There have been more Executive Orders signed by President Trump which have diverted some of the attention away from the Executive Order entitled Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship (i.e., the EO which ends birthright citizenship for certain categories of persons.
Update to the Birthright Citizenship Executive Order Case(s)
Small Business and Divorce
If you are going through (or anticipating) a divorce, what happens to a business owned by one or the other of you? What about the money in the business bank accounts? The furniture and fixtures? The ownership interests? The answers to these questions and more are critical so that you can plan and we can creatively solve potential problems in the divorce.
What is a Guardian Ad Litem in Family Court?
In CPS removal cases and some contested child custody cases, the judge may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child's best interests (this is different than representing the child, which is what an attorney ad litem does). This person may be a volunteer from specific organizations, a professional with relevant licenses and training, an adult having the competence, training, and expertise determined by the court to be sufficient to represent the best interests of the child, or an attorney ad litem appointed to serve in the dual role in cases brought by a governmental entity (i.e., Child Protective Services).
Child Support and Retirement Plans
Is this familiar? In your divorce or custody case, your Ex was ordered to pay for child support and is way behind but has a large 401(k) or other retirement plan providing your Ex with a comfortable living, nice vacations, a luxury car, etc.
Is Trump Changing Tax Rules So that the Parent Paying Child Support Gets the Tax Benefits / Deductions?
A rumor exploded on social media that Trump said (some say already signed an Executive Order) that women who receive child support would no longer be able to claim the child as a dependent on their taxes and would not receive a federal child tax credit.
What is an Attorney Ad Litem in Family Court?
In contested child custody cases the judge may appoint an attorney ad litem to provide legal services to a child (not to represent the best interests of the child). The attorney ad litem has the same powers and authority as any other attorney in the case, but with some additional considerations since her client is a child.
Parental Alienation and Family Court
In many of our cases we see children “weaponized” against the other parent by the use of psychologically abusive and/or controlling conduct and communications. The common term for this is “Parental Alienation”. However, this term is incredibly overused in family courts.
Did the Attorneys (and Their Client) that Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott Sued, Blow Their Chance at a "Win"?
First, it is a huge mistake to have filed the lawsuit because they cannot win it. The statute of limitations for a sexual assault is 5 years, and the assault Shores claims occurred was 7 years ago. (Whether the sexual assault happened or not, I have no idea. Assuming it did happen, then it is a shame Shores did not sue Dak within the 5-year time limit.).
Dallas Cowboys Quarterback, Dak Prescott, Files Defamation Case
A very interesting case was recently filed in Collin County, Texas. Victoria Shores (“Shores”) hired two attorneys (“Zehaie” and “Zehaie”) to send a demand letter to Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Dak Prescott, alleging that he committed sexual assault against her in 2017. Dak Prescott denies the allegation.
The most popular times of year to get a divorce
Fewer people divorce in the United States. In 2015, the divorce rate in the country hit a 35-year low, according to data presented by Bowling State University's National Center for Family & Marriage Research.
Would a collaborative divorce be better for my kids?
Of all the negative aspects of your divorce, maybe the most consequential is its impact on your children. No matter what their ages, kids hate it when their parents fight. Sadly, fighting is just what you and your spouse can look forward to in a traditional litigated divorce. But it does not have to be like that. In Texas, divorcing couples can choose a more amicable and cooperative option called a collaborative divorce.
Can I protect my children from the conflict of my divorce?
Getting a divorce is a difficult emotional process. You may be experiencing feelings of heartache, anger and betrayal. While this is a normal part of divorce, it does not make it any easier. Unfortunately, your children are also likely to feel a range of unpleasant and heartbreaking emotions while you go through a divorce. You and other Texas residents who are divorcing may want to know the best ways to shield children from these very grown-up emotions.
How to keep emotions in check during a divorce
How do Texas courts decide child custody?
In Texas, as in most states, there are three processes that can be used for determining the custody of children.
What you should know about nesting custody
Parents at the beginning of the divorce process have a lot to consider. Figuring out the optimal arrangements for the children is a major priority.