- DivorceFrom my Dallas law office, I help individuals in contested and uncontested divorces in families with or without children and property. My clients come from Dallas County, including but not limited to the communities of Dallas, Addison, Garland, Farmers Ranch. Richardson and Mesquite. No matter what you are facing in your family, I can give you the caring and strong legal representation that you need.
- Child SupportDivorce has emotional and financial implications on the family. The State of Texas has a unique formula for determination of child support amounts. Divorcing couples in the Dallas, Texas area who have family law disputes related to custody will find that child support is largely dependent on custody issues and the state formula. I help individuals understand the child support formulas as it relates to their situation.
- Child Custody and VisitationMy degrees are from Southern Methodist University (SMU). I’ve been practicing law, in and out of the courtroom, since 1977. I began my practice as a criminal lawyer and have moved to include the area of family law as the major part of my practice. We handle divorce, child custody, and division of property, as well as many other marriage- and child-related issues on a daily basis.
- AdoptionAdoptive parents accept all the challenges, rights, and responsibilities of parenthood. The adoption process can be simple and straightforward as in the case of stepparent adoption, or can be a maze of legal twists and turns as in the case of an international adoption or adoptions involving Child Protective Services.
- PaternityEstablishing paternity is financially important and establishes parental rights, as well as contributing to a child’s sense of identity. Paternity does not necessarily determine whether or not a parent owes or does not owe child support.
- Premarital AgreementWhether you face a divorce, wish to adopt a child, need a prenuptial agreement or are a victim of violence, I can give you the caring and strong legal representation you need.
- Spousal SupportSpousal support is an allowance which a husband or wife pays to the other spouse for maintenance. Spousal support can be part of the divorce agreement in the form of contracted alimony. In the State of Texas, as in many other states, temporary alimony may be awarded to one of the spouses during the time the divorce is pending.
- Child AbuseThere are some families that have marital isses that escalate into criminal court. Examples of criminal court matters related to family law are child abuse, some forms of contempt, and domestic violence.
- Criminal DefenseMy criminal law experience taught me how to work with judges and juries to get a favorable outcome for my clients. I am pleased to be able to bring that trial lawyer experience to my family law practice.
- Restraining OrderDivorce is an emotional issue and sometimes emotions give way to physical violence or other actions that could harm a spouse or the children. A TRO, or Temporary Restraining Order, places specific limitations on a person’s access to their spouse, the children, their home, their workplace, and/or their assets.