Too often in Family litigation, a party places focus in the wrong place. Divorces and custody cases are so full of emotional turmoil that priorities get misplaced. It becomes very easy for you to say, “I want to make him/her suffer and pay for what … [Read more...]
Possession and Access
This month I want to talk about Possession and Access, what we more frequently call visitation. The law concerning Possession and Access is found in Texas Family Code Chapter 153 beginning at section 301. Much like child support, the "Standard … [Read more...]
Avoiding Summer Time Drama in Your Divorce
Like every year, summer’s high temperatures can lead to high drama for families that are going through a divorce. Smooth sailing custody arrangements can quickly be derailed by the free flowing schedule imposed on parents when the kids are out of … [Read more...]
Who’s Your………Parent?
Legal vs. Biological Parent Biological parentage is easy to establish these days: a DNA test can indicate with 99.999% probability that an adult and a minor are parent and child, or it can rule out the possibility that a particular adult and child … [Read more...]
Child Support
As many of you know, I worked for the Attorney General’s Office in the Child Support Division for many years. One of the things that never ceases to surprise me is that many litigants and even attorneys approach Child Support as though it is a ‘cut … [Read more...]
Collaborative Law
Unlike the traditional divorce process, collaborative law, which originated in Texas in 2001, allows parties to partake in a more civil and individualized process for ending their marriage. In 2011, the Uniform Collaborative Law Act became effective … [Read more...]
Can’t I just represent myself in my divorce?
At Bailey & Galyen, we are often asked by potential clients if they can simply represent themselves in a divorce. The short answer is yes – our legal system is designed to be accessible to all people, regardless of attorney representation. … [Read more...]
Marriage is in the Air
Marriage is in the air. It seems like every time I look at Facebook someone I know is getting married or engaged. There are engagement photos, pictures of the rings, rehearsal dinners, little ring bearers, flower girls, photos of the bride and … [Read more...]
Using Mental Health Professionals in Family Law Cases
One of the most important resources we can utilize in family law cases is the mental health professional. Whether it be a social worker from the Domestic Relations Office or Family Court Services Office in your County; a private social worker; … [Read more...]
Premarital or Prenuptial Agreements
Texas recognizes and enforces premarital or prenuptial agreements between prospective spouses who intend to avoid any uncertainties regarding property interests as the conclusion of their marriage whether by death or divorce. The relevant provisions … [Read more...]
