Texas has several programs to deal with family law issues. This includes such issues like domestic violence, which could impact parental rights. For example, Child Protective Services investigates child abuse or neglect. Under state law, any person who believes that a child was abused or neglected must notify CPS or law enforcement agencies.
How is child abuse investigated?
Divorce and taxes
The pending divorce of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie has captured media attention as their $400 million net worth poses serious tax, financial and legal issues. However, tax law consequences are not limited to celebrities and Texas couples at the end of a marriage should prepare to face many of these divorce issues.
What are the protections for military spouses?
Spouses of military personnel in Texas have additional protections for enforcement of orders under federal laws following a military divorce. Under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA), state courts may distribute retirement pay to formers spouse of service members and the Department of Defense (DOD) may enforce these state court support orders.
Collecting child support from other states
Parents do not always stay in Texas after divorce or separation. Collecting child support from a parent living in another state, however, presents challenges. A federal law, the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, responds to this problem and requires all states to adopt this law and assist with child support enforcement.
Challenges for older divorces
At any age, divorce poses difficult financial and legal challenges for couples in Texas. However, the end of a marriage later in life poses unique divorce issues for those couples.
By establishing paternity, all parties benefit
If you are like most Americans, you have browsed your cable channels and stumbled across a reality show or two on which some unfortunate woman has found herself in a position of having to figure out who the father of her baby is, and she confronts all of the potential fathers on national television. Apparently there are some in the general public who find it entertaining that someone may be facing the serious issue of establishing paternity. However, for many who are facing the issue, there is often a multitude of raw emotions and legal hurdles to consider.
Why enter a prenuptial agreement?
Wedding planning may include less romantic but important aspects for engaged couples in Texas. A prenuptial agreement, for example, allows couples to have an inventory of property that they possessed before their marriage and help protect assets when a marriage ends.
What are the types of child custody?
The end of a marriage can be complex for Dallas parents. Following divorce or separation, the parents are granted child custody through agreement or court order. Custody, also known as conservatorship in Texas, specifies a parent's legal rights and obligations. These rights include the ability to receive information from the other parent concerning the child's health, well-being and education and allows access to these records. Custody permits a parent to speak to the child's doctor and teacher and to grant consent for emergency medical and dental treatment for the child.
