Family Law FAQs

Yes, a single adult can legally adopt a child in Texas. Also, one individual of an unmarried couple can adopt a child, but they cannot adopt a child jointly.

Yes, there are actions the court can take on your behalf to enforce court orders. Your attorney can file a motion for enforcement, and the court can force them to comply by making them subject to remedies and penalties for not following court orders.

Yes, special needs children often require extra attention and support. A customized parenting plan can help you afford therapies, pay for medical costs and provide specialized transportation for a special needs child.

Texas courts do not use the term “parental alienation,” but they do expect parents to act in ways that are in the best interest of the child. In that respect, they expect the parents to encourage a positive relationships with the other parent. When evidence points to patterns of behavior that alienate the child from the other parent, the court can take actions.

When uncertainty or disagreements arise regarding parental rights and responsibilities, the court can order a paternity test. The test would determine whether a person was the biological father of a child.

It can, because in most cases, grandparents do not have an automatic right to custody in Texas. Courts assume that a fit parent is acting in the child’s best interests. However, there are exceptions, such as in cases where the parent has problems with addiction and is not fit to take care of the child. Or when a spouse is deceased. Grandparents might have assumed the role of primary custodians, and this substantially changes circumstances..

No, Texas courts do not allow parents to voluntarily terminate their rights to avoid paying child support. However, if you remarry and your spouse wants to adopt your children, the court would allow the biological parent to terminate their rights. The adoptive parent would then provide support for the children.

Legal issues most often arise when a child either recently moved or splits time across state lines. Family laws sometimes vary from one state to another. For this reason, there might be a conflict regarding which state has jurisdiction over family law issues related the child.