Ask a Question

Get free answers to your legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Questions Answered by Rahlita D. Thornton
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: IF I cannot afford a lawyer , does it mean my abuser has all the rights?

I left the home and had to leave my daughter. I am a victim of physical , mental , abuse. He would not let me take my daughter. He has broken me , and I have nothing. How do I file temp. custody ? I need to get something done legally so I have rights to my child. He prevents it at every turn. I... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 24, 2019

Check with your county local bar associations for pro bono services.

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Texas on
Q: I have a C/O in Randall County TX. Kids have been with me 11mnths in Ector county.What county do I file emergen custody

I have a court order in Randall County TX and pay C/S to my kids mother. They have lived with me in Ector county since 3/2018. I want to file emergency custody, but don't know which county I would file in? I have requested a modification with AG, but they can't locate mother.

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 24, 2019

Randall County. You need to try your best to locate the mother to serve her. Good luck.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Texas on
Q: Would I have to pay c/s to my ex if our children live with me? I work full time- pay for everything & he refuses to work

My two children live with me. I work full time. I pay for the insurance and everything for them. He only has to pay $100 a month for child support. He refuses to work to avoid having to pay child support, he collects VA money for my child and doesn’t do anything for them. Now he’s trying to... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 23, 2019

You need to review your order and that controls as to who is responsible for child support. If there is a modification by the other party and you have been served with it then you should get an attorney to fight the modification. It is possible for either party to be ordered to pay child support.

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: Daughter is living w/my dads while I get back on my feet I pay him he wants to claim her tax

I signed a paper a judge has not approved giving him rights. If I claim her on my taxes he says he will file criminal charges can he do that?

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 23, 2019

Your answer can not be answered until the orders are reviewed to see what the details are as spelled out. In general the IRS rules govern tax exemptions but you may have agreed to follow other rules. Seek the counsel of an attorney and tax advisor on these issues.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: can I get a geological restriction lifted?

My husband is living and working 800 miles away for a rapidly growing company. I was just informed the property I live on is being sold and the person buying it will not be renting it out. I can not afford deposits and first months rent and everything entailed with getting a new place. Is it... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 23, 2019

You will have to access factors such as whether the frequency of the biological father visits. A modification requires a material and substantial change in circumstances and if the biological father has been incognito then it can be used as a factor. It is ultimately up to the judge in your case.... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith for Texas on
Q: officer gave me the insurance information of the at fault driver who was driving someone else insured vehicle.

officer gave me the insurance information of the at fault driver who was driving someone else insured vehicle. I called the at fault drivers insurance and the at fault drivers insurance discovered that the at fault drivers was driving someone else vehicle and gave me the involved vehicle insurance... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 23, 2019

We assist injured victims in accident cases. Depending on your injuries it is possible that both companies could be liable to pay for your damages. 888-3434LAW or 888-343-4529.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: My 14 year old grandchild was abandoned 2 years ago by my ex daughter in law whom has custody of her.

No contact during that time. At all. Now she’s planning to go to my granddaughter school and withdraw her without my knowledge, she thinks, and take her. Do I have any rights

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 23, 2019

If this is the case then you can petition the courts for custodial rights.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Texas on
Q: Can i get arrested for taking my child out of the state that i live in and to another state , i dont have any open cps

From a family member calling cause she's mad

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 23, 2019

You need to consult your orders in your case. You didn’t indicate whether there is any orders in place.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: If I were to hide my kids from Costco and the courts what would happen
Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 22, 2019

Why would you want to hide your kids from Costco? If there is an order in place it should be followed unless you get it modified by the courts. You risk jail time for failing to comply with orders.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: ex arrested 4 domesticviolence. Hes still on parole. Our daughter lives with him,what do I have to do to get her hm w/me
Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 22, 2019

You have to file a motion to modify your prior order if you have one. Otherwise, you can initiate legal action to have an order rendered.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Immigration Law for Texas on
Q: Singapore national (green card) Married Texan 7 yrs. should divorce atty know immigration laws?
Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 21, 2019

If you want answers about how a divorce may affect your immigration status that would be best answered by an attorney that handles immigration cases routinely.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Texas on
Q: My daughter had custody of her 12 year old son. My question is about visitation rights.

Her son decided he wanted to stay with his dad AND that he wanted no visitation with her at all, ever. My daughter believes that because he’s over 12 years old he can legally make both of those decisions. MY understanding is that he can decide where to stay but cannot make decisions or changes to... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 21, 2019

It is sad when the children start making parenting decisions. Legally the order if there is one in place controls until it is changed. Therefore, your daughter needs to read it thoroughly and assert her rights as they are set out to the other parent. Further, I would also suggest that the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Divorce for Texas on
Q: Hi am getting ready to sign my divorce degree but I see a lot wrong with it and my lawyer is saying I can’t change it

I was never married n they put me down as married getting divorce

I had proof with income tax alway single

Also we agreed to change boys to another school

Now this says if school has no vacancy

They can pick another school

I got sick and was unable to go... View More

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

The question is why would you have a divorce decree if you were never married. That seems odd. I would suggest that you ask to have a conference with your attorney to explain these concerns as they are the best ones with knowledge about the details. Just tell the attorney that you are not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Texas on
Q: What do I do if my airbags did not deploy in two separate high impact accidents in my truck?

I have been in two car accidents in my truck in the last 3 months. The first one was when I hit a deer going around 60 mph, and the second was a collision with another vehicle yesterday. It seems to me like the airbags should have deployed given the high impact and speed of both accidents.

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

If your injuries are very serious and the airbags should have deployed then it may be a claim worth pursuing. But, your injuries would have to be indistinguishable from those that would have occurred in the first place.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Can my sons father take my son away from me of get full custody if we were not married when my child was born?

Do I have sole custody if I was not married to my child's father when he was born? What is he is listed on the birth certificate?

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

Both parents generally have equal rights to their child. Therefore, it’s possible for mother or father to gain primary custody of your child. Let us know if you need assistance setting up terms with the court so that each parents rights and duties are spelled out. 888-3434-LAW or 888-343-4529.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Insurance Bad Faith for Texas on
Q: Can the liable party of an accident personally close a claim made on them after they are found liable?

I was rear ended and went through the liable parties insurance. After a few weeks, he was found liable and I obtained the incident report which corroborates my story as well as supports my statement that he was, "inattentive." I was texted by the liable party stating that he has closed... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 17, 2019

You can still submit your damages to his or her insurance company for direct payment. There may be supplemental repairs to your vehicle so it is best to let the insurance company deal with it. Sometimes, these repairs are really costly and some damages are not seen until they begin repairing it.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: Cps put us on a family safety plan dated until the 12th of January 2019. They havent expended the plan. Is it over?

Plan stated their mom cant be around the kids unless I'm present or stay the night.

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

Your question is one that should be answered by an attorney familiar with your case in my opinion. Seek personal counsel.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for Texas on
Q: My child mother placed me on child support but I never had DNA done or signed acknowledge paper. Do I owe back pay?

My daughter was born in 2009. She found out I work for railroad and has been hounding for back pay since. Once i found out i was immediately involved until mom kept using 700 to see her monthly through money orders so i stopped giving her 700 because i never saw my daughter. I'm afraid to do... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 13, 2019

The most important thing is to get a DNA test. We could assist you on getting you through it all. We be happy to assist 888-343-4529 or 888-3434LAW.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Texas on
Q: If they say it was my fault being hit by a car will that effect my settlement
Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 13, 2019

Yes you may not be able to recover at all if you’re more than 50 percent at fault. You should get an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Texas on
Q: In Oklahoma , would common law marriage supersede legal court marriage in terms of divorce and the splitting of assets?
Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 12, 2019

Your question is being asked in the Texas section. I’m assuming you used to live in Oklahoma. Texas recognizes common law marriage but you have the burden to prove that you and your partner intended to be married and hold yourselves out as such. In a regular marriage with a license issued the... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.