Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How to Create a Time-Sharing Schedule in a Parenting Plan in Texas
When parents of young kids divorce or separate in Texas, they will generally need to create a parenting plan. As part of a parenting plan, you should develop a comprehensive time-sharing schedule. A child time-sharing schedule is a plan that outlines how divorced or separated parents will divide care and custody of their child—including… Read More »
I am in the Middle of a Divorce in Houston—Can I Change My Attorney?
If you are preparing to end a marriage, you are far from alone. The Texas Department of State Health Services estimates that nearly 70,000 couples get divorced in Texas each year. Although divorce is common, it is not easy. The right lawyer can make a big difference. What happens if you have the wrong… Read More »
Can a Judge in Texas Order Mediation for a Divorce?
Mediation is a “forum in which an impartial person” works to facilitate communication between parties to “promote reconciliation, settlement, or understanding among them” (Texas Family Code § 154.023). It can be a great option for resolving family law disputes. You may be wondering: Is mediation mandatory in Texas? While the technical answer is “no”—a… Read More »
How is an Auto Loan Divided in a Divorce in Texas?
Are you preparing for a divorce in Texas? A big part of the process will be determining who gets to keep what—and for many divorcing couples in Houston, vehicles are among the most challenging assets. For obvious reasons, an automobile cannot be easily divided. Within this article, our Houston divorce attorney provides an overview… Read More »
We are Getting Divorced and I Think My Spouse is Hiding Money—What are My Options?
Property division is one of the most important—and often contentious—issues in a divorce case. Divorcing spouses must navigate the Texas community property laws to determine who gets what. To do so effectively, you and your spouse need to know what you actually own. This raises an important question: What do I do if I… Read More »
Joint Managing Conservatorship Child Custody in Texas: Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Parent
Texas technically does not use the term “child custody” in official legal proceedings. Instead, a parent who has custody rights for a child is called a managing conservatorship. There is a general presumption that divorced or separated parents should be joint managing conservators unless it is proven that such an arrangement would not be… Read More »
Are There Any Advantages to File for Divorce First in Texas?
The end of marriage is hard. A lot of legal, logistical, and emotional hurdles must be overcome to finalize a divorce. If you are preparing to file, you may be wondering: Does it matter who files for divorce first in Texas? Technically, the answer is “no”—though there can sometimes be some advantages to filing… Read More »
Should I Sign a Waiver of Service? (Texas Divorce)
The Texas State Law Library explains that service of process is “a necessary step of any lawsuit.” A divorce is no exception. The party who files for divorce must properly serve papers on their spouse. That being said, the non-filing party has the right to sign a document waiving service of process. Here, our… Read More »
Negotiating a Prenuptial Agreement in Texas? A Checklist You Can Use
A prenuptial agreement (prenup) is an “agreement between prospective spouses made in contemplation of marriage and to be effective on marriage” (Tex. Fam. Code § 4.001). If you are considering a prenup, it is imperative that you negotiate an effective, legally enforceable agreement. At Lindamood & Robinson, P.C., we have extensive experience handling prenups…. Read More »
Will the Court Let My Teenager Decide Which Parent Gets Custody?
Are you a divorced or separated parent with a teenager in Texas? You may want to ask: Does my child get to decide which parent gets custody? The answer is “no”—at least not unilaterally. That being said, your teenager’s wishes matter a lot. In this article, our Galveston County child custody lawyer provides a… Read More »
