child Custody
If you are going through divorce in Texas and have minor children, you can be sure that child custody issues will be a focal point in your case. Even unmarried parents have rights regarding their children, regardless of whether they maintain a personal relationship. As a result, child custody may even be involved with paternity …
Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Family Law
What is a DNA Paternity Test? In Texas, when parents are unmarried, establishing paternity and determining parental rights and responsibilities for minor children follows a different process compared to married couples. The child’s parentage is not presumed when the parents are not officially married. To establish paternity, parents can execute an Acknowledgement of Paternity if …
Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Adoption
If you are considering adopting a child in Texas, you are no doubt eager to learn more about the process, statutory requirements, and procedural issues that are required to welcome a new member of the family. However, when you are not married, one important question will also come to mind: Can a single parent adopt …
Continue reading "Understanding the Adoption Rights for Single Parents in Texas"
Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Family Law
Regardless of whether an award of alimony (or its proper Texas name – spousal maintenance) came through an agreement of the parties or a contested hearing, a so-called “final” divorce decree is not necessarily set in stone. Texas divorce laws recognize that the status quo that existed at the close of the divorce case will …
Continue reading "What Can I Do If I Don’t Want to Pay Alimony Anymore?"
Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce
You probably deal with narcissistic, self-absorbed individuals on a regular basis, and they likely affect your personal or professional life – or both. One of the most challenging situations you may face is when you are looking to divorce someone who demonstrates the personality traits of narcissism. There is a good chance that your spouse’s …
Continue reading "Divorcing a Narcissist: Does it Affect the Process?"
Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Child Custody
No matter what your final divorce decree says about child custody and all other child-related provisions, you should be aware that the arrangement is almost always subject to modification. You might assume that the status quo will remain workable, but much can change in the months and years after conclusion of your divorce. In fact, …
Continue reading "What to Expect During a Custody Modification Case"
Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce, High Net Worth
An Agreement Incident to Divorce (AID) is prepared in addition to the Final Decree of Divorce or in addendum to the Final Decree. The Final Decree can reference the Agreement Incident to Divorce, which will include all the specific financial or property details. Agreements Incident to Divorce are not typically imaged for public consumption like the Final Decree. The Final Decree of Divorce is the legal tool signed by a judge that grants the divorce, while the AID is what fleshes out the agreements stemming from the divorce.
