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Questions Answered by Rahlita D. Thornton
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Texas on
Q: My TX spousal maintenance ran from 2009-14. Now my ex-wife is claiming arrearages for months I paid cash (no receipt

I live in another state now, on unemployment and don't have big lawyer retainer assets.

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 24, 2018

If she has filed a motion for contempt of the order and wins you could be responsible for her attorney fees and be subject to jail time if you do not respond. With jail time looming in your case please take it seriously.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Texas on
Q: How to get ex husband to keep up divorce decree agreement?

My ex husband agreed to pay the parent student loan for our daughters college, he paid it for 4.5 years and now has a new family and has decided not to pay, it is in my name and they are expecting me to pay and I barely get by now. How can I get this loan out of my name or make him pay as he... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 24, 2018

If there is an order in place where he agreed to pay the loan then it should be able to be used to pursue a contempt motion against him. The obligors on the loan are who the company can pursue regardless of the outcome of your contempt case. Consult an attorney in your area to get on this.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: Can a judge grant the father visitation even though he’s never been around and is an alcoholic and drug addict
Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 24, 2018

Courts will look at all factors in awarding visitation to parents. If they have never been around they may not even want much visitation set out. You can seek modification of the standard visitation schedule if varying it would be in the best interest of the child. Further, there may be a good... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: Can I change my name back to my maiden name (for professional reasons) without getting a divorce?

I am married and took my husband's last name. However, I plan to return to my previous academic job where I taught under my maiden name and built a solid, professional reputation.

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 24, 2018

Did you legally change your name after getting married? Did you change it with SS? If not, then you may not need to do anything to use your maiden name.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: My 6 yr old grand daughter is diagnosed with adhd. I've paid many of her bills thru the yrs when my daughter couldn't..

Father is Mia alot. Only wants overnights. Won't help pay any therapy bills. How does the law help protect her so her living arrangements are consistent between her mom and dad?

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 24, 2018

Questions: Is there an order already in place? If so, then there should be provisions as to how uninsured expenses are handled. Most of the time it is 50% the responsibility of each parent. Look at the specific provisions to see how to send notice to the father about the bills. If there is not... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: can i get my daughter from grandmother if her mother told cps that where she lives and cant have her at this time

to CPS knowledge the children are primarily with their grandmother as per the safety plan, mom has to be monitored

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 24, 2018

If you believe that you are the more fit parent of the child then you have rights to assert. You have to be ready to be serious about pursuing obtaining primary custody. CPS is not obligated to follow your directions or opinions as to who gets primary custody. You have to file on your own... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Is it possible to divorce from your spouse but continue owning property and raising a child together?

We have been married for less than 3 years. The love has run its course, not getting along, we are looking for different things out life. Our finances have been combined for 8 years (with my husband working majority of the time), we own 3 vehicle(2 paid off), and recently purchased a home less... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 24, 2018

It is more than likely possible that you can get your divorce and still live together. But, you're going to have to prove to the court that there is no chance of reconciliation. Let us know when you are ready to proceed as we handle cases in Fort Bend and Harris counties.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: How does emotional/verbal abuse affect custody and assets division in a divorce?

My husband is an abusive narcissist. He yells at me, uses profanity in the presence of our children. I have audio recordings and I've kept a journal. He's been physical a few times and always alleges I did something first (narcissist). Once I called police but the DA did not pick up the... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 24, 2018

The information that you have shared is very concerning and is most definitely able to be preferred as evidence in your case. There are certain guidelines to follow as attorneys in order to make sure that recordings are admissible into evidence. Therefore, you need to consult an attorney as soon... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: my ex was ordered to pay the mortgage and keep ihome insurance on the home, he stopped paying insurance8/2017

a/c went out, security system was tampered with broke, house was broken into twice, stuff stolen, also he is only carrying as much as home is owed on, but is supposed to be paying for what we have it mortgaged for. not doing what was ordered by court and what he stated what he would do, now... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 24, 2018

If there is a court order in place then you may file a motion for contempt. These motions are based on language in the original order. The language has to be clear and definite in order to be held in contempt. If you pursue and are successful you may be able to obtain an award to reimburse you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Texas on
Q: My brother fathered twin girls and was denied any visitation by the mom of the girls and her mom later a court gave the

Grandma temp custody due to psychological exam finding her unfit to care for them they are now 12 gma still has them she gets them when she allows her too can the mom of the twins file for child support starting from birth on my brother

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 24, 2018

Your brother should consult with an attorney to find out the proper answer to this question since it appears that there are a lot of other factors that come in to play to be able to respond. Contact an attorney in the county in which you reside for a more precise answer and clearer direction.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for Texas on
Q: My child father is always cursing at me when we discuss thing about my son should I just go ahead with Child support?

He can never seem to talk to me properlly I always have to ask him if he wants me son on weekends I always have to ask him about daycare money and he hasn't helped me get anything for my son when I asked him. He only sees his son two weekends out of the month. Im tired of getting cursed out... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 23, 2018

You can set up payments for child support. The Office of the Attorney General helps to set up child support orders for noncustodial parents. If you feel that they may be too busy and you would like personal attention I suggest you consult with an attorney near you. We see your location as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: Can I keep my daughter from her mom if the mom failed a drug test for meth and CPS told me to keep her?

CPS ordered a urine test on my daughters mom and she failed. We have joint custody and CPS told me to keep her at my house. CPS has not given me any paperwork to back up what they have told us. The mom is saying she will be calling the cops and refuses to do what CPS has told her to do. I feel if I... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 23, 2018

Bless your daughter's heart. If there is already an order in place it should be followed. You should consult with your own attorney so that you can understand what is going on and to be able to control the litigation to some extent. If there are no orders in place as of yet please get some... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Small Claims for Texas on
Q: Need help with a hit and run case but with no personal injury just total loss of my vehicle.

I was the victim of a hit and run which resulted in my only vehicle being flipped and totaled but there was no major personal injury so Ive been unable to find a lawyer to help me get compensation outside the car insurance company. The person was found and yes we are currently working with their... View More

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

Based on the severity of the accident it is highly unusual for their not to be any injuries sustained. So, therefore you are highly blessed. But, sometimes a lot of folks don't feel the pains and discomforts right away immediately after an accident and I would suggest that you get checked... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Car Accidents and Civil Litigation for Delaware on
Q: If the opposing party claims I didn't properly preserve the evidence of my car accident case, does that mean my case

can't proceed to trial?

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 21, 2018

Do you have photos of the damage to your vehicle? This should be sufficient in most instances. Get an attorney on the case, especially if it just occurred.

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Texas on
Q: What's a "reasonable time" to report a car accident to the insurance company?
Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 21, 2018

There is no set guidelines on what a reasonable amount of time to report the accident to the insurance company. Read your policy for guidance and if you need a copy of it get it from your agent. It may provide you with some details. This answer assumes that you are the policyholder and that you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: I have a girl friend that did a self adoption with another female who didn’t want her child.

I have a girl friend that did a self adoption with another female who didn’t want her child. We are not married and the birth father is unknown. My girlfriend is on the birth certificate alone and child has her last name. The birth mom waives her rights and signed notarized documents to wanting... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 21, 2018

There are some things that need clarifying before the question is answered. Confirming that you are not married to the adopted mother? Also, what did the biological father play in this scenario? Was this "adoption" done through the courts? It is great that you want to step up and... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Immigration Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: What if she kicked me out keep everything plus my daughter I think she cheating and I just fixed her and her kids paper
Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 24, 2018

You have rights as a father to your daughter. More information is necessary to understand what questions you have. Consult with a lawyer to resolve your issues. We do handle divorce cases in your area.

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Domestic Violence for Texas on
Q: What is the process for a divorce with an active protective order currently in place?

I just moved from Louisiana to Texas and I am seeking a divorce.

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 16, 2018

You can still get a divorce. However, Texas has some time guidelines on whether you are eligible to file in Texas. You or your husband has to have as your domicile Texas for 6 months and be a resident of your county for the last 90 days prior to your filing. If you are in a hurry then you may... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Texas on
Q: How do go about collecting it when I've had change of address?

I recently moved and I just found out they garnished my exes wages for child support for the first time.

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 16, 2018

Google the Office of Texas Attorney General to find their contact information to inquire if an account is setup for you already. You can update your new address with their office as well. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Texas on
Q: How long does it take to modify a custody order if both parties are in agreement? Can it be done the same day its filed?
Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Nov 16, 2018

If both are in agreement and cooperates as planned such should not take that long. We have to take into consideration of the particular court's docket and how fast the court personnel are in processing the paperwork. It probably won't be done the same day. Let us know if we can assist... View More

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