Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Protective Orders
If you are going through a divorce and fear for your own safety, you should be aware of the three types of protective orders in Texas. The type of protective order you obtain will depend on the circumstances of your case. Below, our Houston family lawyer explains the different types of protective orders you can …
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Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Family Law, Spousal Maintenance
Following a divorce, the financially-better-off party may be required to make ongoing payments to their former spouse. Known as alimony, spousal support, or spousal maintenance, these payments are not guaranteed in Texas. Spousal maintenance is subject to strict rules and regulations in our state. Under Texas law (Texas Family Code § 8.056), a person’s obligation …
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Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce, Family Law
When going through a divorce, you will have many concerns. One of the biggest problems may be whether you will be able to remain in your home. The marital home is often the highest-valued asset a couple owns. It also holds a lot of sentimental value, particularly if the couple purchased the home together and …
Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Adoption, Family Law
Adopting a child is a blessing for the entire family. If you are considering adoption, or are about to start the process, you likely want to expand your family as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, adoption does not happen overnight. Additionally, it is very difficult to determine how long any one case may take because the …
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Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce, Family Law
Spousal maintenance, known as alimony in other states, is not guaranteed in all Texas divorces. However, when one spouse will be left unable to financially support themselves during or after the divorce process, a judge may order it. Couples can also reach an agreement on their own about whether spousal maintenance should be paid, the …
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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 …
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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 …
