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Texas Child Custody Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Can I file for a temporary orders hearing after a re trial is granted and not happening until next year?? (Child custody

the motion for a retrial was granted in my custody case, taking me from 50/50 with my child back to once a month per the old order. It is extremely high conflict.

I am extremely worried about my children’s emotional well-being and physical well-being. It is being re tried because I... View More

Elisa  Reiter
Elisa Reiter
answered on Aug 15, 2023

Are you presently represented by counsel? Has there been any counseling in regard to parental alienation or reunification therapy? Please realize that if a person fails to exercise access to which they are entitled, that can be taken into consideration in a modification proceeding. It is unclear... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: After the 20 day waiting period of an Ex Parte Order, can I go get my kids?

Ex wife filed an Ex Parte Order against my husband. It was signed July 24th. It is now 21 days since it was signed. The order states that it is only in place for 20 days or unless the judge terminates it. Judge has yet to make any moves on our case. Since the 20 days is up, can I legally go get my... View More

Sharita Blacknall
Sharita Blacknall
answered on Aug 14, 2023

Based on the Texas Family Code:

Duration of an Ex Parte Order: In Texas, an ex parte protective order lasts for a maximum of 20 days unless a hearing is scheduled within that period. If a hearing is scheduled, the order can be extended to the hearing date.

Terms of the Order: Always...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: How can I get to see my daughter at least one day out of the week
Sharita Blacknall
Sharita Blacknall
answered on Aug 14, 2023

The information provided here is general advice. If parental rights have been terminated, different legal standards and procedures apply. Additionally, if there are allegations of abuse or neglect, the approach and factors the court considers can differ. Always consult with a licensed attorney in... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Texas on
Q: HOW CAN I GET MY SON BACK FROM MY SISTER IF I DON'T HAVE ANY CPS CASE NOTHING AT ALL

My case has been closed for a year but the cos worker didn't bother to pick up my son at my sister's n bring him to me or even called me to pick him at the office nothing at all so now I'm trying to get him back cuz my sister doesn't want to give him back to me i had called to... View More

Elisa  Reiter
Elisa Reiter
answered on Aug 11, 2023

There may be an information gap here. If there was a pending CPS case, it is possible that a judgment was entered by default. Check with the District Clerk's office where the case was pending, and see if you can obtain a copy of the final order. If your sister was named a conservator of the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Texas on
Q: how can i afford a lawyer to get custody of my girls
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 10, 2023

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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Texas on
Q: What's the law about the lab certification requirements for drug testing in cps cases.

I found out that the lab that performed the oral testing in my cps wasn't certified to do them via the samhsa website.

T. Augustus Claus
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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.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Can I get primary custody if ex refuses to let me see 1 child and ESO for others? Not mature (Neglect) & alienation?

Extended standard order in county over for Previous kids (twins 2yr) who are only 1yr older. I use to watch all the children while ex worked, yes including the one I’m being kept from from birth until 7 months (when we separated) Now won’t let me keep them while working instead let’s friend... View More

Elisa  Reiter
Elisa Reiter
answered on Aug 8, 2023

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

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Texas on
Q: Ex has custody in Washington state. I live in Texas. Daughter is 16. Extremely bad living situation. Wants to live w/me

Dad bans her from contact w/me. Horrible neglect and abuse. She's in chins petition with placement with a friend mine but placement is no longer going to work and chins is being dropped. She cannot go back to her dad's care. She wants to live with me in Texas. What is the fastest way to... View More

Elisa  Reiter
Elisa Reiter
answered on Aug 7, 2023

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

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Texas on
Q: Per the AJ report, with no dates, I was awarded standard possession order, but no attorney filed the SPO w/courts

With no SPO or any other orders stating custody, what does this mean? My attorney disagrees with my research, ignores my calls. The custody filling started with an ex Parte order that shouldn’t have been ordered as the judge was misled with insufficient evidence. I have tons of evidentiary... View More

Elisa  Reiter
Elisa Reiter
answered on Aug 7, 2023

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

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: My 14 year old grandaughter no longer wishes to live with her father and step mother due to being treated badly.

what are the options

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 1, 2023

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,...
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Q: Hi I have a question if I can proof that they took my daughter on 07/07/2020 but a court papers said 07/08/2020 (lies)

Is it lies for them to say that and on 07/09/2020 they had already took my rights always from my daughter when I didnt even get no court papers for classes or a far investigation they came and took my daughter with out court papers on the 07/06/2020 what ever they said in this document were lies I... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 1, 2023

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

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2 Answers | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody, Contracts and Family Law for Texas on
Q: My sister-in-law and brother have offered to have a baby for us. How do we do it legally without courts and agencies?

My husband and I have been together for 15yrs and in that time we adopted a 4yr old who is now 10. We've always wanted more kids but the agency route just didn't fit our situation. My sister-in-law and brother have kids of their own and know they don't want anymore but have offered... View More

Sharita Blacknall
Sharita Blacknall
answered on Aug 1, 2023

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

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Military Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: ex husband trying to take kids away, restraining order. I’m in military training now. What should I do ?

I’m in the middle of military training and my ex served me papers trying to get child support, pay for his attorney and put a temporary restraining order. I am 2 week away from moving training to another state and I have 20

Days to answer

Sharita Blacknall
Sharita Blacknall
answered on Jul 30, 2023

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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: What else should I do get my son back I been talking to district attorney's to court cps n they can't help me out
Sharita Blacknall
Sharita Blacknall
answered on Jul 30, 2023

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

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: My son doesn't want to go with his father. His father seems to not care, wont talk to him and just leaves. What do I do?

The past two times my son freaked out and didn't want to go with his dad when it was time. The first time I got him out of the car and presented him to his dad. My son ran back in the car and put his seat belt on begging me to leave and not let him take him. Dad came to my car and tried to get... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 25, 2023

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

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Texas on
Q: What actions do I need to take to ensure my ex pays Child Support and doesn't endanger our daughter on his motorbike?

My ex-husband refuses to pay the child support that we agreed to in divorce (has previously sent some money when he feels like it but it was never through proper child support routes, and he decides when and if he sends the money, and he is around $20,000 behind over the last 6 years)... and he is... View More

Rafee'a S. Majeed
Rafee'a S. Majeed
answered on Jul 25, 2023

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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: My sons mom took him out of state without warning she is the custodial, she does not tell me where they are what do I do

She is the custodial I am the non custodial, she told me on a Wed night she was leaving the next day to SD on 06/29/23, I have tried getting her to tell me where they are at and address she is not telling me, if I call the police with interference w/child custody, what will happen to my son, will... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 17, 2023

It depends on whether your son's mom is currently entitled to possession of your son. She is entitled to take your son out of state on vacation without informing you where they are going. She is not usually entitled to relocate your son permanently outside of the geographic area designated... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: My girlfriends ex said she has been served for custody ( not seeing her daughter for 3 months) but hasn't seen papers.
Sharita Blacknall
Sharita Blacknall
answered on Jul 10, 2023

If your girlfriend hasn't physically received any papers, she may not have been served properly. A proper service typically involves the papers being delivered personally by a process server or constable, as you mentioned. In cases of alternative service approved by a court, they could be left... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Texas on
Q: Need help with custody of a 15 year old who will turn 16 in Nov 2023. Dad is fighting. I need a pro bono please.

My daughter currently visiting me (mom) for the summer in TX. She decided to stay with me and not go back to dad after summer in Maryland who has the primary custody. She will be turning 16 in November. She can decide where she can live but Dad completely disregarded her decision. He has been... View More

Sharita Blacknall
Sharita Blacknall
answered on Jul 9, 2023

The first step in this process would be to consider filing a modification of the existing custody order. Since the original order is from Maryland, you would typically need to file the modification there, unless the child has been in Texas for at least 6 months. In that case, you may be able to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Texas on
Q: I need help on a suit affecting the parent child relationship. I don't get to see or speak to my child but I want herbac

They never served me papers,it was published in a paper so I missed the court date and states I have supervised visitation at her discretion but never get anything. And the attorney I hired to give my mom temporary conservrtship represented my mom in this for some managing conservatorship.... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 5, 2023

You should contact an experienced attorney who practices family law in or near the county where the court is located that issued the order as soon as possible. Some of the possible legal avenues to address this matter have deadlines from the date the order was issued.

The attorney who...
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