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Questions Answered by Rahlita D. Thornton
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Texas on
Q: I have my court papers for my son I need to know what I can or need to do to have equal rights
Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Feb 5, 2019

In order to obtain the rights that you are entitled to you need to hire an attorney to make sure those rights are set out in the order as you want them to be. The best thing to do is to hire an attorney as this is not easy to handle by yourself. We would be happy to assist you. 888-343-4529.

3 Answers | Asked in Insurance Defense, Bankruptcy and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: Will the insurance company rebuild my home or just use the money to payoff a claim?

An explosion caused me both to lose my house and to be liable to a person for her injuries on my property. I am insured for $100k for the house and another 100k for the liability, but the person I am liable to is suing me for well over $200k. Will my home be rebuilt, or will all the money just be... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Feb 3, 2019

You should consult an attorney who handles property damage casualty claims or bad faith claims by insurance companies. More facts need to be elicited. But, in general your insurance company has a duty to act in good faith on your behalf. A lot of times the insurance companies do not look out for... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: Is it legal for a parent to force their child to go to work with them?
Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Feb 3, 2019

Parents have rights to control their children. They can dictate where they spend their time. For purposes of your question I’m assuming that the child is not working and merely attending with parent.

3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Texas on
Q: young lady backed into me at sonic. denies it. have film footage from sonic cameras showing accident.

what kind of attorney would handle this? with the film footage it should be straight forward. and quickly resolved.

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Feb 3, 2019

Persons can receive whiplash injuries or injury to parts of the body that strikes the inside of vehicle in accidents. Evaluate those as well. In that case a personal injury attorney could help you with the total claim.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: My sister has an open case against her for drug abuse and she wants to live with me so I automatically have to take one?
Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Feb 2, 2019

Why would you have to take a drug test because of your sister's drug abuse? What entity is requesting the test?

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Texas on
Q: My ex wife is an alcoholic and has full custody of our child. On our decree it says that if she’s caught getting drunk

I will get custody. Recently she was caught drinking and driving by the police with the kid in the car and had a total lose accident. It’s a criminal act- felony with a child under 15. Can I get custody of the kid?

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Feb 2, 2019

With the facts you set out I would say there is a very high chance of you getting the change in custody. Further, it could happen sooner than you think. Get on it. Contact us at 888-3434-LAW OR 888-343-4529 if you would like our assistance with this matter.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: Can non custodial father keep child after mom gets out of jail . While he files for custody

Mom has been arrested 3 times in 1 month for felony drug charge and probation revocation . Her family told my husband to come get two year old as he has joint custody . We are filing for full custody we filed a cps case with the state against the mother with proof of her not taking care of child.... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Feb 2, 2019

Even if CPS is involved with your case you should still obtain your own representation to assert your rights. Appears that you have a strong case to change to primary custody. Take care of those kids. Get on it and make it a priority. Best of luck to you.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: Our signed order says my ex must pay c/s thru the AG or it’s a “gift”- he has always paid me directly, so, he owes me??

Is this enforceable as unpaid support or can he fight it? Order says “any payment made directly is not child support.”

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

You have to decide if is fair to pursue this against the other parent especially if you really considered it child support when you received payment. It can be a hassle to be involved in the litigation process so also consider that. Good luck to you.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Civil Rights for Texas on
Q: I have a 2 year old daughter, a 1 year old son, & a 4 month old son. They are currently in foster care. I am

predominantly black man. My daughter is a very light skinned, red hair & blue eyed girl. My sons are both darker skinned kids. I am also on her birth certificate as the father. During a court hearing, the court was, in my opinion, going to grant me custody of my children. The lawyer who... View More

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

Sounds like you do not have your own lawyer. CPS does not represent you and your interests. If you want to fight for your parental rights and custody issues you must hire your own lawyer. You’ve got a lot to fight for. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: My question is do I have to pay 50% of dental/orthodontist (braces) in standard custody agreement.

I pay full medical,dental, and vision

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

Read your particular order because there are all sorts of ways that a "standard" order can be modified to fit ones specific situation. But, it sounds like you are saying that you pay for the insurance coverage but you are wondering if you are still in fact responsible for 50% of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Texas on
Q: My Ex is trying to get custody of my 15 year old. Can he get custody? he owes lots of child support.

He has never paid the correct amount and he only went through the AG office for about 3 years. Now he is taking me to court to get custody. He only saw him 8 days the entire year last year. He is 15 and doesnt really know where he wants to live. He wants to live with dad so he can Rodeo.

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

Child support payment and custody are separate issues. Therefore, just because he is off on child support does not mean that he can not file to change custody determinations. You have to do what is best for your child and make a decision if fighting the change is best.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Texas on
Q: My brother needs help Relinquishing his Parental Rights (his wife is willing to cooperate)

My brother lives in Colombia (south america) and his exwife and child live in Houston.

Both want for my brother to relinquish his rights and obligations as the father of their child, who is 10 years old.

I would like to know how much would this service cost.

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

The cost of attorney fees will depend on the amount of time necessary to complete the case. More information as to whether orders are in place already is a good place to start to do the assessment.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Texas on
Q: I qualified for legal aid, but they said they couldn't help me, what can I do now? I am needing a divorce.
Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 28, 2019

You will need to get your own attorney if all of your options have been exhausted.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Support for Texas on
Q: I am paying CS instead of AOG we set up an account which I deposit into every month

this is what we asked on decree

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

Not sure what you are asking. But, if you are asking if you’re supposed to be paying directly through the Attorney General account instead of directly to the person you are correct. Contact OAG for payment instructions.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Divorce for Texas on
Q: Am I able to use Legal Aid if I’m a Stay at Home mother with no income... I’m needing a divorce.
Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 27, 2019

They have income guidelines and other requirements to qualify. You should contact them directly and ask them.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Texas on
Q: How can I get my ex to refinance the mortgage and get my name off? Divorce decree said 180 days to do this.

it’s well past the 180 days. At the time of the divorce i signed a quit claim deed to expedite the divorce. She has 1.5 million in land assets and $350,000.00 in a 401 K. She doesn’t work but has remarried a very wealthy man And they live in that house. She says she can’t qualify for... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 27, 2019

An evaluation of her actions at the 180 day mark would be important as well as how the decree is set out. Without the order being reviewed by an attorney all would be speculation as to answering your question. But, just based on your questions the first thought would be a motion for enforcement or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Texas on
Q: How do I get guardianship of my grandchildren. My daughter wants me to adopt them, but I don't have the money to.

My daughter signed her kids over to us, with notarized paperwork a few years ago, and has not looked back. However, now the school district doesn't want to consider us legal guardians, and so we can not get the children enrolled in school. The one has special needs, and needs her services.... View More

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

You should consult an attorney in your county. It may not be that costly to get what you want to achieve done if all parties agree on the issues. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: No there is no orders in place i have nothing pending
Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 25, 2019

What do you want to see happen? In order to evaluate your case we would need additional facts and your desires spelled out. Thanks. If you need to contact us for further advice feel free to do so. 888-3434LAW or 888-343-4529.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: Can drug test results be the only evidence of abuse or neglect. No physical, visual, or any evidence for removal
Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 25, 2019

Whenever your parental rights are at stake it’ is best to get legal representation. The first question I would pose to you is “why were you drug tested in the 1st place?”. Let us know if we can help 888-3434LAW or 888-343-4529.

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