In recent years, joint custody has become increasingly popular in divorce cases, with 50/50 custody being one of the most commonly sought arrangements. However, like any custody arrangement, there are pros and cons to 50/50 custody that must be considered before making a decision. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of 50/50 [...]
As a family law attorney with over a decade of experience, I've seen firsthand the toll that disputes can take on families. While we always strive to resolve cases outside of the courtroom, sometimes the only way to achieve a fair outcome is through a final trial. In this article, I'll share my insights on what [...]
As an unmarried parent, you face unique challenges when it comes to establishing custody and protecting your rights as a parent. This can be especially true if you and your partner are no longer in a relationship and the other parent's whereabouts are unknown. In this blog post, we'll discuss the importance of knowing the names [...]
As a Dallas family lawyer, I have represented many clients in child custody cases. One issue that often arises in these cases is whether a geographic restriction should be imposed on the custodial parent. In Texas, a geographic restriction limits the residence of the child to a certain geographic area. In this blog post, I will [...]
As a Dallas family lawyer, I have seen my fair share of high tension and high conflict drop-off and pick-up situations in divorce and custody cases. These situations can be emotionally charged and stressful for everyone involved, especially for the children. However, with the right approach, it is possible to manage these situations in a healthy [...]
As a Dallas family lawyer, I have seen my fair share of cases where a step-parent's abusive behavior has led to a need for a modification of a custody and visitation order. Whether you are a custodial or non-custodial parent, it is important to know your options for protecting your children in these situations. Options for [...]
When it comes to Texas custody cases, it's important to understand the difference between clarification and modification of an order. While these two processes may seem similar, they are actually quite distinct and have different requirements and outcomes. Clarification of an Order A court may clarify an order in a Texas suit affecting the parent-child relationship [...]
Child Custody Modification Under Texas family law, changes to the custody agreement can be made only under certain circumstances and with specific requirements. Generally, a person must wait a year before seeking to change the primary custody order. However, there are exceptions to this rule if: The person with primary custody agrees to the change or [...]
When it comes to determining parenting time in Texas, it can be confusing to understand the various possession schedules that are available. In this blog post, we'll break down the Standard Possession Order, the Extended Standard Possession Order, and the Possession Order for Children Under Three. Standard Possession Order Under the Standard Possession Order, Texas law [...]
As a Dallas family lawyer at the Blacknall Firm, I often work with parents who are separated or divorced and are looking for guidance on how to best raise their children. Two approaches that I see frequently are co-parenting and parallel parenting. Understanding the differences between these two approaches can help parents make the best decision [...]
As a family lawyer, I often see the immense pain and heartache that can result from disputes over child custody and visitation. These disputes can be incredibly complex and emotionally charged, which is why it is important to find a resolution that is fair, amicable, and in the best interests of the child. Mediation is one [...]
As a family lawyer practicing in Texas, I often see parents who have violated a child custody order. This can lead to serious consequences, including modification of the order. In this post, I will explain what it means to violate a child custody order in Texas and the potential consequences that may follow. What is a [...]
As a family lawyer in Dallas, I often see clients struggle with enforcing child custody and visitation orders. These orders are put in place to ensure the best interests of the child are met, but they can only be effective if they are followed. In this blog post, I will outline some strategies for ensuring compliance [...]
As a Dallas family lawyer, I understand that one of the biggest concerns for parents who have gone through a divorce or separation is ensuring that the child custody or visitation order is followed. When one parent fails to abide by the terms of the order, it can be confusing and frustrating for the other parent [...]
Child custody battles can be emotionally draining experiences for families. Having a well-drafted child custody and visitation order provides stability and peace of mind for both parents and children. What is a Child Custody and Visitation Order? A child custody and visitation order is a legal document that outlines the terms of custody and visitation for [...]
As a divorce attorney in Dallas, I often see clients struggling with the complex issues surrounding child custody, especially when the case involves international jurisdiction. In this article, I will break down the basics of subject-matter jurisdiction in Texas child custody cases. Chapter 152 of the Texas Family Code Governs Subject-Matter Jurisdiction According to Tex. Fam. [...]
As a Dallas divorce and child custody attorney, I often get asked about Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) and when they are appropriate in a custody case. What is a TRO? A TRO is a court order that can be used in emergency situations to protect a child from harm or the risk of harm. These situations [...]
A guardian ad litem, or GAL, is a professional appointed by a judge in some child custody cases to act as an advocate for the child. The GAL's role is to investigate the child's situation and make recommendations to the court about what is in the child's best interests. Education and Experience A GAL can hold [...]
What is a Child Custody Evaluation? A child custody evaluation is a process in which a judge orders a mental health professional to investigate specific issues in a case. The evaluator compiles a report on each parent's strengths and weaknesses, and may also provide recommendations to the court if the judge requested them. Reasons for Child [...]
What is Our Family Wizard? Our Family Wizard is a web-based tool designed to help divorced or separated parents communicate and manage co-parenting tasks more efficiently. It offers a variety of features, including a calendar to schedule visits and other important events, a messaging system for communication between parents, a financial tracking tool to manage expenses [...]
As an experienced divorce and child custody attorney in Texas, I often encounter situations where one parent is not adhering to the terms of a custody order. When this happens, it is necessary to take legal action in order to enforce the custody agreement and ensure that the best interests of the child are being met. [...]
As a Texas family law attorney, I often get asked by minors and their parents about the possibility of obtaining emancipation. Emancipation is a legal process that allows a minor to become an adult in the eyes of the law, giving them the right to make their own decisions about their health, education, and welfare. Requirements [...]
As a parent or legal guardian in Texas, you have the responsibility to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your children. This includes ensuring that they have a safe and comfortable place to sleep at night. Are there specific laws in Texas regarding sleeping arrangements for children? There are no specific laws in Texas regarding [...]
If you are involved in a modification case regarding the primary residence of your child, you may wonder if the child's residence can be changed during the temporary orders hearing. The answer is yes, but only under certain circumstances. Here's what you need to know about changing the child's residence during a temporary orders hearing for [...]
As a Dallas divorce and child custody attorney at The Blacknall Firm, I often work with clients who are navigating the complexities of Texas divorce proceedings and child custody arrangements. In this blog post, I will provide an in-depth overview of joint managing conservators and how this legal term is used in Texas divorce cases. What [...]
When parents get divorced in Texas, child custody can become a contentious issue. In some cases, the court may impose a geographic restriction on one or both parents' custody of the child. If you are going through a divorce or custody battle, it is important to understand what geographic restrictions are and how they could impact [...]
Child support is a hot button topic that arises during divorces or separations involving children. While it may not be a perfect system, child support is a necessary part of life when people have children, whether they are married or never been married. It's crucial to remember that the child needs financial support from both parents. [...]
At The Blacknall Firm, we understand that temporary order hearings can be a confusing and overwhelming process for clients. As experienced family law attorneys in Texas, we have helped numerous clients navigate temporary order hearings and achieve the best possible outcomes. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most common questions that potential [...]
Enforcing Court-Ordered Custody and Visitation in Texas As a Texas divorce and child custody lawyer, I often see clients who are struggling to enforce their court-ordered custody and visitation rights. It is a common misconception that once a divorce decree or custody order has been handed down, everything will fall into place and we can move [...]
While many divorced couples can put their differences aside and live relatively happy if separate lives, some cannot. Simmering resentment, hidden anger, attempts at getting revenge – all of these can come bubbling up to the surface. Often, they manifest in the form of denied visitation for noncustodial parents. Not only is this illegal, but it [...]
As a Texas divorce and child custody lawyer, I often work with clients who are navigating the complex process of determining custody arrangements for their children. In Texas, child custody is referred to as "conservatorship," and there are several different types of conservatorship that can be granted in a child custody case. In this blog post, [...]
As a divorce attorney at The Blacknall Firm, I often see clients who are going through difficult child custody, child support, and child visitation matters. The barometer by which a court makes decisions in these cases is the legal construct known as the "best interest of the child". As a parent, it can be difficult to [...]
The police may enforce a child custody order, but most times, they decline involvement, considering it a civil matter. Interference with Child Custody as a Crime However, the police could take action if they choose to. Interference with child custody is considered a crime under Texas Penal Code 25.03 and is defined as taking or retaining [...]
As a Dallas divorce and child custody lawyer at The Blacknall Firm, I often see clients run into issues when it comes to summer travel overseas with their children. One common issue that unmarried parents may encounter is the need for assistance from the custodial parent in order to obtain a passport for their child. If [...]
In 2021, the Texas Supreme Court implemented new rules for mandatory initial disclosures in family law cases. These disclosures are designed to provide the parties with basic information about each other's case, including: A list of all individuals with knowledge of the facts related to the case A description of any documents or electronic information relevant [...]
As a Dallas divorce and child custody attorney at The Blacknall Firm, I often get asked by parents if their child can choose which parent they want to live with during a divorce. The answer is not as simple as a yes or no. The Legal Standard for Custody in Texas In Texas, the court's primary [...]
If you're a parent in Texas seeking to establish or modify a court order for visitation with your child, you may have many questions and concerns about the process. As a Texas family law attorney, I understand the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with your child and want to help you navigate the legal system [...]
As a divorce and child custody attorney at The Blacknall Firm, I know firsthand the importance of the well-being of the child in these types of cases. In Texas, it is within the Judge's discretion to interview a child in a child custody case. Child's Voice in Custody Cases When representing a client in a child [...]
There is nothing simple about divorce, particularly when there is a child involved. It is one of the single most stressful events in your life. Once the divorce is over, you hope that you can put it all behind you. You breathe a deep sigh of relief, steel your reserve, and begin venturing out into your [...]
Child custody arrangements can be one of the most contentious issues in divorce or suit affecting the parent child relationship proceedings. As a family law attorney in Dallas, I have seen firsthand the impact that a social study evaluation can have on the outcome of a case. In this blog post, I will explain the social [...]
Parental Alienation: Understanding and Overcoming a Devastating Phenomenon As a Texas divorce and child custody lawyer, I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of parental alienation on children and their relationships with their parents. This phenomenon, which occurs when one parent attempts to alienate a child from the other parent, can have serious long-term consequences for [...]
