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Questions Answered by Rahlita D. Thornton
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Child Support for Texas on
Q: Getting a divorce in TX. Child support will begin in TX. Wife is now trying to start an assume case in Puerto Rico

I’ve been separated from my wife for many years. I reside in Texas and she and my daughters reside in Puerto Rico. We have two daughters together. I have been sending her child support via money gram (no order in place). I began divorce proceedings but she does not want to sign. Included in the... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 19, 2020

Consult with your attorney and if you don’t have one employee one as these issues can become legally complicated real fast. Even lawyers have to sort through various facts to come up with a solution. Good luck. 888-343-4529.

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: What does a father need to have for a compelling case in order for him to have custody of his children.

Mother and father were never married. And mother chose to leave

The father has a stable income and a house for the children. He also has a minimal criminal record in the past.

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 18, 2020

There are so many factors to determine the best interest of a child. But mother and father have equal rights to their child. If the father is serious he should fight. Good luck. 888-343-4529.

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Texas on
Q: What is considered common law marriage in Texas

We lived together almost 20 years. Bought a house together in 1998 I thought we were going to be married he introduced me as his wife so they added my name on the deed with his last name and I signed using his last name.

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 17, 2020

You have a very good chance of having a determination that you all are married. Find a divorce lawyer. However, due to law you can not be separated more than 2 years in order to prove up a common law marriage. Good luck 888-343-4529.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption for Texas on
Q: If paternity was never established, no signature on BC, can my soon to be husband adopt my daughter?

Daughter was born in Texas, father has never acknowledged her or provided any support. Was not there during or after pregnancy. She is 5 months now. No signature on bc. He is in the UK. My fiancé wants to adopt her. Is it possible? We are living in Louisiana. I’m asking is there anything that... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 17, 2020

If you’re living in LA you should consult an attorney there.

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody for Texas on
Q: Can I hire a lawyer if my husbands lawyer won’t represent me in a custody case?

This case has been going on for a year or so, he is trying to get custody of his son. His parents have custody at the moment. The mom has three endangerment charges out of a Harris County. And a possession charge, and these are all recent. She doesn’t want me around her son, and she just filed... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 16, 2020

Each party should have their own attorney. Good luck. 888-343-4529.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Texas on
Q: could my ex-husband get custody of my teenage daughter.

My husband and I are in the process of getting a divorce. We have 2 children-13 year old daughter and 8 year old son. My teenage daughter got upset with me and now has been with her dad for 2 months not wanting to come back home with me. I have been under severe stress and have lost my job. When... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 15, 2020

The court will decide the issue based on the best interests of your children. Therefore, either parent can have primary custody. Courts don’t like to separate siblings.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce for Texas on
Q: My husband is a business owner. I’m a stay at home mom since 2015. In Texas how does alimony work? And child custody?

Husband is a business owner. Made a profit of over 11 million and still growing. I’ve been a stay at home mom since 2015. Can I fight for alimony and custody of children? He would end up giving the kids to his mother to raise. He lives eats and breaths his job. Kids barely see him or me.

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 14, 2020

Sure you can fight for custody and should do so. Also, depending on the business you may be entitled to a portion of the business. Good luck 888-343-4529.

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Texas on
Q: Hello

Hello, me and my husband have been married 15 years with 4 children, about a month ago a woman showed up to my home stating she had a child with my husband and the child is 16, my husband claimed he wasn’t quite sure if that was ever his child because the mother had a history of different men her... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 13, 2020

If he is the father he is responsible for current child support and may be responsible for retroactive child support depending on his knowledge of the alleged child. Good luck. 888-343-4529.

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Texas on
Q: Can living in Dallas hotel count as residing 4 divorce? Belongings stored in Dallas. We travel and don't live anywhere.

When our lease expired in Dallas Co we went on a year long travel. Our belongings are stored in Dallas. Our car is registered in Dallas. My driver license is in Dallas Co.

We have been in one hotel in Dallas Co for 31 days and counting. My husband is draining our resources as a serious... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 12, 2020

You have to reside in Texas for 6 months and the county for last 90 days in order for court to be able to issue any orders. Good luck 888-243-4529.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: The non custodial parent hasn’t been served yet . He went to another state to avoid child support. Can I do enforcement

The woman he works for he lives with . She refuses to provide employee information so that they can serve him .

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 12, 2020

In order to proceed on an enforcement he will have to be personally served. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: Can a child go to Juve for arguing with their parents

I don’t have a good relationship with my mom and we argue a lot and she had threatened to send me to Juve for being Rebellious can she really do that

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 10, 2020

If you commit crimes then yes your parents can report your criminal acts to the officials. However, just arguing is not going to be enough to send you to a juvenile facility. Try and calmly communicate with your parents how you are feeling without escalating the situation. Consider writing to them... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: I need assistance with custody of my 4&6 year old.

My husband & I both want to keep full custody.I want to avoid fighting

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 9, 2020

That’s awesome for you all to come together for the benefit of your child! You should be able to obtain an attorney who can explain to you the options so that you can proceed accordingly. It will be less costly since you all agree. 888–343-4529. Good luck.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: If you're seperated are you allowed to remove items from the home and property
Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 8, 2020

Until you have a court order that says anything different the property can be taken by either party. In order to avoid that you have to file a motion for temporary restraining order as it relates to the property issues. Let us know if we can help. 888-343-4529. Good luck.

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Texas on
Q: texas law - what are the steps for voluntary relinquishment of parental right? can the parent complete this action

without hiring an attorney

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 8, 2020

You will find it a arduous task to attempt this process without an attorney. Even attorneys will wrestle with this particular process.

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Texas on
Q: What can I do if my child's other parent has an unsafe home?

My ex's girlfriend has her sister living with them, and has been arrested for things like terrorist threats to a family member. Her ex who I've been informed shot her ( along with a couple of retaliation against police officers arrests), has been with them including my son's baseball... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 8, 2020

You can bring these matters up before the judge in emergency motions.

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody for Texas on
Q: is someone able to file papers for full custody without a lawyer if the other party is willing to sign them?

Can a lawyer help fill the documents instead of hiring for higher amount of pay?

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 7, 2020

Yes you could. But, it is more prudent to employ an attorney. Drafting an incorrect order will lead to serious consequences down the line. Good luck.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for Texas on
Q: My son's mother is putting me on child support My son has lived with or been with me more! What should i do?

My son was 2 his mother and i agreed to call it off. He lived with her for a few months before living with me for years, up until kindergarten. He moved with his mom and his 3rd grade year came back to live with me. Including weekends, summer and holidays i have had my son more! I received notice... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 7, 2020

You’ve a lot going on. You should have hired a lawyer at 1st. Now, you’re going to have to probably be stuck with following the order in place.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Domestic Violence for Illinois on
Q: How do I terminate a guardianship from Illinois? My daughter's guardians have taken my daughter with no contact.

Her legal guardians have taken my daughter from me, filed an emergency motion in Illinois stating to the Judge that they are deciding who speaks/ sees to her, and that they would deny any contact from both parents. My ex (her father) was released from jail with 2 counts of continuous family... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 6, 2020

Sounds like there was a case pending in Illinois. If there is an order there contact an attorney in that county in that state. Good luck!

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Texas on
Q: Non-custodial refusing to return child

I am the domiciliary parent of my 9 year old daughter. Her father has joint physical custody, but he lives in another state. Our agreement was written and signed in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, he resides now in Mississippi, and I live in Texas. It states that she primarily resides with me, with... View More

Rahlita D. Thornton
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Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 5, 2020

Since your order is effective in LA then you have to start there to enforce the order already in place. Possibly you may be able to have it modified in Texas if certain factors are in play. Good luck 888-343-4629.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Texas on
Q: How can I legally (permanently) stay with my stepmom during a divorce?

My father is an alcoholic and my parents are always fighting. They plan on being divorced Jan 09, 2020 and my stepmom wants me to live with her. I feel like I would be better off living with her. What steps could I take to make this official?

Rahlita D. Thornton
PREMIUM
Rahlita D. Thornton
answered on Jan 5, 2020

She may have standing to assert the position you’re requesting. Maybe, all will just agree that it is your best interest so you can move on with your life. An agreed order could be drafted. Good luck.

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