For divorced or unmarried couples with children in common, ensuring those children are financially supported fully but fairly is a priority for both parents. Child support is necessary to ensure children are properly cared for and that all their needs are met for their welfare and well-being. A Medical Support Order is an essential... Read More » The post Understanding Texas Medical Child Support Orders appeared first on Law Office of Maria Lowry ..read more

Parental rights are a critical and sensitive issue, especially in cases of divorce, separation, or custody disputes. What happens when one parent holds on to their child beyond their scheduled custodial time, or what if they move out of state and take their kid with them? Believe it or not, parents can be accused of kidnapping their own children, and the law in Texas takes such allegations seriously. Below we explore this sensitive legal issue, describing what parental kidnapping is, its legal ramifications, and how to protect your parental rights. For help with child custody, divorce, parenta ..read more

During a divorce proceeding, Texas courts have the power to divide the couple’s community property in any manner the judge deems to be “just and right,” based on the law and the evidence presented by the parties. This authority is broad, but it only extends to “community property.” It’s essential at the outset to understand what community property is and is not, and it’s equally important to understand how property classification can be altered through what are known as transmutation agreements, Learn more about this complex area of the law below, and contact the Law Office of Maria Lowry, PLL ..read more

In our last post, we discussed the importance of planning for incapacity and end-of-life care, creating a complete set of legal documents so family members caring for an elderly parent or spouse have the ability to ensure their loved one gets adequate care and that they are appropriately looked after, both in terms of their physical and financial well-being. Alongside creating these planning tools are some practical considerations. Below we discuss some of the conversations you should consider having with your elder and other family members as well to enhance both quality of life and domestic ..read more

On the whole, we in the United States are all living longer and healthier lives. One consequence of this positive advance is that more of us will experience age-related decline and require assistance with activities of daily living, whether in our own homes, the homes of our grown children, or professional care facilities. Taking care of our loved ones – be they parents or spouses – requires careful planning and attention to legal issues that arise. We’ll explore some of these issues below. For expert guidance and assistance tailored to your particular needs, whether you are in a planning phas ..read more

Navigating the complexities of family law can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding your parental rights. In Texas, parental rights are designed to protect the relationship between a parent and their child, ensuring that both parties’ best interests are taken into account. As a parent going through a divorce, seeking custody, or facing other family law issues, learning about your rights can help you make informed decisions with your attorney about how to proceed in any given legal matter. Learn about parental rights in Texas below, and contact the Law Office of Maria Lowry ..read more

When couples are divorcing and one of the parties has recently received an inheritance, an important question often arises in the minds of both parties: Is the inheritance included in the property division? On the one hand, the inheritance occurred during the marriage, and property acquired during marriage is community property. On the other hand, the inheritance was bestowed only on one of the spouses by virtue of that person’s relationship to the deceased. Read on to learn how Texas law treats an inheritance when it comes to the division of marital property, and contact the Law Office of Mar ..read more

The right of parents to share custody of their children doesn’t arise because of marriage; it arises due to the fact that they had a child together. That said, custody decisions and disputes regarding unmarried parents are in many ways more complex to sort out than disputes among married couples who are going through a divorce. Different rules and laws may apply, although the primary interest of the courts in both cases is in doing what is best for the child. Read on for a discussion of Texas child custody laws and how they apply to co-parents who had a child together but were never married. F ..read more

Understanding Separate Property in Texas Divorces Obtaining a divorce involves several moving parts. Beyond dissolving the marriage itself, critical questions must be resolved such as spousal support, child custody and child support where applicable, and of course, the division of marital property. A crucial component of the property division is the determination of separate property as distinct from community (marital) property. Continue reading for a discussion of this vital issue, and contact the Law Office of Maria Lowry for guidance in the property division and other important aspects of ..read more

The rules have changed for family law litigation. For divorce, child support and alimony cases filed on or after September 1, 2023, the process for discovery will be simpler than it was before. Read on to learn about what “discovery” means in the context of a divorce or other family law matter, and how the newly adopted court rules should make it easier to get the information you need to pursue your case effectively. For help with divorce, child custody, and other family law matters in Houston, contact the Law Office of Maria Lowry to discuss your needs and goals. What Is Discovery? Discovery ..read more