Family Law

It is my belief that the family unit is the foundation of society and deserving of the utmost respect. Relationships between family members, especially between parents and children, are the most important and cherished bonds we form. It is not surprising then that disputes arising between relatives are often the most painful conflicts we experience in our lives. This is particularly true where a familial dispute is made public because family members are forced to submit their grievances to a court of law. Whether a dispute involves child support, custody, or divorce, prolonged legal battles can create an adversarial environment that brings further stress to an already distraught family.

I pride myself on being an attorney who is sensitive to the effects that legal disputes can have on members of the modern family. This is the reason why I make every effort to tailor my case strategies to the needs of my clients and their families, so that I am able to help resolve their conflicts in an expedient, efficient and compassionate manner. Many of my family law clients are middle-income wage earners who cannot afford prolonged legal battles or billing for needless paperwork, which is why I am willing to work with potential clients to devise payment plans and fee schedules that reflect their financial status, and give me an incentive to get the job done as efficiently as possible.

Divorce

It’s hard to dissolve a relationship that was expected to be a lifelong union. Yet, the reality of modern American society is that a little over half of all marriages end in separation or divorce. In the past divorce was regarded as shameful, and divorce proceedings were expected to be difficult and embarrassing. However, today’s judicial system gives citizens a greater degree of self-determination, and provides the means for dissolving the marital union in a respectful and cordial fashion. Of course, it is often necessary for divorcing parties to call upon the judicial system for resolving disputes. There are also alternative forms of dispute resolution available, such as mediation and collaborative law. As a family law attorney, I am here to help you determine what options you have available and to develop a strategy to meet your needs. Factors I will consider in determining your fee in a divorce proceeding include:

• Is the divorce to be agreed or contested?
• Are there minor children of the marriage?
• What is the amount and value of property in dispute?
• Is the other party residing in Texas and is Texas the proper jurisdiction?

Child Support/ Child Custody and Visitation

Child support is one of the most contentious and emotional issues in family law. Child support disputes can have serious consequences for former spouses’ post-marital interactions and can cause alienation between children and parents. That’s why it is essential in such disputes that both sides have their rights protected and their obligations set fairly. I am well versed in child support collections, modification and enforcement, and I have successfully represented both custodial and non-custodial parents. I am especially experienced at dealing with the Attorney General and the IV-D Court.

It is important for both parties to remember that child possession/visitation and child support are two separate issues, and that it is unlawful to deprive a non-custodial parent of visitation, even if he or she has failed to make timely child support payments. At the same time, a custodial parent’s failure to comply with the visitation order does not excuse a non-custodial parent from meeting his or her child support obligation.

Still, whether you have been denied possession or denied support, I can help you enforce your rights. If your circumstances have changed since the support or possession/custody order was rendered, then I may be able to help modify the order to reflect your current financial and domestic situation.

I accept cases within Travis and surrounding counties.

Other areas of practice include:
• Wills/Trusts/Estates
• Consumer and Debtor/Creditor Issues
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes