Texas Family Law Attorney
Practice Areas
Family law issues touch the most private and pivotal parts of life, encompassing the bonds we form and the love we share. It's a legal area that affects the core of family units, from the joyous moments of welcoming a new family member through adoption to the difficult transition of divorce. A clear understanding of family law can pave the way to solutions that nurture the family's well-being and uphold individual rights.
Lisa M. Potter of THE OKOH-BROWN LAW GROUP, PLLC, understands the challenges you're facing. As an attorney who has personally experienced the immigration process, she knows what it's like to be in your shoes. And she believes that financial constraints shouldn't stand in the way of quality legal counsel. That's why she's willing to discuss payment plans, ensuring that everyone has access to the legal support they need.
Understanding Family Law
Family law is an extensive legal practice area that deals with issues relating to family relationships. This includes but is not limited to divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic violence. Attorneys specializing in family law can handle legal actions involving family members, offering guidance through the complexities of the law, and ensuring that the interests and rights of the clients are protected. Navigating through these legal matters can be emotional and challenging, but understanding the foundations of family law can provide a sense of clarity and preparedness for the road ahead.
Protect What Matters Most
Divorce and Separation in Texas
Divorce and separation proceedings in Texas are governed by detailed statutes designed to manage the dissolution of a marriage responsibly and justly. Texas is a "no-fault" divorce state, meaning that one can file for divorce without the necessity to prove wrongdoing by the other spouse. However, fault can still play a significant role in the division of community property and may affect spousal support and custody decisions.
The process begins with one spouse filing a petition for divorce, followed by a minimum 60-day waiting period, intended as a contemplative interval before the legal termination of the marriage can be finalized. Understanding these legal particulars and the expectations for living arrangements, asset allocation, and childcare during this hiatus can be daunting, which is why skilled representation during this time is crucial for navigating Texas family law effectively.
Child Custody and Visitation Rights
Child custody and visitation rights are among the most sensitive areas within family law. In Texas, the court makes these determinations based on what is in the best interest of the child. This encompasses an array of factors, including the child’s age, the emotional ties between parent and child, and the stability of each parent's home environment. When it comes to establishing a custody arrangement, the focus is on encouraging a healthy and active relationship with both parents. Factors such as parental abilities, programs for the child, and even the child’s own wishes, if they are of a certain age, may influence the court’s decision.
Joint managing conservatorship is commonly awarded, which means that parents share duties and responsibilities when it comes to their children, though not necessarily on an equal basis. The court might assign certain rights to one parent exclusively, such as deciding the primary residence of the child. Visitation schedules are also determined, ensuring that both parents get substantial, quality time with their children, helping to maintain strong familial bonds despite the parents' separation or divorce.
Your attorney's role includes presenting a case to the court that represents a parent's dedication to the child's welfare, negotiating terms with the other parent, and drafting a custody agreement that respects the client's wishes while aiming for the utmost benefit to the child.
Adoption and Foster Care
Adoption and foster care cases require a delicate touch, and Lisa M. Potter provides just that. She has personal experience with the immigration process and understands the nuances involved in these cases. Whether it's a domestic or international adoption, Lisa guides her clients through the journey with compassion and dedication, ensuring a successful outcome.
Paternity and Parental Rights
Establishing paternity is a crucial step in recognizing a father's parental rights and responsibilities. In Texas, paternity can be established voluntarily by signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) or through legal action in court. Lisa M. Potter assists clients with navigating the legal acknowledgment of paternity, which is essential for various rights including custody, visitation, and child support.
Parental rights are paramount in family law, and they encompass the right to make important decisions regarding a child’s life. These include decisions about education, religion, and medical care. She understands the nuances of Texas law and works to protect these rights, whether in the context of a divorce, custody matter or in cases where parental rights are being challenged.
Texas Family Law Attorney
Having a dedicated family law attorney like Lisa M. Potter can make all the difference when dealing with sensitive family matters. She fights aggressively for her clients, going above and beyond to ensure they receive the justice they deserve. Moreover, she understands that legal fees can be a barrier for many, and she offers flexible payment plans to ensure that everyone has access to quality legal counsel. This commitment to her clients sets her apart in the field of family law.