Texas Family Law Questions & Answers
Q: I live in Texas with my kids, my kids father filed an allocation of rights from colorado, how do i respond?
I moved in November 2018 to TX, He still resides in Colorado. He filed this allocation of parental rights in Colorado. And, not knowing if I am an actual Texas resident after 7 months, how do igo about responding to this? do i have to file with Colorado? or does Colorado courts not have any rights... Read more »
It will depend on when the children were moved and when the actual filing was made. Consult a Colorado attorney if case is pending there to respond. In general, the jurisidiction of the court is the one where the child has resided 6 months prior to the filing. After discussing this with a... Read more »
Q: How do I get an ex bf to leave my house? Everything under my name.
When we broke up years ago(when my oldest was about 2- now 6) I put him on child support. I bought this house(2015), his name is not on anything and does not pay. He claims because he pays child support he pays “rent” to live here. (95% if not more of child support goes to daycare) Therefore,... Read more »
You need to file for divorce and request a temporary hearing. There you can discuss the issues that you have. If you were married when you purchased the home then it is legally his as well. That date was not provided. Your best bet it to get a divorce attorney to assist you. Let us know if we... Read more »
Q: Can the final divorce decree be reversed in Texas if both parties want to reconcile?
After the the divorce has finalized and the final divorce decree signed by the judge, could it be reversed
if the parties want reconciliation?
You’ll have to get married again. Good luck.
Q: Can you get a no contact order if your spouse is in a different state?
Yes, threats of imminent violence can be the basis for a Family Violence protective order. Such threats do not even have to be imminent to be the basis for a Stalking protective order. Committing the offense of Harassment on multiple occasions can also be the basis of a Stalking protective order.... Read more »
Q: I have the following question regarding the Common Law Marriage in Texas and please provide me with the case law.
Could someone please clarify the following Texas Family Code - FAM § 2.401. Proof of Informal Marriage ?
(2) the man and woman agreed to be married and after the (agreement) they lived together in this state as husband and wife and there represented to others that they were married.... Read more »
Two people can enter into a written agreement to be married. This, of course, would be conclusive, that is to say, would leave no doubt. Other than that, the agreement can be verbal. But, there does not have to be an actual formal conversation. To prove a common law marriage using this statute,... Read more »
Q: I want to take my child with me out of state to my hometown. Husband physically & mentally abused me in the past
I want to take my child with me out of state to my hometown. Husband physically & mentally abused me, and is a veteran with PTSD. I’ve recently made the mistake of turning to narcotics to cope w/the situation & now I’m worried he has better leverage than me. He just broke my phone & physically... Read more »
Even if you were currently having an affair that would not be a legal justification for a physical assault. You could contact the District Attorney's office in your county of residence and ask how to apply for a Family Violence Protective Order on the basis of the physical assault. You can also... Read more »
Q: Could I lose rights to my kids just because my mother has had my kids for the last 6years?
My mother is trying to adopt my kids. I told her I was not willing to let her adopt them. And ever since I disagreed with her and her wife, she will no longer allowed me to see them , talk to them , or have any sort of contact whatsoever. She has broken the court several times. nd has lied to me... Read more »
You need to bring court action. It sounds as though there is an order in place. You have valid rights. If you do nothing then she will argue that you have abandoned them and could possibly succeed on an adoption.
Q: Do you need an attorney to file for adult guardianship in Texas
It would be best as the laws regarding guardianship can frustrating to those unfamiliar with them. Good luck.
Q: How do I get guarding ship from my ex husband while my daughter in prison
It really depends on what your objectives are. A review of your order and more details are needed to assess this situation.
Q: I am the custodial parent and The wife of the my child’s father is becoming hostile.
She yelled, cursed and approached my with confrontation when picking up my child this past Friday. She even called the police on me lying. She also mentioned to me she was trying to build a “case” against me. I don’t know what that means but I no longer want her involved with the pick up and... Read more »
Whether or not the child's step-mother (or any responsible adult) is allowed to pick-up or drop off should be addressed in your final decree. If it is not, or there is simply not language there does not appear here that there is enough of a substantial change in circumstances that would allow a... Read more »
Q: Is there a specific time frame for a protective order to be processed, and granted?
I filed a protective order against my husband almost 2 months ago. Every time I call the courthouse to check on the status "the lady" never returns my call. My last conversation with "the lady" 3 weeks, she stated she triage the PO and she's the only one, so it may take some time. I need to know my... Read more »
From the Texas Family Code:
Sec. 84.001. TIME SET FOR HEARING. (a) On the filing of an application for a protective order, the court shall set a date and time for the hearing unless a later date is requested by the applicant. Except as provided by Section 84.002, the court may not set a... Read more »
Q: Can my stepsons mother take him to rehab with her if she has a pending child endangerment charge?
My stepsons mother is currently on probation for felony number eight. In March she caught felonies nine, ten, and eleven. One of these felonies is Child Endangerment. CPS is involved but there is also a custody order from almost 3 years ago stating that she is the custodial parent. She is now... Read more »
Read your last signed order concerning rights and visitation. Your order may be sufficient to cover your situation. CPS’s job does not cover asserting parental rights.
Q: I haven't seen my son in a year because his dad has kept him from me. I am in desperate need of help.
2018 cps was called but the case got closed. I was scheduled 2 visitions and he didnt show up to either one and the cps lady said there was nothing she could do. Everything has been in his hands and he threatened my son all the time. He lied since day one of court and he still won. Got me drug... Read more »
Your post just tugged at my heartstrings. Parents who do this hurt their own kids. I couldn’t imagine not being able to see a child of mine for over 1 month let alone 1 year. CPS can not assert your rights. You have to do that. You can file motions and actions to get this resolved. If court... Read more »
Q: My ex wants to back out on our mutual agreed change to standard visitation for this weekend. Can she on short notice?tx
Generally, when parents agree to visitation outside of the Court ordered visitation schedule, they can back out of the agreement without consequences from the Court. This can be frustrating to the other parent. However, it is difficult to enforce any schedules outside of those ordered by the... Read more »
Q: I filed a protective order against my husband in my county a month ago and still no status.
My husband and I live together and I'm afraid of filing for a divorce without the protection order in place. What are my options?
Your husband will know as soon as he is served with the protective order papers. If the prosecutor's office is too slow, you could always pay your divorce attorney to seek the protective order instead. A private attorney CAN do it, its just that most people rely on the prosecutor's office because... Read more »
Q: What can I do if my spouse refuses to help with the household finances?
We both work but I am paying all the bills including buying groceries. She refuses to contribute to the household because she knows our marriage is near the end. It appears she is saving for the soon to be split.
You can request that the bills be split and paid accordingly but only after you file for divorce. Those would be temporary orders. Good luck.
Q: How do I get my Son back, if his Father took him and won’t let me see him...? Thank you, Lori
This is most heartbreaking to read about a parent being deprived of their child. You should consult an attorney in your area to get a game plan together. If you have a good address to get him served would be most helpful in starting. If we can assist let us know. 888-343-4529.
Q: Need help navigating this morality clause.
It states in my temp orders that no one that my ex or I are dating or are in a sexual relationship with are allowed to be around the kids.
I found out my kids had been around the woman my ex was cheating on me with. I brought it up to the court appointed counselor for the kids and he said... Read more »
It really depends on specifically what the order says as to what is or is not a violation of the order. You should ask your attorney to go over the exact language of your temporary order and determine what you and your ex are required to do or refrain from.
Q: What can I do if the father committed an assault on me and then committed another assault but wants custody of the child
In 2009 the father was charged with burglary of habitation with the intent to commit assault on me. He went to prison and 2016 he filed papers to have me arrested and contempt of court and filed numerous motions to let him see the child, the child was 1 when this happened and had an protective... Read more »
Protect your child. Hire an attorney ASAP. If you can not afford it look for indigent representation in your area.
Q: What can I do now?
Back on March 12, 2018 I had a court hear for temporary orders with my sister. The orders were for 3 months and granted me visitation. My sister has an attorney who drew up the orders and e-mailed them to me. I didn't get them until July 2018 which exceeded the 3 month order. I received them and... Read more »
You can find out if the orders were signed by the judge 1st. Then proceed to hire an attorney. You would be more at ease when you do. Good luck. If we service the county where your case is pending feel free to reach out to us. 888-343-4529
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