Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Adoption, Family Law
Adopting a child is a blessing for the entire family. If you are considering adoption, or are about to start the process, you likely want to expand your family as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, adoption does not happen overnight. Additionally, it is very difficult to determine how long any one case may take because the …
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Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce, Family Law
Spousal maintenance, known as alimony in other states, is not guaranteed in all Texas divorces. However, when one spouse will be left unable to financially support themselves during or after the divorce process, a judge may order it. Couples can also reach an agreement on their own about whether spousal maintenance should be paid, the …
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Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Contested Divorce, Divorce
It is no secret that divorce is expensive and this is even truer in cases that involve conflict. Contested divorces are those in which the couple does not agree to all terms. During the divorce process, these issues must be resolved and that can become costly. The average cost of a contested divorce in Texas …
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Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Child Support
Even when you receive a “final” order in a Texas divorce or paternity case, it is important to remember that child support is subject to modification in certain situations. Change is inevitable, so when a new reality impacts the payor, recipient, or child, the laws allow for appropriate adjustments. The Texas child support statute …
Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Family Law
You might not appreciate the expansive nature of Texas family law concepts until you realize that the relevant concepts encompass many of your closest, most personal relationships. Some scenarios involve joyful occasions and meeting the legal requirements for marriage or welcoming a new member of the family. Others are less cheerful, but it is still …
Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Child Custody
If you are going through divorce in Texas and have minor children, you can be sure that child custody issues will be a focal point in your case. Even unmarried parents have rights regarding their children, regardless of whether they maintain a personal relationship. As a result, child custody may even be involved with paternity …
Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Family Law
What is a DNA Paternity Test? In Texas, when parents are unmarried, establishing paternity and determining parental rights and responsibilities for minor children follows a different process compared to married couples. The child’s parentage is not presumed when the parents are not officially married. To establish paternity, parents can execute an Acknowledgement of Paternity if …
Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Adoption
Understanding the adoption rights for single parents in Texas is crucial if you are considering adopting a child in the state. You are no doubt eager to learn more about the process, statutory requirements, and procedural issues that are required to welcome a new member of the family. However, when you are not married, one …
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Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Family Law
Regardless of whether an award of alimony (or its proper Texas name – spousal maintenance) came through an agreement of the parties or a contested hearing, a so-called “final” divorce decree is not necessarily set in stone. Texas divorce laws recognize that the status quo that existed at the close of the divorce case will …
Continue reading "What Can I Do If I Don’t Want to Pay Alimony Anymore?"
Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce
You probably deal with narcissistic, self-absorbed individuals on a regular basis, and they likely affect your personal or professional life – or both. One of the most challenging situations you may face is when you are looking to divorce someone who demonstrates the personality traits of narcissism. There is a good chance that your spouse’s …
Continue reading "Divorcing a Narcissist: Does it Affect the Process?"
