Protecting Your Family’s Future | Trusted Family Law Attorneys
Is your marriage not working? Are you concerned about the consequences of a divorce—how it will affect your relationship and involvement with your children, how it will affect you financially, and how you’ll divide the debts and assets accumulated during your marriage?
Are you considering getting married but want assurances in advance that you won’t lose everything you’ve worked so hard to build?
Would you like to build your family through adoption? If so, you want an experienced and proven family law attorney.
Bailey & Galyen is the answer.
At Bailey & Galyen, we bring more than four decades of proven experience to men, women, and families across Texas and offer a wide range of family law services.
We have comprehensive knowledge of Texas divorce laws and procedures, including matters related to child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, and the distribution of assets under the state’s community property laws.
We can also assist with pre- or post-nuptial agreements and walk you through the legal steps to adopt a child.
For a private consultation with a skilled and dedicated Dallas family lawyer, contact Bailey & Galyen online or call our offices at (972) 449-1241.
Schedule A Free Consultation Today!
Dallas Family Law Guide
- Why You Want to Hire Bailey & Galyen
- A Legacy of Personal Service and Attention
- Our Commitment to You
- Family Law in Texas
- Common Divorce Issues Handled in Family Court in Dallas, Texas
- Reasons Why You Want a Lawyer to Handle Your Divorce Case
- What Is the Difference Between Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements?
- Why You Need a Family Lawyer for an Adoption
- How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost?
- Get the Results You Need | Contact Us Today for a Free Initial Consultation
Why You Want to Hire Bailey & Galyen
Board-Certified Attorneys With 40 Years of Experience
At Bailey & Galyen, we bring four decades of hands-on experience to clients facing various legal challenges.
Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to providing the highest standards of legal representation across Texas, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and beyond.
As a true “consumer law firm,” we meet the needs of individuals and businesses.
A Legacy of Personal Service and Attention
Over the years, Bailey & Galyen has grown significantly, earning a reputation for excellence. Our firm was built on an unwavering commitment to personal service and attention. We take the time to learn the details of your situation and goals, allowing us to customize our counsel to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Our Commitment to You
At Bailey & Galyen, we dedicate 100 percent of our attention and efforts to every detail of your case.
Our attorneys, certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, cover many practice areas, ensuring you receive legal representation tailored to your needs.
Our practice areas include:
- Personal Injury & Accident Law
- Family Law & Divorce
- Estate Planning & Probate
- Immigration
- Social Security & Disability
- Civil Appellate Law
Comprehensive Legal Services
We offer comprehensive legal representation in a wide range of practice areas, including criminal defense, family law, immigration, dog bites, slip-and-falls, and social security benefits.
Accessible and Convenient
Our offices are conveniently located across Texas, including Arlington, Bedford, Burleson, Carrollton, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Houston, Lubbock, San Antonio, Santa Fe, Mansfield, Mesquite, Midland/Odessa, Plano, Sugar Land, Springdale, Texarkana, and Weatherford. We also serve clients in Arkansas and New Mexico.
Our phones are answered 24/7, and we offer evening and weekend appointments upon request.
We offer several payment plans and financing options through the Bailey & Galyen Legal Card to ensure you receive the necessary legal representation.
Free Initial Consultation
Contact our office online or at (972) 449-1241 for your free consultation.
At Bailey & Galyen, we are dedicated to helping you navigate your legal challenges confidently and efficiently.
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Family Law in Texas
As in most states, the family laws in Texas are governed by a blend of statutes and common-law principles (derived from judges’ opinions).
The Texas Family Code addresses many legal issues related to or involving families and family issues, including:
- What constitutes marriage
- How property will be divided in a divorce, and basic rules related to divorce proceedings
- The rights of a minor child concerning family law matters
- The potential criminal or illegal acts that minors may commit
- Issues related to family or domestic violence, including the process for obtaining a protective order
- The parent-child relationship, including SAFCRs (suits affecting the Parent-Child Relationship)
Common Divorce Issues Handled in Family Court in Dallas, Texas
As a part of divorce, the parties will need to resolve issues related to:
- Child custody and visitation—Known in Texas as “managing conservatorship” and “access,” this involves both physical custody (where the child resides) and legal custody (the resolution of issues related to the child’s well-being, such as educational, medical, or spiritual matters).
- Child and spousal support—As a general rule, a non-custodial parent pays child support to the custodial parent of a minor child. In most instances, the court uses a formula to calculate the amount of support based on each parent’s respective income and the child’s particular needs.
- Alimony or spousal support—Though less common than it used to be, courts still have the discretion to order one party to make payments to the other party, either temporarily or permanently.
- The division of marital debts and assets—Texas is one of a minority of states that apply the community property concept to the distribution of marital property.
Reasons Why You Want a Lawyer to Handle Your Divorce Case
You might think you can handle your divorce on your own, but reconsider. Even without significant conflict, the process is complex, and mistakes are costly.
A knowledgeable and experienced family law attorney can:
- Help you prepare for the proceedings to minimize costs while achieving your desired outcome.
- Assist you in exploring alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or collaborative divorce, to settle differences more quickly and affordably.
- Ensure all assets are accurately accounted for in your community property settlement.
- Ensure that the terms of your agreement are accurately reflected in the court order.
What Is the Difference Between Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements?
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are legal contracts related to marriage, but they differ in timing and some specific considerations.
Here are the key differences:
Timing
Prenuptial Agreement (Prenup):
- Executed Before Marriage: A prenuptial agreement is created and signed before the couple marries. It becomes effective upon marriage.
Postnuptial Agreement (Postnup):
- Executed After Marriage: A postnuptial agreement is created and signed after the couple is married. It can be executed at any point during the marriage.
Purpose and Content
Prenuptial Agreement:
- Asset and Debt Protection: It outlines the division of assets and debts if the marriage ends in divorce or death.
- Inheritance Rights: Can specify how assets will be passed to children from previous relationships.
- Spousal Support: May include terms for spousal support or alimony in the event of divorce.
- Financial Responsibilities: Can outline financial responsibilities and rights during the marriage.
- Business Protection: Often used to protect business interests and ensure they remain separate property.
Postnuptial Agreement:
- Addresses Changes After Marriage: Can address changes in circumstances after the marriage, such as significant changes in income, debts, or the acquisition of substantial assets.
- Clarifies Financial Matters: Helps clarify financial matters and responsibilities that have evolved during the marriage.
- Amends Prenuptial Agreement: A postnup can be used to amend or update a prenuptial agreement if both parties agree.
Legal Considerations
Prenuptial Agreement:
- Disclosure Requirements: Requires full disclosure of assets, liabilities, and financial information before signing.
- Voluntary Execution: Must be entered into voluntarily by both parties, without coercion or duress.
- Fairness and Enforceability: Must be fair and reasonable to both parties to be enforceable in court.
Postnuptial Agreement:
- Disclosure Requirements: Similarly, full disclosure of financial information is required.
- Voluntary Execution: Must be entered into voluntarily, without coercion.
- Changed Circumstances: Courts scrutinize postnuptial agreements more closely to ensure they were made with a clear understanding of changed circumstances after marriage.
Enforceability
Both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements must meet specific legal standards to enforce:
- Written and Signed: Both types of agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.
- Fairness: They must be fair and not heavily favor one party over the other.
- Full Disclosure: Both parties must fully disclose their financial situation.
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements protect individual and mutual interests in a marriage, but they differ primarily regarding the time of execution.
Why You Need a Family Lawyer for an Adoption
Family lawyers are crucial in child adoption, providing essential legal guidance and support.
Here are several ways they can assist you:
- Understanding Adoption Laws: Family lawyers explain the adoption laws and regulations specific to your state, ensuring you understand your rights and responsibilities.
- Adoption Agency Selection: They help you choose a reputable adoption agency, guiding you through the various options, whether domestic, international, or private adoption.
- Document Preparation: Lawyers accurately and timely prepare and file all necessary legal documents, including petitions, consent forms, and background checks.
- Home Study Assistance: They assist in coordinating and preparing for the home study process, which is a critical step in evaluating the suitability of your home environment for the child.
- Navigating Legal Procedures: Family lawyers represent you in court hearings and adoption proceedings, advocating for your best interests and addressing any legal challenges.
- Birth Parent Consent: They obtain and document the birth parents’ legal consent, safeguarding against future disputes.
- Interstate and International Adoptions: Lawyers help navigate the complex legal requirements for interstate or international adoptions and ensure compliance with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) or international treaties.
- Finalizing the Adoption: They guide you through the finalization process, creating a legally binding adoption decree and correctly concluding all legal aspects.
- Post-Adoption Issues: Family lawyers can assist with post-adoption matters, such as amending birth certificates, securing citizenship for international adoptees, and addressing any potential legal issues after you finalize the adoption.
- Emotional Support and Counseling: Your attorney will understand the emotional and complex adoption journey and can provide emotional support or connect you with counseling services.
By partnering with a family lawyer, you can confidently navigate the adoption process, knowing that all legal aspects are handled professionally and thoroughly.
How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost?
Family lawyers in Texas typically bill on an hourly basis. Each case is unique, making it difficult to estimate the cost of representation accurately.
The hourly rates for family law attorneys in Texas vary widely, influenced by the attorney’s experience and reputation and the case’s complexity.
Straightforward cases like uncontested divorces or simple child custody modifications usually require fewer billable hours than complex matters involving high-conflict divorces, intricate property divisions, or contentious child custody disputes.
Other costs may arise, such as court fees, expert witness costs, and document preparation and filing charges.
Clients should always discuss the fee structure and billing practices with their attorneys. Many attorneys provide an initial consultation to discuss the case’s specifics and offer a tailored estimate of potential costs.
Understanding these details can help clients plan and budget accordingly, ensuring they are prepared for the financial commitment.
Given the unpredictability of legal proceedings, clients should seek to maintain open and honest communication with their attorney, regularly reviewing billing statements and discussing any concerns about costs as they arise.
Get the Results You Need | Contact Us Today for a Free Initial Consultation
We are committed to your total satisfaction at the law offices of Bailey and Galyen, with offices throughout Texas.
We take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request, and we will travel for a consultation if necessary.
To schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your family law concerns, call our offices at (972) 449-1241 or contact us by e-mail.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law – Dallas Office
2777 N Stemmons Fwy Suite 1150
Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: 972-449-1241
