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Questions Answered by Rahlita D. Thornton
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Texas on
Q: I want to take my child with me out of state to my hometown. Husband physically & mentally abused me in the past

I want to take my child with me out of state to my hometown. Husband physically & mentally abused me, and is a veteran with PTSD. I’ve recently made the mistake of turning to narcotics to cope w/the situation & now I’m worried he has better leverage than me. He just broke my phone &... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jun 1, 2019

In general if no court involvement you are free to do as you please. However, if a divorce is filed your spouse may request that the child’s residence be restricted to your current residence.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: Is there recourse if I have hired an attorney, paid a $3500 retainer for custody/divorce case and no progress in case?

Lawyer has only been present for 1 appointment, he sends his paralegal. This has gone on for 3 months (divorce/custody case) We feel like there is no progress, maybe because we are not able to talk to the lawyer. Can I request the money back and find a new lawyer or should I be patient? I was told... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 30, 2019

If you could have a conversation with the attorney, then make sure the first topic of discussion is your concern about the missed payments on the house. In general it is best to try and work with the attorney if you are can. The cost to retain another attorney can be cost prohibitive. Good luck.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Texas on
Q: Can my 19 year old step daughter get her child support card?

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Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 28, 2019

If you are referring to the physical card then the child support office should be able to send her a debit card. Hope this is what you were asking about.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for Texas on
Q: I am not on a birth certificate for a child whom I’ve never met, the mother had a court appointed dna test several stat

Away from where I live. She’s in Michigan, I live in Texas. I was never out on birth certificate, wasn’t informed when he was born, and was not at any of the doctor appointments. The child is 4 years old now and she is wanting to get child support

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 28, 2019

You can explore options as they relate to whether she has waited too long and whether you have to pay back child support based on the time that you knew about the alleged paternity of the child. An important question is when did you 1st find out about the child possibly being yours? Let us know... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce for Texas on
Q: I have been married for 4 years and I am seeking a divorce. Will it be held against me if I move out of the home?

I don’t feel safe going home due to mental and emotional abuse. The home we live in was purchased by his mother prior to our marriage and the home is in my husband and his step fAthers name. We have no children and no other assets.

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 25, 2019

If you do not feel safe then you should trust your instincts especially if you have somewhere safe to stay. You can explain your non return if necessary. 888-343-4529.

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: If u didn't report being hit by a car or go to hospital the day of, and then woke up in pain, do u still have a case?

I Was on a bicycle. Ownerof vehicle gave me his insurance and there was a witness

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 25, 2019

If you’re injured as a result of the accident you are still able to pursue your case. Obtaining a witness statement early on by your attorney will be important to your case. Good luck to you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: Do you need an attorney to file for adult guardianship in Texas
Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 24, 2019

It would be best as the laws regarding guardianship can frustrating to those unfamiliar with them. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: How do I get guarding ship from my ex husband while my daughter in prison
Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 24, 2019

It really depends on what your objectives are. A review of your order and more details are needed to assess this situation.

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Texas on
Q: Do I have to accept what the insurance company is offering to replace my truck?

I was involved in a MVC on 5/9/19. It involved 5 vehicles with my vehicle being in the middle. The vehicle that caused the accident was a moving truck with a trailer. It took over a week before their insurance company would authorize me to get a rental. Because when the person that caused the... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 22, 2019

They should pay for your towing bill as well. But, you could have determined the FMV of your vehicle and counteroffered the company and possibly been able to get some money in your pocket for a down payment. Good luck to you and we hope that you were not injured in the accident.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Texas on
Q: Can a mother lose custody against father just cause she lives with family? And he has his own house

He is abusive although I didn't file a police report on him. But I do have proof

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 19, 2019

There are many factors that go into determining what is in the best interests of the child. So, do an honest evaluation of all factors that you have spoken of and proceed with that in mind. The courts will not just look at the fact that he has his own house.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Can my stepsons mother take him to rehab with her if she has a pending child endangerment charge?

My stepsons mother is currently on probation for felony number eight. In March she caught felonies nine, ten, and eleven. One of these felonies is Child Endangerment. CPS is involved but there is also a custody order from almost 3 years ago stating that she is the custodial parent. She is now... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 18, 2019

Read your last signed order concerning rights and visitation. Your order may be sufficient to cover your situation. CPS’s job does not cover asserting parental rights.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Texas on
Q: Please advise on how past due bills should be handled in divorce case

Have discovered soon to be ex has let a Dr. bill go intentionally unpaid for almost 1 year

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 18, 2019

Let your attorney know that you want it paid for by your spouse.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: I haven't seen my son in a year because his dad has kept him from me. I am in desperate need of help.

2018 cps was called but the case got closed. I was scheduled 2 visitions and he didnt show up to either one and the cps lady said there was nothing she could do. Everything has been in his hands and he threatened my son all the time. He lied since day one of court and he still won. Got me drug... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 18, 2019

Your post just tugged at my heartstrings. Parents who do this hurt their own kids. I couldn’t imagine not being able to see a child of mine for over 1 month let alone 1 year. CPS can not assert your rights. You have to do that. You can file motions and actions to get this resolved. If court... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Texas on
Q: Follow up: ex threatening to take my property and house after signing filed divorce papers that state my property was

Property was Mine before the marriage and mine alone. He signed the papers acknowledging that. Divorce not final but at the court. Need l worry, husband has been out of house almost 6 months.

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 18, 2019

You need to consult with an attorney to review your pleadings with the court and to discuss your divorce case with them. Without all of the necessary facts, documents, reasons for his position any legal advice would be incomplete. In general he may be referring to his right to reimbursement of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Texas on
Q: Papers signed and filed stating my house and land are mine alone. Ex still threatening.

He has property that has been on my property for almost 6 months since separation. How do l make him come and get it?

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 17, 2019

Not sure what he is threating to do. But, if you feel in fear of your safety call the police. If the divorce decree gave him a specific date to retrieve the items and that date has passed then you do not have any duty to keep the personal property. However, if the value is substantial it may be... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: My ex wants to back out on our mutual agreed change to standard visitation for this weekend. Can she on short notice?tx
Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 17, 2019

Unfortunately there is nothing that you can do. Hopefully, this is just a one time thing and you two can work together to be respectful of each other's time for the sake of your child. Good luck to you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: What can I do if my spouse refuses to help with the household finances?

We both work but I am paying all the bills including buying groceries. She refuses to contribute to the household because she knows our marriage is near the end. It appears she is saving for the soon to be split.

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 16, 2019

You can request that the bills be split and paid accordingly but only after you file for divorce. Those would be temporary orders. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: How do I get my Son back, if his Father took him and won’t let me see him...? Thank you, Lori
Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 14, 2019

This is most heartbreaking to read about a parent being deprived of their child. You should consult an attorney in your area to get a game plan together. If you have a good address to get him served would be most helpful in starting. If we can assist let us know. 888-343-4529.

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody for Texas on
Q: My boyfriend decree states 1st, 3rd, & 5th weekend custody. He works out of town, Am I allowed to keep them on his time
Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 14, 2019

I’m reading your situation as you are Not the custodial parent in the decree. You are the girlfriend of the father of the children. In this scenario he may designate a responsible person to watch his kids during his time of possession. But, if he is not able to spend quality time with them then... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Texas on
Q: What can I do if the father committed an assault on me and then committed another assault but wants custody of the child

In 2009 the father was charged with burglary of habitation with the intent to commit assault on me. He went to prison and 2016 he filed papers to have me arrested and contempt of court and filed numerous motions to let him see the child, the child was 1 when this happened and had an protective... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on May 10, 2019

Protect your child. Hire an attorney ASAP. If you can not afford it look for indigent representation in your area.

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