When Should You Call a Family Law Firm?
Any legal matter can be stressful, but those involving your family can be particularly concerning and emotional. When you face a family law issue, your parental rights, finances, and other critical aspects of your life might be on the line. Never risk a negative outcome – instead, contact a family law attorney who can stand up for your rights. This should be your first step if you face any type of case in family court.
Common Family Law Cases
There is a wide range of issues that can arise and lead to a family law case. You should contact a family law firm if you are facing any of the following.
Divorce
Divorce is the most commonly-recognized family law matter, and divorce can turn your life upside-down. There are many issues you need to resolve before a Texas family court will legally finalize a divorce, including:
- Division of community property
- Spousal support (also called maintenance or alimony)
- Child support
- Child conservatorship (custody)
The outcome of your divorce sets the stage for your future, so you want the best outcome possible. A family lawyer can review your goals for your divorce and help you achieve them. This might happen through negotiation, mediation, or litigation if you have a contentious case.
Child-Related Cases
The family courts also oversee child-related legal matters in Texas. These can include:
- Child custody – These matters can be part of a divorce or between two unmarried parents. The courts will determine how the parents split physical time with their child, as well as how they will divide decision-making authority.
- Child support – When two parents are not together, one might be ordered to pay child support to the other depending on their incomes and custody arrangements.
- Paternity – When parents are not married when a child is born, they need to establish legal paternity. This can be accomplished in different ways, and sometimes, it requires a petition in court. In these situations, the court will also address child custody and support matters, so it is critical to have legal representation.
- Non-parent rights – Sometimes, stepparents or grandparents will have cases involving children, and we can provide guidance and representation of these parties.
When parental rights are on the line, all decisions are made in the best interests of the child, and parents need the right legal help to protect their own rights to their children.
Pre/Postnuptial Agreements
Many couples choose to plan ahead and protect their rights before or during a marriage. Our attorneys help couples determine whether a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement is right for them, as well as draft enforceable agreements that protect the rights of fiances or spouses.
Reach Out to a Southlake Family Lawyer Today
At the law firm of Mims Ballew Hollingsworth | Family Law, our family law team represents clients in a wide range of family law cases, and we know how the legal system works. To discuss how we might help in your case, please contact us directly for a consultation.
Constance Mims
Constance Mims has over fifteen years of experience practicing exclusively family law. Mrs. Mims is Board Certified in Family Law, by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She is Collaborative Law certified and is a shrewd negotiator, not to mention her experience in the most challenging child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, alimony, prenuptial agreements, and divorce issues, both in court and in the appellate arena.
