Strong Legal Representation for Parents and Families

Are you dealing with a family law issue that has become too challenging to resolve by yourself? Family law issues can be overly complex and have long-lasting consequences for all parties involved. Legal matters such as child custody disputes, property division, and domestic violence are common problems that require the help of a family law attorney.

If you are struggling with a family law legal issue, you need to consult a family lawyer immediately. Family legal issues do not resolve themselves and only become more challenging over time.

Palmer Law Group is an Allen, TX law firm dedicated to helping clients and their loved ones quickly achieve efficient resolutions to their legal needs. When you come to us for assistance, we will help you navigate the challenging legal process so you can begin rebuilding your life. Contact our Allen, TX law office today to schedule a confidential consultation to determine what legal options best suit your needs.

What Legal Services Do Family Lawyers Provide to Clients?

Family law cases can take many different forms, from estate planning, probate, and guardianships to divorce. One of the most significant services that lawyers provide is acting as your advocate as your case makes its way through the legal process.

Texas family law can become overly complex and divisive if not handled by a qualified lawyer. Suppose you are going through a divorce and are having trouble coming to a reasonable agreement regarding child custody or spousal support. In that case, a lawyer will represent your interests to ensure that your legal rights are safeguarded and that your voice is heard during negotiations.

It is almost guaranteed that your spouse or other party involved in the family law case will have skilled legal representation. Research shows that individuals who hire a family law attorney achieve more favorable outcomes than those who lack legal representation. Your attorney will also handle all legal paperwork, making sure it is completed correctly to help you meet critical deadlines and avoid costly mistakes.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer to Help Me Resolve Child Custody Issues?

Child custody disputes are frequently the most challenging and contentious part of divorce proceedings or other similar family law cases. Even if you and the other parents can agree on child custody, it is still wise to seek legal representation to ensure that your rights, as well as the best interests of your child, are protected.

Depending on the circumstances, you may need a lawyer to help you navigate the legal intricacies involved in your child custody case. A lawyer understands the nuances of dealing with family courts and the criteria judges use to determine what is in a child’s “best interests.” Texas family courts take several factors into account before making determinations regarding a child custody arrangement, and you will need a strong legal advocate to build a compelling case that protects your parental rights.

Having a lawyer becomes even more essential if you feel that your child’s life is at risk, or there is a current or prior history of substance abuse or domestic violence. Your lawyer can gather evidence that supports your claim and also demonstrate that you have the financial stability to care appropriately for your child.

Even more importantly, having a lawyer on your side during child custody negotiations will prove invaluable, as they will act as your legal liaison to work out a fair settlement with opposing counsel, sparing you the stress and worry of trying to handle it independently.

Why Is Legal Representation Vital in a High-Asset Divorce?

If you are involved in a high-asset divorce, you must have experienced legal representation to manage the complicated financial and legal issues these cases present. Divorce cases involving significant assets can become overly complex, especially when business or real estate partnerships, stock options, or other forms of income are involved.

When you hire a knowledgeable attorney to help you with your case, they have the resources to help identify your spouse’s assets and verify that they are not trying to conceal any property that should be included in the settlement. Texas family law imposes strict penalties for those who commit “fraud on the community” by concealing assets.

Another advantage of hiring an attorney is that they will work on your behalf to safeguard your business interests while securing a fair outcome for your case.

If you are concerned about protecting your hard-earned assets or are worried about your spouse trying to hide assets in a high-net-worth divorce, time is of the essence when deciding whether to hire an attorney.

Although many local divorce attorneys claim to have the experience needed to help clients obtain fair settlements, few have the proven track record like that of Palmer Law Group. Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation and take immediate action on your case.

How Do Texas Courts Divide Marital Assets?

Texas courts follow the principle of “equitable distribution” when deciding how to divide marital assets. Even so, the term equitable distribution can be misleading, as the court’s goal is to divide assets fairly rather than necessarily equally.

Community Property

Because Texas is a community property state, all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered “community property,” meaning that they are considered to belong to both spouses equally, even if held in one spouse’s name. Under the law, the court will divide all property and financial responsibilities equally between both spouses. One exception to this rule would be a valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement that governs the division of these assets and debts.

Separate Property

Separate property that is owned by one spouse before the marriage or acquired after the date of separation is not subject to property division in Texas.

Factors Considered by the Court

The court will also consider additional factors when dividing marital assets. Common factors assessed by the court include:

• The length of the marriage: In most instances, couples who have been married for a considerable amount of time generally have more assets and debts that need to be addressed by the court
• Each spouse’s earning capacity: The court will analyze each spouse’s ability to support themselves after the divorce
• The contribution of each spouse to the marriage: The court will also consider each spouse’s financial and non-financial contributions during the marriage. Examples include whether one spouse contributed to the other’s education or sacrificed their own career to raise their children
• The marital conduct of both parties: The court may evaluate the marital conduct of each spouse during the marriage, especially allegations of infidelity, domestic violence, or financial misconduct
• Each spouse’s financial and personal needs: The court can also consider the needs of each spouse, which often include any educational, medical, or other needs that may be pertinent to their case

Because every divorce case is unique, the court will also consider any other factors it deems relevant.

Who is Eligible to Receive Spousal Support in Texas?

Texas law sets forth guidelines for who is eligible to receive spousal support. Under the law, a spouse seeking spousal maintenance must have been married for at least 10 years and must prove they cannot meet their reasonable needs without financial support. Even so, the court could make an exception if the higher-earning spouse has a conviction for family violence within two years of filing for the divorce.

Just as when determining property division issues, the court will also evaluate other relevant factors, including:

• The age of each spouse
• Each spouse’s mental and physical health
• Nonfinancial contributions made by the lower-earning spouse, including homemaking and child care responsibilities
• Each spouse’s education, employment history, and potential earning capacity
• Any instances of marital misconduct on the part of either spouse

Duration of Spousal Maintenance Payments

In most instances, spousal maintenance is granted for only a limited period. The court will only order that the higher-earning spouse pay spousal maintenance for the time it takes to allow the other to earn enough money to support themselves financially.

These time limits include:

• Five years if the spouses were married for at least 10 years
• Five years if the higher-earning spouse has a deferred adjudication or conviction for family violence
• Seven years if the spouses were married for at least 20 years
• Ten years if the spouses were married for at least 30 years
• Indefinitely, if the spouse is severely disabled or caring for a disabled child

Do I Need to Have Legal Representation if I Am Requesting a Child Support Modification?

On some occasions, some parents may need to request a child support modification. In Texas, a child support modification is the legal process of changing the amount of child support paid from one parent to the other. Although many parents only consider the option of trying to have child support payments decreased, the custodial parent may try to take legal action to have the amount increased.

The Texas Family Code allows the parent who pays support (the obligor) or the parent who receives payments (the obligee) to request a modification if they have experienced a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was issued.

Some examples of significant changes that the court may consider when determining whether a modification is appropriate include substantial changes in the parent paying child support’s income, changes in child custody arrangements, or additional medical or educational costs.

The legal process of modifying existing orders can involve complex financial issues and is best handled with legal support. If the other parent contests the case, you will need a lawyer to help you navigate the legal process involved with trying to get the court to agree to a modification.

A lawyer can help you gather the legal documentation you will need to present to the court and build a compelling case that supports your case.

What Makes Your Law Firm the Best Choice to Help Me With My Legal Needs?

Palmer Law Group is an Allen, TX law firm that is committed to helping families overcome their legal issues. We provide comprehensive family law services to help clients achieve the best possible outcome in their legal matters.

Regardless of your case, our law firm has the legal resources to gather evidence, consult with financial experts, and build solid cases that help families when they need it most. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you receive a fair settlement that adequately provides for your current and future needs. If you have child support issues or concerns about custody arrangements, our attorneys will work diligently to find a resolution that addresses the needs of all parties involved.

Contact our Allen, TX law office today at (214) 617-1848 to schedule a confidential consultation.