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Author Archives: Mary E. Ramos

Need an Adult Adoption in Texas?

Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Adoption

The recent adult adoption of a Florida businessman’s girlfriend in an attempt to protect assets from civil litigation has put the spotlight on the legal act of adopting an adult. The Texas Family Code, Section 162.501 specifically allows for the legal adoption of an adult by another adult. Adult adoption differs little from the adoption from a minor, with the exception that an adult must consent to the adoption. The biological parents of the adoptee do not need to be notified of the adoption and are not entitled to notice of any adoption proceedings. An original petition for adoption must be filed with the court and a hearing will be held.

I Recently Moved To Texas. Can I File A Divorce Or Family Law Suit Here?

Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce, Uncontested Divorce

To obtain a divorce in the state of Texas, at least one of the spouses must have been domiciled in the state of Texas for the six months preceding the filing of the divorce suit as well as a resident of the county in which the suit will be filed for at least the preceding 90 days. If neither spouse has been a Texas resident for at least six months prior to filing the suit, you have not established jurisdiction and will need to wait until six months have passed until you may file for divorce in Texas. This is a jurisdictional issue, meaning that the Court has no power to grant a divorce until at least one spouse has met the residency requirements.

How Do I Keep Separate Property Separate During Marriage?

Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce

Texas is a community property state, which means that there is a presumption that assets are community property, not separate property of a spouse. To overcome this presumption, one must be able to definitively show to a court that an asset was acquired before the marriage and has maintained its characterization as separate property. The key to maintaining the character of your property as separate is to avoid commingling the property with community property.

Penalties Levied by Child Support Enforcement In Texas

Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Child Support

The State of Texas takes failing to pay child support very seriously; you can face several different types of penalties. These penalties include contempt, liens/foreclosures, suspension of licenses and child support liens. Failure to pay child support obligations is punishable by coercive and punitive contempt. A motion for enforcement by contempt can be filed with the court.

Five Steps to Help You Financially Prepare for a Divorce

Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce, Top 5 Divorce Articles

1. Make copies of all financial records. It’s very important to have an accurate picture of all your assets and debts. You’ll need to know all bank accounts, savings accounts, loan accounts, credit accounts, tax returns, etc. as all of these will need to be divided in your divorce. Having copies made before you actually separate from your spouse will save you the trouble of trying to track records down later.

Parenting Classes and Divorce in Texas

Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce

The Texas Family Code has a provision related to taking a Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course. While the provision does not mandate the taking of one of these courses, many of the family law courts in Harris County do require the completion of one of these courses.

What Is Sole Managing Conservatorship?

Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Child Custody, Divorce

A common misconception in the arena of Texas family law is that conservatorship and custody are the same thing. In the state of Texas, conservatorship is the designation as to which parent has the right to make certain decisions and exercise certain duties. A parent designated as sole managing conservator has all exclusive rights regarding

How does bankruptcy affect my divorce case?

Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce

In today’s economic times, divorce and bankruptcy often go hand in hand. It’s important to know what role bankruptcy can play in a pending divorce suit. You may be able to file for divorce while you have a pending bankruptcy filing and the court may render judgment on issues such as child support or conservatorship issues. Many courts will not award property while your bankruptcy is still pending and your

Do I Have To Force My Child To Visit Her Father? What Are My Child’s Custody Rights?

Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Child Custody, Divorce, Visitation and Access

This is a difficult position for both parties involved. As the custodial parent, it’s your responsibility to foster a relationship between your child and their father, even if your relationship with their father is strained. But as you surely know, it can be difficult to convince a teenager to do anything they do not want to do. But it will be you, the parent, who faces repercussions for your child’s refusal to visit with their father.

What is a geographic restriction in a Divorce?

Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Child Custody, Divorce

Under Section 153.001, the Texas Family Code sets out that it is the public policy of the State of Texas to: (1) assure that children will have frequent and continuing contact with parents who have shown the ability to act in the best interest of the child; (2) provide a safe, stable, and nonviolent environment for the child; and (3) encourage parents to share in the rights and duties of raising their child after the parents have separated or dissolved their marriage.

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