Dallas Divorce Lawyer Blog

How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Forney Divorce Lawyer

September 29, 2023 | by Robert Guest

Going through a divorce is a challenging and emotionally charged experience. When seeking legal guidance, it’s essential to make the most of your initial meeting with a Forney divorce attorney. Adequate preparation ensures that you can maximize your time together, gain clarity on the process, and set realistic expectations.

At the Forney, TX, divorce law firm of Guest & Gray, we help clients through the process of getting a divorce. Like many divorce attorneys, we provide free consultations to all prospective clients and want our initial meeting to provide you with all the information you need. So, in this blog post, we will provide you with valuable tips on how to prepare for your first meeting with one of our divorce lawyers, that way, we can provide you with meaningful advice to guide your decision-making.

Compile Essential Documents

Do You Need a Lawyer if You Anticipate an Amicable Divorce?

September 22, 2023 | by Robert Guest

Divorce is often portrayed as an acrimonious and bitter process, but what if you and your spouse have managed to maintain a cordial relationship throughout your separation? While it’s commendable that you can still get along, it doesn’t mean that you don’t need a Forney divorce lawyer to ensure that your interests remain protected.

At Guest & Gray, we’ve seen many situations where couples start off the divorce process on fairly good terms but end up in a contentious situation due to the emotional challenges of navigating the process without legal representation. In this blog post, we’ll explore why enlisting an attorney’s help is essential, even in amicable divorces.

Objective Guidance and Advice

A Forney divorce lawyer serves as an impartial professional who can provide objective guidance and advice. At Guest & Gray, our attorneys possess a deep understanding of divorce laws, ensuring that you are aware of your rights, entitlements, and responsibilities. We can help you navigate complex legal processes, including property division, child custody arrangements, and spousal support. Their expertise ensures that you make informed decisions that protect your long-term interests, even if the separation remains amicable.

A Guide to Understanding Spousal Support Laws in Texas

September 15, 2023 | by Robert Guest

When a marriage ends, one of the most pressing concerns is the financial well-being of both spouses. In Texas, spousal support, also known as alimony, can play a crucial role in providing economic stability during and after a divorce. In this blog post, our Forney divorce lawyers will delve into the key aspects of spousal support laws in Texas, shedding light on eligibility, the factors a court will consider, and the different types of spousal support.

Eligibility for Spousal Support

In Texas, eligibility for spousal support depends on various factors. The court may award spousal support if the spouse seeking support lacks enough property or income to provide for their reasonable needs after the divorce. Additionally, the court considers several other aspects, including the length of the marriage, the age and health of the spouses, the earning capacity of each spouse, and any marital misconduct that may have occurred.

Factors Considered by the Court

When determining the amount and duration of spousal support, the court takes several factors into account. These factors include the financial resources available to both spouses, the education and employment skills of each spouse, the time needed for the spouse seeking support to acquire sufficient education or training, and the contribution of each spouse to the marriage, both financially and as a homemaker. The court also considers the separate property owned by each spouse and any child custody arrangements.

Why Go Through the Trouble of Establishing Paternity?

September 8, 2023 | by Robert Guest

Establishing paternity is a significant step for both men and women, providing numerous benefits and legal protections. In this blog post, we will explore why individuals may choose to go through the process of establishing paternity. From securing parental rights to fostering emotional connections, understanding the importance of paternity determination can positively impact the lives of children, parents, and families.

Legal Parental Rights and Responsibilities

Establishing paternity is crucial for men who want to assert their legal rights and responsibilities as fathers. It grants them the opportunity to participate in important decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, including matters such as education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. It also enables fathers to seek custody or visitation rights, ensuring a meaningful and ongoing relationship with their child. For mothers, establishing paternity can provide access to child support, helping to ensure financial stability for the child’s well-being.

Understanding When an Uncontested Divorce Makes the Most Sense

September 1, 2023 | by Robert Guest

Divorce is often associated with conflict and contentious legal battles. However, not all divorces need to follow that narrative. In Forney, Texas, couples have the option of pursuing an uncontested divorce, which offers a more amicable and streamlined process. At guest & Gray, our uncontested divorce lawyers have extensive experience helping couples through an amicable divorce. While this process doesn’t work for every couple, when it’s possible, it is often the best option.

In this blog post, we will explore the circumstances in which an uncontested divorce is possible and how it can be obtained.

Mutual Agreement and Cooperation

Understanding the Complexities of Parental Rights Termination in Texas

August 31, 2023 | by Robert Guest

Navigating the intricate landscape of family law proceedings is no easy task, and when parental rights are on the line, the stakes are incredibly high. A parent’s rights to parent their child are seen as fundamental under both the federal and Texas state constitutions A recent judicial published by the Texas Court of Appeals sheds light on the challenges parents can face in cases seeking the termination of parental rights.

According to the facts discussed in the recently published opinion, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services embarked on a legal journey to terminate the parental rights of N.R. (Father) and E.R. (Mother) concerning their two-year-old child. The case eventually made its way to court, leading to a judgment that would significantly impact the lives of those involved. N.R. (Father) appealed this judgment, resulting in the appellate proceeding.

The heart of Father’s appeal rested on the contention that the associate judge overseeing the trial had erred by proceeding with the trial on the merits, despite Father’s objection to the case referral. The legal landscape, as outlined by the Texas Family Code, permits judges to refer certain matters, including parent-child relationship suits, to associate judges for trial. However, this referral is not without its constraints. If a party raises a timely objection to the associate judge hearing the trial on the merits, the judge must then preside over the trial themselves.

Maintaining Familial Custody During and After Parental Termination Proceedings

August 31, 2023 | by Robert Guest

Texas child abuse and neglect cases often require that a child be placed in the temporary custody of another person besides the parent during the pendency of the proceeding. This may be necessary because serious allegations of abuse or neglect can warrant an urgent change in custody to protect a child from harm. Texas law works with a presumption that a child is best suited to be placed in the custody of a blood relative, especially if the child has a preexisting relationship with the relative.

In instances where parental rights are terminated after a judicial proceeding, the child will be placed in the permanent custody of another party besides the parent at issue. Courts often choose to make whatever temporary arrangement permanent after termination so long as the temporary custodian is interested in obtaining full custody of the child. A recent Texas appellate decision demonstrates the difficulty blood relatives may have in gaining custody of a child when the child was initially placed in the temporary custody of another person.

According to the facts discussed in the recently published appellate opinion, the child at issue was removed from the custody of his mother after he was hospitalized as unresponsive and tested positive for PCP, a powerful and illegal sedative drug. The child was received at the hospital, and a welfare proceeding was initiated on his behalf. During the proceeding, the child was placed in the care of a foster family, although later, a maternal aunt of the child was also interested in taking care of him as the aunt also had custody of the child’s younger brother.

What’s the Difference Between a Divorce and an Annulment in Texas?

August 30, 2023 | by Robert Guest

When a marriage reaches an irreconcilable point, couples have legal options to end their union. Divorce and annulment are two distinct approaches, each with its own implications. At Guest & Gray, we have extensive experience helping our clients end their marriages through both divorce and annulment. We can help explain the difference, the benefits and potential drawbacks of each, and help you effectively pursue your desired outcome.

In this blog post, we will explore the differences between divorce and annulment, shedding light on the grounds, legal consequences, and procedural aspects of each process.

Definition and Purpose

Divorce is a legal termination of a valid marriage, while annulment declares a marriage null and void, as if it never occurred. Divorce acknowledges that a valid marriage existed but has irretrievably broken down, providing a legal dissolution of the marital relationship. Annulment, on the other hand, treats the marriage as if it were invalid from the beginning, essentially erasing it from a legal standpoint.

Grounds for Divorce

Divorce is typically based on “no-fault” or “fault” grounds. “No-fault” divorce grounds, such as irreconcilable differences or insupportability, do not require proving any wrongdoing by either spouse. “Fault” grounds, such as adultery, abandonment, or cruelty, involve proving misconduct by one spouse, which may impact property division, spousal support, and child custody determinations.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Preparing to File for Divorce

August 23, 2023 | by Robert Guest

At our Forney divorce law firm, we understand the complexities of divorce and the emotional weight it can bear on those involved. We’ve seen clients walk into our office, sometimes making crucial mistakes that could complicate their divorce proceedings and affect their future. We want to take this opportunity to address some common errors and help you navigate your way toward a smoother transition.

The first, and perhaps most common mistake is rushing to file without fully understanding the consequences. Divorce is more than a dissolution of marriage; it encompasses various aspects like property division, child custody, alimony, and more. It’s essential to educate yourself on these matters before taking the plunge. Understanding the process and potential outcomes will allow you to prepare adequately and manage your expectations.

A closely related error is neglecting to gather essential financial documents. Accurate and detailed documentation is vital in divorce proceedings. Inadequate financial information can lead to unfair settlements. You should have a clear picture of your financial situation, including income, assets, debts, and expenses, to ensure a fair distribution of assets and debts.

Understanding Modifications to Child Support Orders in Texas

August 15, 2023 | by Robert Guest

Navigating the complex world of family law, particularly when it comes to child support orders, can be overwhelming. However, at guest & Gray, our Dallas County divorce law firm is committed to providing clarity and guidance. In this post, we delve into the essential details of modifications to child support orders in Texas.

In Texas, child support is established to ensure the welfare of the child post-divorce. However, circumstances can change post-judgment, necessitating a review and possible modification of the original child support order. Understanding the grounds and processes for these modifications is crucial for both the custodial and non-custodial parent.

Under Texas law, a child support order may be modified if it’s been three years since the last order and the monthly amount of the child support award under the order differs by either 20 percent or $100 from the amount that would be awarded according to child support guidelines. Additionally, a modification may be justified if there has been a material and substantial change in the circumstances of the child or a person affected by the order. Such changes could include a significant increase or decrease in either parent’s income, changes in the child’s medical insurance, or substantial changes in the child’s living arrangements.