In current times, many lawyers accept payment by any major credit card. While most prefer electronic payment from your account, you can probably find a lawyer practicing in the area of family law who is willing to accept payments by credit card.

For financial planning purposes, try to get... View More

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answered on Aug 8, 2023

In Texas and many other jurisdictions, evidence in Child Protective Services (CPS) cases, including drug testing results, must meet certain standards of reliability and admissibility. This often includes ensuring that the testing procedures and labs used are accredited and meet specific standards.

As someone who is double Board Certified in Family Law and Child Welfare Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, I want to explain that I cannot provide any guarantees regarding the outcome of your case. The Texas Family Code governs family law matters in the state, and it is important to... View More

Discourage your child from running away. There are civil and criminal penalties for kidnapping a child. In the given situation, where the daughter is currently in Washington state with her father and wants to live with you in Texas due to an extremely bad living situation, there are legal options... View More

Wow, many items to unravel here. First, if you are having difficulties communicating with your attorney, it may be time for a change. Before you change, email, and request a conference - either in person or via zoom. Use that session not only to catch up, but to establish strategy for your case... View More

I strongly urge you not to file any sort of grievance against the judge raising any of the issues you describe above. That is going to make you appear unhinged and could cripple any chance you have to get custody of your son.

Ex parte orders are, by their very nature, of very limited... View More

Grandparent standing is a slippery slope after the Texas Supreme Court case of In Re CJC. You would have to show BOTH parents are unfit and that it would serve your granddaughter's best interests to come live with you. You should consult with an attorney about the facts specific to your case.... View More

1. Her mother can file for primary physical custody. This is the best option.

2. A relative can file for primary physical custody. This is the next best option.

3. She can report her mistreatment to Child Protective Services. If the mistreatment constitutes abuse or neglect,... View More

Based on the information provided, the grandparents' options may be limited due to the presumption that a parent acts in the best interest of their child

1. In the case of In re C.J.C., the Texas Supreme Court held that anyone who seeks to obtain custody of a child over a parent's... View More

Is Child Protective Services involved? Did a judge rule that someone else should have temporary custody? If CPS is involved, you likely will be asked to complete a Service Plan or Parenting Plan. That could involve submitting to a psychological evaluation, as well as counseling and parenting... View More

While the dates provided may be fodder for cross examination, any mistakes may not be deemed substantive by the trial court, presuming that a case has been filed. In terms of posting to social media -- you certainly have the first amendment right of freedom of expression. However, our courts are... View More

It could be lies or it could be simply a mistake in the dates. Your best strategy is to hire an attorney experienced in the area of family law in or near the county where you and your daughter were living when she was taken. Usually, when a child is taken into custody by the State, she would be... View More

It's wonderful to hear about the support from your family. The complexities surrounding surrogacy, parental rights, and birth certificates would best be handled by consulting with a family law attorney in Houston who specializes in reproductive law. Here's a general outline of the steps... View More

In Texas, gestational surrogacy is permitted under the Texas Family Code.

Here are the key provisions that you should be aware of:

1. Gestational Agreement: The gestational agreement must be in place and validated by a court before the birth.

This agreement outlines the... View More

Legal Representation: As you're currently undergoing military training, it's crucial to retain an attorney who specializes in family law as soon as possible. They can represent you in your absence and make sure your rights are protected.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA): As... View More

Given the complexity of family law cases, the details you've shared aren't sufficient for me to provide a comprehensive response. It's important to know why your son was removed, who has custody now, and what actions you've already taken. Please consult with a local attorney who... View More

If you file an oath of indigency, showing that you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, and if one of the forms of relief requested by the state is termination of your parental rights, you can ask that the Court appoint an attorney to represent you. That court appointed attorney can assist you in... View More

I would suggest you try to change the time and place of your exchange of the child to the child's school or daycare or some other neutral site. For example, you would drop him off in the morning when school starts, and his father would pick him up in the afternoon when school recesses.... View More

Child Support Enforcement: If your ex-husband is not abiding by the child support agreement outlined in the divorce settlement, you can seek help from the Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division. They have the authority to enforce child support orders and can use various methods to... View More

If Father is not paying child support as court ordered, then you would need to file an enforcement/contempt action against him and take him to court for nonpayment of child support. If held in contempt, the Judge could sentence him to jail time.

If there is not a law against a child that... View More