Preparing for your first divorce hearing in Houston can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the Texas family court system. You may have questions about which documents to bring, whether financial records are necessary, what evidence the judge may consider, and how to prepare for questions about your children, property, or household expenses….
Financial disclosure is an important part of many divorce and family law proceedings. When a marriage ends, spouses may need to address property ownership, bank accounts, retirement savings, outstanding debts, income, and other financial matters. Having accurate financial information can help both parties understand the issues that must be resolved and prepare for negotiations or…
Seeking a protective order can be an important step for someone who fears family violence, threats, or continued abusive behavior. However, filing an application does not automatically mean a court will issue the requested order. A judge must consider the applicable Texas legal requirements and the information presented in the case. Understanding why protective orders…
The Trump administration is facing a federal lawsuit over new green card policies that could make it more difficult for certain immigrants already living in the United States to obtain lawful permanent residence without leaving the country. Filed on October 5, 2026, the lawsuit challenges two policy changes introduced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services…
When parents separate or divorce, disagreements about their children can involve much more than a visitation schedule. Parents may have different opinions about where a child should attend school, what medical treatment a child should receive, whether counseling is appropriate, or where the child’s primary residence should be. Texas law addresses these issues through conservatorship…
When Child Protective Services (CPS) becomes involved with your family, it can be difficult to know what to do next. A parent may receive a call from a caseworker, have a CPS investigator visit the home, be asked questions about a child, or learn that someone has made an allegation of abuse or neglect. A…
Many people assume that living together for a certain number of years automatically creates a common law marriage. That is not the law in Texas. Texas recognizes what is commonly called a common law marriage, but Texas statutes generally refer to this type of relationship as an informal marriage or a marriage “without formalities.” Under…
Introduction The Texas legal community is mourning the loss of Justice Kristin M. Guiney, a Houston-area judge and former prosecutor whose career was marked by public service, courtroom experience, and a commitment to the rule of law. Justice Guiney passed away on October 1, 2026, according to the University of Houston Law Center. The First…
If you are considering hiring a family lawyer, one of the first questions you may have is: How much does a family lawyer cost? There is no single answer that applies to every Texas family-law case. Legal fees can vary significantly depending on the type of case, the issues involved, how much disagreement exists between…
Family legal matters can affect some of the most important parts of a person’s life, including marriage, children, parental rights, financial responsibilities, and household arrangements. When a legal dispute involves one or more of these issues, a family lawyer can help a person understand the applicable law, navigate the legal process, prepare documents, negotiate with…