Managing Stress

Going through family law legal matters are often the most stressful times in our lives. Stress affects the body, as well as thoughts and emotions. Some common symptoms of stress include headaches, muscle tension or pain, chest pain, fatigue, difficulty falling asleep, restlessness, anxiety, lack of motivation or focus, irritability or anger, and sadness or

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What is a Standard Possession Order in Texas?

Most often orders where children are involved include possession times for each parent and the children. Parenting time, often called “possession orders,” state when the children will be with each parent.  The Texas Family Code provides for a Standard Possession Order (“SPO”) that serves as a parenting plan by which the parents will have to

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What is the 5th Weekend?

The Standard Possession Schedule, per the Texas Family Code, contains a schedule of weekend right of possession for a parent on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends of the month. It is important to understand how the 5th weekends of a month works so that you are aware of those 5th Fridays for weekend planning

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Community Property Versus Separate Property

In Texas, property is viewed as separate property or community property. If you are married, usually any assets and debts that are acquired during the marriage are considered to be owned by both spouses of the marriage. Community Property – Community property can best be defined as everything acquired after the date of marriage. In other words, community

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Co-Parenting with Your Ex

Co-parenting is basically both parents partaking in an active role in their children’s daily lives. It is a way to allow the children to have close relationships with both parents. However, it is often extremely difficult to put aside relationship issues, especially after a hostile split, to co-parent amicably. Co-parenting after a split is rarely

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Mediation: Do’s and Don’ts

When you are involved in a family law matter, some courts in Texas will require you to attend mediation. If you have children, it is highly likely that the court will require mediation before you can have a final hearing. If you have a complex situation, then you may need a full day to mediate.

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Common Law Marriage in Texas

In Texas, a common law marriage exists when 2 adults, who are not related to each: 1. agree to be married and 2. after the agreement to be married they live together as spouses and 3. hold themselves out (represent) to others as married spouses. These individuals have not obtained a marriage license or participated

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How to Make a More Effective Appearance in Court: Courtroom Etiquette

Etiquette is important for making a good impression. This is especially true in court. Courts are very formal places and there is an expectation that everyone in court, including witnesses, and parties to cases, will behave in a respectful way. Below are some guidelines and suggestions about how to act in the courtroom. Before Your Hearing

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Texas Divorce- Important Considerations

Divorce, by nature, is extremely personal to those involved. Spouses may be experiencing a variety of feelings toward the other party such as anger, frustration, disappointment, and often betrayal. Below are some important and critical items to consider when going through a divorce: Be on Your Best Behavior Show up to any court hearing when

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Grounds for Divorce in Texas

As a general rule, a person does not need a specific reason to divorce their spouse. However, to obtain a divorce, the requesting spouse must prove there is at least one ground for granting the divorce.  There are seven grounds for divorce in Texas. Grounds for divorce in Texas include: Insupportability Divorce is granted without

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