Typically, only one parent can claim a child as a dependent. So, which parent claims a dependent child? Generally, the parent that has the child for the greater part of the year (over 50%), in other words the parent that the child lives with primarily, claims the...
A common law marriage is when a couple lives together for a period of time and holds themselves out to friends, family, and the community as "being married," but never goes through a formal ceremony or get a marriage license. Requirements to Prove Common Law Marriage:...
Governor Greg Abbott has recently signed a number of bills aimed at improving child protection in Texas. After much controversy over the broken system, lawmakers have been working to target major issues, providing the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services...
Divorce brings out the worst in people, but that should never extend to children of the relationship. While parents sort out their dispute, they should do their best to shield their children from the nitty gritty details. Unfortunately, however, some take the divorce...
Once family law cases in Texas have court orders and if one of the parties is not abiding by these orders, the other party must bring it to the attention of the court. Most often that is done by filing a Motion for Contempt or a Motion for Enforcement. What is a...
Divorce can be a painful and difficult process to go through. Unfortunately, some people use their divorce as a tool for revenge and vengeance towards their spouse without realizing the price they will personally pay in the long run. It is not uncommon for spouses in...
"Co-parenting" is used to describe parents that are separated or divorced that work together to raise their children. In co-parenting circumstances, parents usually share responsibility for raising their children even though the parents no longer live in the same home...
Pending before the Texas Supreme Court is this very question: Does Texas law recognize a claim for tortious interference with inheritance rights? At this time, there is a split between Texas appellate courts. Courts in San Antonio, Houston, and El Paso have recognized...
An absolute fear of any parent is having your child removed by Child Protective Services (CPS). Suddenly, complete strangers need to know every little detail about your life and your child's life, and your every move is being monitored. While it may seem stressful,...
Over the past four decades there has been a steady rise of the average age of first time mothers. In 1970 the average age of a first-time mother was 21.4; this number grew to 24.9 in 2000, which increased again to 25.2 in 2009, and again to 26.3 in 2014. The National...