It's not easy to become Board Certified in Family Law. That probably explains why less than 1% of the lawyers in the State of Texas are Board Certified in Family Law.

Lawyers that apply for Board Certification in Family Law must prove that they have extensive expertise in all areas related to family law such as divorce, property division, child custody, child supportFunds which are ordered by the court to be paid by one parent to the custodial parent of minor children after a separation or divorce. , paternity and more. Once a lawyer as demonstrated this expertise, he or she must pass a day long written exam.

Here are the specific requirements for Board Certification in Family Law: read more »

We’ve answered this question in detail as a part of our Austin Divorce Seminar video series. You can also go directly to the video that discusses child visitation schedules.

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to visitation schedules is that the parents can agree to any visitation schedule that you like. The key word is agree. If you would like to have possession of your children on a day that isn’t normally your day, that’s fine as long as both parents agree on it. read more »

Texas courts assume that most cases involving children will have joint managing conservatorship. In a JMC, both of the parties will have an equal say in raising the kids (more or less.)

However, in most of these cases, one of the parents will determine where the child will live for purposes of school. The other parent typically has a visitation schedule and pays child supportFunds which are ordered by the court to be paid by one parent to the custodial parent of minor children after a separation or divorce. .

You can learn more about the issues related to children and divorce by watching our Child Conservatorship video and the videos that follow it.

Click here to download the printable Consumer's Guide to Choosing a Divorce Lawyer

For most people, a divorce is the single biggest legal, financial and emotional upheaval that they’ll ever have to face. I think it’s critically important that you find the right person to guide you through it. Just because someone is a lawyer doesn’t mean that they are qualified or have the experience to help you with a family law issue as complicated as a divorce. read more »

As far as the court is concerned, step-parents have no obligation of support for their step-children. The use of a step-parent's income in the calculation of child supportFunds which are ordered by the court to be paid by one parent to the custodial parent of minor children after a separation or divorce. is actually prohibited by Texas family code.

It is unlikely that a judge would grant a termination of parental rights unless there is another person seeking to adopt the child.  The law in Texas recognizes that a child has the right to know both of his/her parents.