by Connolly & Shireman | Collaborative Law, Family law
In a traditional divorce case, each party works with their own lawyers to obtain tax advice, valuations of property and businesses from competing professionals. When fought out in Court, these appraisals, business assessments and fights over the values of assets drive...
by Connolly & Shireman | Child Custody, Collaborative Law, Divorce
If a parent designates one person to care for a child and relinquishes their rights to make it happen, the parent can still lose their rights even if the intended plan doesn’t work out. Parents should never sign a document that has a permanent or lasting effect on...
by Connolly & Shireman | Child Custody, Family law
It is a longstanding principle under both federal and Texas state law that parents have a fundamental right to make decisions about the care and custody of their children. Part of this includes the right to make decisions about which family members get to spend time...
by Connolly & Shireman | Divorce, Family law
Loss of equity in homes and lowered household incomes are two of the realities that people can face after divorce. Loss of retirement assets is another important possibility that should be discussed with your attorney. The National Center for Family and Marriage...
by Connolly & Shireman | Divorce, Family law
When couples decide to end their marriage, they should approach the decision to mediate their divorce with careful consideration. Many people want to avoid bringing their case to court and instead mediate divorce-related issues. During the mediation process, spouses...
by Connolly & Shireman | Collaborative Law, Divorce, Family law
Married people in the Houston, Texas area who are contemplating a divorce or who have already decided to get a divorce should know there are different ways to handle the matter. A standard divorce that may end up in court, drag out for long periods of time, and cost...
by Connolly & Shireman | Child Custody, Child Protective Services, Family law
Although parents generally have primary responsibility for caring for their children, visitation rights of grandparents and foster parents play major roles in the lives of many children as well. If your ability to provide care and attention to a child is being...
by Connolly & Shireman | Adoptions, Family law
In many cases, a legal name change helps start a new chapter in someone’s life. Whether you are celebrating a union or an addition to the family, a legal name change can help legalize this bond and show the world your new status. On the flip side, a name change...
by Connolly & Shireman | Adoptions, Family law
As family dynamics change and the concept of what is a family continues to evolve so does the law when adopting to take these new types of family units into account. To successfully grow your family, legally, often requires the skill of an experienced Texas adoption...
by Connolly & Shireman | Child Custody, Child Protective Services, Family law
Under Texas law, children have the right to financial support from both of their parents. The child support system exists to provide children with that support in situations where their parents are divorced or otherwise living apart. At Connolly & Shireman in...
