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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 Posted on January 29, 2025 in Divorce

For entrepreneurs, divorce can bring several concerns about the future of their business. Will they be able to keep it? How will it be divided? The answers to these common questions depend on how the business is classified and valued during divorce proceedings.

If you are a business owner facing divorce, it is crucial for you to understand how Texas property division laws affect business ownership. A skilled Texas divorce attorney can help protect your interests and guide you through the business valuation process. 

Is Your Business Considered Marital Property?

Texas is a community property state, meaning most assets acquired during marriage are subject to an equal division between spouses in a divorce. Whether your business is considered marital or separate property depends on several factors:

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 Posted on January 13, 2025 in Child Custody

When parents divorce, one of the most challenging aspects is often determining child custody arrangements. A common question parents may ask is whether their child has a say in these decisions. Understanding state laws regarding child custody is key to navigating this sensitive process. With the guidance of an experienced Texas family law attorney, parents can develop a custody plan that balances legal requirements with the child’s well-being.

At What Age Can a Child Influence Custody Decisions in Texas?

Under Texas law, there is no specific age at which a child gains the right to decide custody for themselves. However, the Texas Family Code allows children age 12 and older to express their preferences to the court. This does not mean the court will follow the child’s wishes, but it does mean the court will consider them when determining what is best for the child.

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 Posted on December 23, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce is not just an emotional turning point; It can also be a financial one, especially when retirement savings are involved. Separating a lifetime of shared assets often requires the untangling of complex retirement accounts, which may leave you wondering how to secure your financial future. Knowing how these funds are divided and planning ahead can make a significant difference as you navigate this new chapter of life. With the guidance of an experienced Texas divorce attorney, you can protect your rights and approach the property division process with confidence.

Are Retirement Funds Considered Community Property in Texas?

Texas follows a community property model for the division of assets, meaning that most assets acquired during a marriage are considered jointly owned by both spouses. This includes retirement savings such as 401(k) accounts, pensions, and IRAs. If you contributed to these accounts during the marriage, the amount saved during that time is generally subject to division in a divorce. However, depending on the circumstances, any funds from before the marriage or after separation may be treated as separate property. 

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 Posted on December 10, 2024 in Family Law

More and more couples are choosing to live together without getting married. While this arrangement can be ideal for many couples, it does not provide the same legal protections as marriage. A cohabitation agreement can help establish financial planning, property agreements, and other aspects so that both parties are protected. 

Understanding whether this type of agreement is right for you depends on your circumstances and future goals. An experienced Texas family law attorney can help you determine whether a cohabitation agreement aligns with your needs and ensure it complies with state law.

What Is a Cohabitation Agreement?

A cohabitation agreement is a legally binding contract between two unmarried people who live together. It outlines how financial and property matters will be handled during the relationship and if the couple separates. In Texas, cohabitation agreements are enforceable as long as they are in writing, signed by both parties, and meet general contract requirements. These agreements address issues like:

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