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Questions Answered by Rahlita D. Thornton
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Texas on
Q: Do you need a full phone number of the spouse to prepare and file the original petition for divorce?
Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 23, 2018

Fortunately you do not need a phone number. But, for sure a valid address would be essential to get the spouse served. If you need legal representation let us know. Thanks. 888-343-4529 or 888-3434LAW.

4 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Wrongful Death for Texas on
Q: Would I be able to sue for wrongful death? My mother was the passenger in a car accident.
Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 23, 2018

Sorry for the loss of you mother. You may have a wrongful death claim and also a survivor's claim. Was your mother married at the time of her death? How old are you? There are deadlines that have to be followed in order to recover as well.If you would like us to evaluate this claim for you... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for Texas on
Q: If My ex spouse has one of our kids and I have the other, how is child support determined

He has had full custody of both kids and receiving designated support since the divorce. One of my children now resides with me full time with no change to original documents. If we go back to court How would child support be determined?

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 22, 2018

Child support would be modified and the difference in what you are required to pay and what the other parent is required to pay would examined. You would also need to determine the number of years support is going to be required for each child individually in the future after one of them... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Texas on
Q: what happens if I don’t sign my divorce settlement?

I asked my lawyer to stop the divorce but he said my husband had also filled and therefore it did not matter. We did not go to trail. I felt pressured to sign the offer the day we were to go to trial. This settlement was nothing like what my husband had offered. He had raided all the accounts and... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 21, 2018

There is a lot going on with these facts. I suggest you ask your lawyer for an in person meeting so that you can get a better understanding of what is going on with your case. Sometimes, we lawyers have to remember that using legalese all of the time does not always work. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: Can a 17yo that has graduated HS legally move out of her home in Galveston County, Texas?

She is graduating and wants to move out. Her parents keep her locked up and track her phone, etc. She wants to be independent. Is she legally allowed to do this or will they be able to get an officer to forcefully bring her home?

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 19, 2018

The age of majority in Texas is 18. It would be speculation to say whether the police would actually force her return home. A 17 year old is still a minor in Texas except for criminal violations. At 17 years old they are considered an adult if they are criminally charged. So, she should make... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Texas on
Q: What happens when child must change school because of bully problem?

My son was being bullied, so we agreed to move him to school by dad's. According to school rules, you must live in that area. Since then we have reversed the visitation, so he mainly lives with dad and I get the weekend and one day a week, we also still trade holidays. My son is Autistic... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 18, 2018

Since your son is in high school then child support obligation is not that for that many years then my practical suggestion is that you continue to work together for the benefit of your son. If there becomes an issue or disagreement then of course consult legal counsel. Good luck.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Probate for Texas on
Q: Is there a procedure for establishing paternity that should be done before a parent passes away, a DNA test? This is TX.

My daughter’s father has 3 kids by 3 different mothers. The other 2 kids were paid child support for, so they are established legally as being his children. He never gave his 3rd child anything but some personal effects of his parents when they died. She’s my daughter and he’s very wealthy,... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 18, 2018

If there is no will and your daughter can prove to the court that he held your daughter out as his child then you would have a stronger case than if he did not. Heirs to the deceased take shares of the deceased estate. Check the county probate records in the county in which he died to see if... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Texas on
Q: My kids mother gave guardian ship to her friend. Now her friend is taking her to court for full custody. can I get the

I've giving little child support for kids, how can I get custody.

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 17, 2018

You have right to certain parental rights. Gaining primary custody is certainly something you can petition the court for. You’ll need to consult with an attorney to make sure that legal requirements for your filing will be do properly. We could help 888-3434LAW or 888-343-4529.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Texas on
Q: We had designated weekends in place for my son to visit, in accordance to the child support decree, can that be taken aw

We came up with the weekends at the attorney generals office, we customized them due to my work schedule. But can she take my weekends away without going to court?

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 17, 2018

If there is a valid signed order by the judge in place setting out visitation that stands until an order modifying it is rendered by a judge. 888-343-4529 or 888-3434LAW.

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Health Care Law and Medical Malpractice on
Q: Can I sue for consent to surgery while medicated?

I had some pulmonary failure issues and while medicated and in the hospital, my mother saw it was the perfect time to get weight loss surgery (i am not obese, i am overweight but this surgery was not of emergence - purely superficial)

i woke up about two days later in pain. the surgery was... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 16, 2018

It is best to consult with an attorney in your country. Laws vary from state to state and from country to country. But, it sure sounds like something to consult with an attorney about. I know that there are other factors to consider after having certain weight loss surgeries as well. Good luck... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Texas on
Q: If my daughter's Mom takes her to a different state and put me on child sup we split up after 2 years

I was paying child support and paying all the bills just because I don't want to be with her she put me back on is that possible and why

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 15, 2018

Child support is to be used for expenses for the child going forward. Retroactive child support is for past child support needs. Both parents have an obligation to finance their child’s needs.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption for Texas on
Q: The child's father died before the child was born (they were not married) - can his parents stop an adoption?
Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 14, 2018

This is an odd fact pattern situation. I would say consult with a lawyer to get an in depth analysis of this issue. With a little research I'm sure the answer could be had. I also would ask if the father's name was put on the birth certificate? Are the grandparents attempting to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: Do I need a letter conservatorship for my daughters when they are age 15 and 13?

Their father passed away and left them his 401k benefits. The company is asking for this form.

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 14, 2018

Sounds as if you were not married to their father. If that is the case then you’ll need to have paternity established. Also, sounds like you will have to do a probate proceeding to obtain the benefits. We could assist with both. Let us know if have anymore questions. Sorry for your daughters’... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: Why is a a trial date set in a personal injury lawsuit, if they’ve been offered policy limits?

I have no assets, liability is not an issue, there were no serious injuries, so I’m a little confused as to why they choose to continue on with this. I’ve said since day one, the accident was my fault, she was not seriously injured, yet she chooses to get a lawyer and go on with this nonsense,... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 14, 2018

Sadly, it’s often your insurance company that may not be providing the plaintiff with full disclosure that indeed the amount being offered is the policy limit. Also, for the policy limits to be offered there were probably some serious injury there. Communicating with your insurance company’s... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: My ex husband wants to sign over his rights on our daughter how do we start the process
Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 11, 2018

First you should consult with an attorney to ascertain if your goals will actually be achieved in this process. For instance doing so may or may not eliminate his child support obligations.

3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Louisiana on
Q: How is fault determined in a parking lot fender bender? Minimal damage, other driver left before police was called.

Police wrote it up a a hit and run. Other car was a rental and now the rental company is trying to get me to pay over $1800 and is threatening to turn me over to a collections agency if I do not pay. I have an accident report that the rental company now wants to see. Should I oblige?

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 7, 2018

The accident report is public record and if it supports your position then it should absolutely been sent to the company. Good luck.

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Personal Injury and Energy, Oil and Gas for Texas on
Q: I was involved in truck wreck on Halloween evening 2018.

I was involved in truck wreck on Halloween evening 2018. I was driving my friends company vehicle when another driver failed to yield to right of way and stop sign and pulled out infront of us. I am an Independent contractor for a firm here in Odessa and have not been able to go back to work. I do... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 6, 2018

You need to get right on it and begin investigation on the details of this accident. But, your delay in seeking medical treatment may devalue your case. We do handle these cases and can get you to a doctor asap. It does not matter that you do not have health insurance if the other responsible... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: What can be done if your kids don't like their fathers girlfriend?

We have 2 daughters age 8 and 10 and have joint custody. His girlfriend is very hateful towards them to the point where they cry to me about her almost weekly. Their school counselor has called me several times to discuss what they say about her and to share her concerns. I've also had... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 6, 2018

At first glance before reading the entire passage I would have said that the father has rights and has to make his own judgment calls when it comes to his "friends." But, after reading your passage in its entirety I am actually quite concerned about the level of emotional and physical... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Texas on
Q: Went to court to be get temporary foster custody of a ward of the state and the Judge decreed us as legal guardians.

We were not seeking this, we didn't sign anything, didn't have legal counsel and the other Spouse was not there. Is this legal?

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 5, 2018

If you are considering not being the legal guardians then you need to consult with an attorney about your options. It sounds like it is just a temporary arrangement. Good luck.

3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury for Georgia on
Q: I slipped and fell in the bathroom at bidgetel hotel broke my back i need help
Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Dec 5, 2018

I agree with Mitchell Feldman’s answer. Please share more details as well.

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