For many, family is what matters most in life. As important as family is, it’s also no secret that life doesn’t always go as planned. Despite your best efforts, there may come a time when legal action is necessary to protect your family and safeguard your rights and interests. 

Family law matters are often legally complex and emotionally challenging for all parties involved, but you do not have to navigate the intricacies of your case on your own. Our knowledgeable and experienced family law attorneys can guide you in making sense of the options available to you.

If you are looking for a family law attorney in Houston, or are wondering whether hiring an attorney makes sense for your situation, The Stout Law Firm, PLLC is here to help. Read on to learn more about the role of family law attorneys in the greater Houston area and see how one of our team members can fight for your family today. 

The Role of a Family Law Attorney in Houston

Family law matters come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from prenuptial agreements to divorce, adoptions to custody disputes, and everything in between. No matter the type or complexity of the family law matter you are dealing with, one thing will almost always be true—having a family law attorney on your side is an invaluable resource. 

Below are just a few examples of the many benefits that a qualified and experienced attorney can provide: 

  • Knowledge of state and federal laws that apply to family law matters;
  • Objectivity amidst emotionally charged situations; 
  • Assistance with document drafting, filings, discovery, and other logistical and procedural steps in the legal process; 
  • Negotiation skills during informal settlement discussions and more formal mediation proceedings with opposing parties and their counsel; 
  • Reassurance, empathy, and emotional support during difficult times; 
  • Access to resources and experts such as financial advisors, appraisers, mediators, child psychologists, and expert witnesses who may testify on your behalf; and 
  • Representation in court when necessary to protect your legal rights and interests. 

Above all else, a family law attorney’s job is to serve as a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of their clients. Hiring a Houston family law attorney to assist with your case can go a long way toward obtaining the outcome you need and deserve moving forward.  

Key Considerations When Hiring a Family Law Attorney

It’s important to remember that you should not seek just any attorney to assist with your family law matter. Below are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a Houston family lawyer for your case: 

  • Experience and Specialization in Family Law. Family law often requires an in-depth understanding of relevant laws, local rules and specific court requirements. Thus, having an attorney who specializes and regularly practices in this area of the law is crucial to ensuring that your case is approached with precision, competence, and confidence. 
  • Reputation and Reviews. One of the best ways to get a sense of the type of attorney you can expect, before actually hiring them, is to talk to their former clients or check their online reviews and ratings. Reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insight into an attorney’s professionalism, communication style, competence, and overall quality of service. 
  • Compatibility and Comfort Level. It is not uncommon for family law matters to take months or even years to resolve. While it is important to hire an attorney with the requisite legal knowledge and experience, it is equally as important to select a trustworthy attorney with whom you feel comfortable and compatible to work alongside for an extended period of time. 
  • Rates and Fee Structure. Many people are hesitant to hire an attorney due to the potential cost, but an attorney’s expertise is invaluable as they can help you make legally sound decisions and avoid costly mistakes.  However, you should not wait until you receive your first bill to know what an attorney will charge. Do not shy away from inquiring about rates and fee structures offered by the attorneys you are considering before formally hiring them. 

Speak with a member of our team today to learn more about the expertise we provide in representing the rights and interests of families in Houston, Texas, and the surrounding areas. 

The Stout Law Firm, PLLC: Your Trusted Houston Family Lawyer

Selecting a Houston family lawyer to represent your rights and interests regarding your children and marital property is no easy task. As you consider your options, browse our website and learn more about The Stout Law Firm below. 

Types of Family Law Matters We Handle

Our family lawyers in Houston handle a wide variety of family law-related matters in Houston and the surrounding area, including: 

No matter the facts or circumstances surrounding your case, you can feel confident knowing that your case will be in great hands.

How a Houston Family Law Attorney Can Help Resolve Outstanding Issues

Hiring an experienced Houston family law attorney is vital to effectively managing and resolving disputes over custody, assets, and other significant matters. Our legal team facilitates critical negotiations and mediation to reach amicable solutions that respect the interests of all parties involved.

We assist in negotiating matters like child custody and the division of marital assets. By advocating for you and your children’s best interests, we strive to reach agreements that maintain familial bonds and financial fairness. This process is particularly crucial in custody discussions, where the well-being of children is paramount.

When direct negotiations fail, mediation offers a less adversarial route. In mediation, a third-party mediator helps manage the dialogue, ensuring that it remains constructive and that the concerns of both parties are voiced and addressed. This approach often results in solutions that are more tailored to the family’s unique needs and can be more satisfying than court-imposed decisions.

If negotiations and mediation do not result in a resolution, the matter may need to be settled in court. This scenario is less desirable, as it removes control from both sides and places it with a judge. These unpredictable decisions may not align with either party’s hopes or expectations. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law Matters in Houston

Family law matters can be complicated, understandably leading to many questions. To prepare you for your initial consultation, we’ve answered some of the most common inquiries we receive about family law matters.

1. What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Texas?

In Texas, you can file for divorce on fault-based grounds, such as adultery, cruelty, abandonment, conviction of a felony, living apart, or confinement in a mental hospital. You also have the option of a no-fault divorce, which cites insupportability. That means the marriage is no longer sustainable due to discord or conflicts that destroy the purpose of matrimony and are beyond any reasonable expectation of reconciliation.

2. How Do Texas Courts Determine Child Custody?

Child custody is known as “conservatorship” in Texas. Courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child. Factors a judge considers include the child’s physical and emotional needs, each parent’s ability to care for the child, the stability of the home environment, and any acts or omissions of the parent that may indicate that the existing parent-child relationship is not a proper one. In some cases, the court may consider the child’s own wishes.

3. Can I Modify a Child Support or Custody Order in Texas?

Yes, child support and custody orders can be modified in Texas under certain circumstances. Changes can be made for child support if it has been at least three years since the last order and the monthly amount differs by either 20% or $100 from the amount that would be awarded according to child support guidelines. The court can also modify support obligations if there is a significant change in circumstances from the time of the original order. Your family lawyer in Houston, TX, can explain whether your case qualifies for a modification.

4. What Is Considered Marital Property in Texas, and How Is it Divided During a Divorce?

Texas is a community property state, meaning any property acquired during the marriage is considered marital property and must be divided equitably in a divorce. This equitable division includes wages, real estate, and other assets. In most cases, property each spouse owned before the marriage and inheritances and gifts received during the marriage are considered separate property and generally remain with the individual.

5. What Should I Expect During the Divorce Process?

The divorce process in Texas begins with filing a Petition for Divorce, which is then served to the other spouse. You may have a mandatory waiting period of 60 days before the divorce can be finalized. Issues such as property division, child custody, and support are negotiated during this time, potentially through mediation. If an agreement cannot be reached, the case will go to trial, and a judge will make the final decisions. After resolving all issues, the judge finalized the divorce by the signing of the Decree of Divorce.

What Sets Our Attorneys Apart

With thousands of family law attorneys in the State of Texas to choose from, selecting the right one for you can feel overwhelming. Here are just a few reasons why we think our attorneys stand out above the rest: 

  • We focus exclusively on representing clients in family law matters in the Houston and surrounding area; 
  • Our firm is comprised of multiple attorneys who are Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a certification bestowed upon only a select group of attorneys in the state; 
  • Our attorneys have been recognized by various organizations and publications, including the Houston Bar Association and Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters), for their outstanding services and contributions to the industry; and
  • We are honored to have earned the trust and positive reviews of our many former clients. 

The Stout Law Firm is sincere and committed to addressing your family law matters in Houston, Texas, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to discuss your case and see what our team can do to help you protect your rights today.