Posted on June 22, 2025 in Child Support

In a Texas divorce or custody case, one of the most important and hotly contested issues is child support. Whether you are the parent paying or receiving support, you need to understand how the court calculates the amount. That begins with knowing what counts as "income" under Texas law.

At The Law Office of Linda Risinger, our mother-daughter team of Frisco family lawyers has over 30 years of combined experience in Texas family law. We live and work in the communities we serve, and we offer free consultations to help parents understand their rights and obligations when it comes to child support.

How Does Texas Define Income for Child Support Purposes?

Texas child support guidelines are set out in Texas Family Code Section 154.062, which defines "net resources" as the basis for calculating support. Net resources include a wide range of income sources, not just wages from a traditional job.

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 Posted on June 09, 2025 in Property Division

In Texas, where many high-income families hold large mortgages on substantial properties, an underwater mortgage can raise serious questions during divorce. As of June 2025, Denton County family courts continue to treat mortgage debt as marital property, even if the home no longer holds positive value.

If you and your spouse are considering divorce and your mortgage is underwater, you still have options. But whether a decision is right for you depends on your goals, your financial structure, and the terms you are willing to negotiate. For help thinking strategically about what to do with your marital debt during divorce, call our Texas family lawyers for a free consultation. 

What Happens to an Underwater Mortgage During Divorce in Texas?

Texas is a community property state, which means that most debts and assets acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned. This includes the family home and its mortgage, even if only one spouse is listed on the deed or loan.

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 Posted on May 27, 2025 in Divorce

In Texas, you have the right to a DIY divorce. However, the legal process can be confusing and emotionally draining. While the prospect of saving money may appeal to you, understanding the steps of the divorce process and ensuring you meet the legal requirements can be overwhelming, even for an uncontested, seemingly straightforward divorce. If you have questions about divorcing in Texas and how legal counsel could benefit your case, an experienced Denton County, TX divorce attorney can help.

Do You Have To Have a Lawyer To Get a Divorce in Texas?

In short, no, you do not have to hire a legal representative to get a divorce in Texas. A self-represented divorce, also known as a pro se divorce, may work if your financial situation is simple and you agree on the terms of the divorce. Additionally, if no children are involved, the process can be much easier. However, divorces are not commonly that straightforward. Often, couples disagree on central issues, such as property and debt division or custody and support. 

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 Posted on May 12, 2025 in Divorce

High-net-worth divorces, sometimes called high-asset divorces, require a good understanding of financial valuations and complex property division law. The more assets you have to divide, the more complicated the divorce process can be. A Denton, TX high-net-worth divorce attorney can provide the clarity and support you need, ensuring you make the best of Texas’s community property laws.

What Are the Characteristics of a High-Asset Divorce in Texas?

Texas is a community property state, meaning that property acquired during the marriage is considered community property. Property possessed by either spouse during the marriage is also presumed to be community property unless you can prove it is separate. Everything deemed community property is divided equally in divorce.

High-net-worth/high-asset divorces involve not only a substantial portfolio of assets but often more complex assets and liabilities. You may have extensive real estate holdings and business interests, making the stakes higher for conflict. Complex assets require careful evaluation, and an experienced attorney will ensure they are valued correctly.

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 Posted on April 29, 2025 in Child Protective Services

Having Child Protective Services (CPS) show up at your door is a stressful and frightening experience — especially if you know you have done nothing wrong. If someone has made a false or frivolous report about your parenting, you may be wondering who called CPS and what you can do about it.

In Texas, CPS investigations are serious matters. Even if the report is unfounded, the consequences can still be damaging. Working with an experienced Collin County, TX family lawyer can help you respond effectively and protect your parental rights.

Is It Possible to Find Out Who Made a CPS Report Against Me?

Texas law allows people to report suspected child abuse or neglect anonymously. In fact, CPS encourages people to report concerns without fear of retaliation. As a result, parents are usually not told who made the report — even if the case turns out to be baseless.

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 Posted on April 14, 2025 in Property Division

During the divorce process, you will need to identify assets and liabilities and categorize them as marital or separate property. Unfortunately, divorce and retirement benefits do intersect during proceedings. Retirement benefits can include 401(k) accounts, IRAs, pensions, deferred compensation accounts, and more. If you have concerns about what will happen to your accounts during divorce, a Denton, TX asset division attorney can explain how Texas law may impact your case.

Are Retirement Benefits Always Marital Property?

Texas is a community property state, which means that the value of assets acquired or contributed to during the marriage belongs to both spouses. In general, marital assets and liabilities, meaning debts, are divided equally. This concept applies to retirement benefits as well.

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 Posted on March 26, 2025 in Divorce

Almost everyone thinking about or going through a divorce understands how distressing it can be. Worrying about property division, finances, and your children’s well-being can make it seem difficult to just get through the day. Many Americans turn to social media to catch up with what their friends are doing or to watch the latest funny video. Sadly, some people use social media as a tool to bash their co-parents or future exes during a divorce.

If your ex is using social media as a weapon against you, it could backfire. We caution our clients to avoid posting on social media during divorce, even if you do not discuss your legal issues in your posts and messages. Posts are sometimes used as evidence, and they can also lead to even more disputes and complications. If your ex has shared questionable posts, one of our dedicated Denton, TX divorce attorneys can help you explore your options.

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 Posted on March 13, 2025 in Divorce

During a Texas divorce, parents of minor children have to make child custody arrangements, now called conservatorship. Child support may also be part of your arrangements. These guidelines can also apply to unwed parents. Whether you reached an agreement with the other parent or the court handed down its decisions, those arrangements became court orders when your divorce was finalized. 

Your child support and custody arrangements were based on what worked at the time they were written. Sometimes, things change as time passes, and those orders may no longer be relevant. Depending on which side you are on, you may need to request modifications or enforcement. You can trust our skilled Collin County, TX modification lawyers to protect your best interests.

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 Posted on February 26, 2025 in Adoption

Becoming a legal parent to your stepchild can be an extremely rewarding experience. It not only strengthens your bond, but also grants you full parental rights and responsibilities. However, stepchild adoption in Texas is not always simple. Understanding the legal steps of adopting your stepchild can help you confidently navigate this journey. A Texas family law attorney can provide the guidance you need to ensure that the adoption process goes smoothly and complies with state laws.

Who Can Adopt a Stepchild in Texas and What Laws Apply?

In Texas, a stepparent may adopt their spouse’s child if he or she is legally married to the child’s parent and the adoption is in the child’s best interests. The stepparent must also be at least 21 years old and financially and emotionally capable of providing for the child.

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 Posted on February 11, 2025 in Divorce

For many, a marital home is more than just a financial asset; it holds memories and emotional significance. As couples navigate divorce, the house often becomes the focal point of property division disputes. This can be an overwhelming process, and it can raise difficult questions. If you are facing divorce and want to know your options, a Texas family law attorney can help you understand the process and state laws about property division. 

Is the Family Home Considered Community Property in Texas?

Texas is a community property state, meaning that most assets obtained during the marriage are considered to be jointly owned by the couple. As such, the marital home’s classification depends on when and how it was acquired:

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