Dallas Family Law Blog

How can you enforce your visitation rights?

On behalf of Lisa E. McKnight, P.C. posted in fathers' rights on Monday, May 18, 2020.

If you are a divorced Texas father who has only visitation time with your children, denial of that visitation time by your children’s mother constitutes a violation of your legal rights. Unfortunately, however, enforcing your visitation rights can prove difficult and time-consuming.

Texas Access explains that unlike in many other states, Texas courts issue an actual parenting time order as part of their divorce decrees. This order sets forth all the parameters of your custody and visitation arrangement and serves as your go-to document any time a problem occurs. Be sure to keep your copy of it in a safe place so you can refer to it if and when you encounter visitation issues.

Should you consider a prenuptial agreement?

On behalf of Lisa E. McKnight, P.C. posted in family law on Sunday, May 3, 2020.

As you look forward to your upcoming wedding, divorce probably is the last thing on your mind. Unfortunately, however, around 50% of U.S. marriages ultimately end in divorce, and this percentage has remained constant for the past 30 years.

If you and/or your beloved have already accumulated some property or assets, FindLaw strongly suggests that you enter into a prenuptial agreement to protect these assets in the event your marriage ultimately ends in divorce. Keep in mind that Texas is a community property state, meaning that you and your spouse will need to divide your marital property 50/50 should you divorce. Establishing your separate property now via a prenuptial agreement can save you significant heartache in the future.

Who are the latest celebrities to divorce?

On behalf of Lisa E. McKnight, P.C. posted in High Asset Divorce on Tuesday, April 21, 2020.

If you currently face a divorce and all the emotional upheaval it entails, you are not alone. US Magazine reports that 2020 is turning out to be yet another year for high-asset divorces between celebrities, some after many years of marriage.

Take NASCAR driver Ryan Newman and his wife Krissie, for example. Their joint Feb. 13, 2020 statement announced that they had filed for divorce after 16 years of marriage and the birth of one son.

What is a Standard Possession Order?

On behalf of Lisa E. McKnight, P.C. posted in Child Custody on Friday, April 3, 2020.

If you and your spouse cannot agree on a custody, visitation and parenting plan arrangement for your children after your divorce, Texas law includes a Standard Possession Order that will go into effect.

The Texas Court System explains that this default arrangement when parents cannot agree sets forth a detailed visitation schedule for both situations in which you and your former spouse may find yourselves.

What can I spend my child support money for?

On behalf of Lisa E. McKnight, P.C. posted in Child Custody on Monday, March 16, 2020.

As a divorced parent receiving monthly child support payments, you likely have heard plenty of swirling rumors regarding what you can and cannot spend that money on. Some declare that you can only spend it on your children’s basic needs. Others declare that almost anything goes. Who should you believe?

FindLaw reminds you that the reason why Texas and all other states passed child support laws was to ensure that, as much as possible, children of divorced parents continue to enjoy the lifestyle they did prior to their parents’ divorce. You therefore have considerable discretion when it comes to the various things on which you can legitimately spend your child support money.

Are your finances prepared for divorce?

On behalf of Lisa E. McKnight, P.C. posted in divorce on Monday, March 2, 2020.

With the decision made that you are going to divorce your spouse in Texas, you are now tasked with moving forward on your own. The process of separating your life from that of your spouse can take time and mental tenacity as you create new boundaries and reestablish your independence. One area that will require extra attention is your finances. Being proactive about organizing your financial affairs can help you to avoid costly mistakes while more effectively preparing for your future.

According to CBS News, pay close attention to which expenditures are categorized as necessities. Even if there are things you feel you cannot live without, limit your necessities to the basics such as food and shelter. Be creative in coming up with ways to stretch your money further and establish a plan for saving money for your future.

Johnny Depp files defamation lawsuit in response to op-ed

On behalf of Lisa E. McKnight, P.C. posted in domestic violence on Sunday, April 7, 2019.

By now, many residents of Texas and elsewhere are familiar with the contentious divorce involving actors Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard. As you may know, when their marriage ended, Ms. Heard accused Mr. Depp of physically abusing her. At the law office of Lisa E. McKnight, P.C., we understand that divorces involving allegations of domestic violence can be especially heartbreaking, contentious and confusing.

The case involving Mr. Depp and Ms. Heard continues to be difficult to follow, as you may also know. People recently reported that Mr. Depp responded to an op-ed piece written by Ms. Heard, in which she claims to be a sexual assault and domestic violence victim without outright naming Mr. Depp, by filing a $50 million defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife. He claims that he never physically harmed her and that she made false claims of abuse to advance her career and generate positive publicity.

Is joint custody a possibility following divorce?

On behalf of Lisa E. McKnight, P.C. on Friday, March 22, 2019.

Getting divorced can understandably be difficult for both you and your future ex-spouse. However, it can also be challenging for the children to cope.

A major question that you might have as you navigate the divorce process with your children is who will get custody of them. In your situation, it may be best if you both can share custody of the children. Let us take a look at how joint custody works in Texas.

What steps can you take to prevent international child abduction?

On behalf of Lisa E. McKnight, P.C. posted in Child Custody on Thursday, March 21, 2019.

As a resident of Texas who had a child with someone who comes from another nation, you may have justifiable concerns about what could potentially happen to your shared child after your relationship comes to a close. If the relationship between you and your child’s other parent has become particularly ugly or acrimonious, you may have concerns about your ex moving back to his or her home nation and attempting to take your child along.

There are, however, per the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, several actions you can take now to make it that much harder for your child’s other parent to remove your son or daughter from the United States without your permission. If you have fears about international child abduction, one of the first things you should do is take prompt action, and you may wish to do so by seeking a court order.

What are your options when your ex takes your child overseas?

On behalf of Lisa E. McKnight, P.C. posted in Child Custody on Sunday, March 10, 2019.

According to U.S. Census Bureau findings published in LiveAbout, cross-cultural marriages are on the rise. While diversity is never a bad thing, marriages that cross international boundaries can lead to complex and emotionally trying legal issues. One such issue involves child custody. If you live in Texas, and if your ex took your child overseas, you know better than most just how hopeless a situation an international custody dispute can present. While your options may be few, know there are a few steps you can take to increase your odds of regaining custody of your loved one.

First and foremost, hire a family law attorney who has experience in resolving international custody disputes. These types of cases are extremely intricate and require an in-depth knowledge of both U.S. custody laws and international laws. They also require several resources that many domestic custody law firms simply do not possess. The right attorney will employ the appropriate resources to determine in which country your child currently lives and aggressively negotiate to secure the voluntary, safe and prompt return of him or her.