- DivorceToday, divorcing spouses have various options for achieving an amicable divorce settlement. One of these options is pursuing what is known as a “collaborative divorce.” The collaborative divorce process offers several benefits, and it can be a viable solution in a wide range of circumstances.
- Child SupportBoth married and unmarried couples in Texas face the same legal issues surrounding their children. Court orders are established to allocate parenting time, right & duties, and medical & child support for the children. It is important to remember that a court’s first priority is always what is in the best interest of the child.
- Child Custody and VisitationThe scope of grandparent rights in Texas is generally limited. A grandparent must first (a) overcome the Court’s presumption that the parent is acting in the best interest of the child, and (b) that that the denial of possession and access of the child by the grandparents would significantly impair the child’s physical or emotional well being.
- AdoptionUpon a successful stepparent adoption, the Bureau of Vital Statistics is notified and a new birth certificate is issued. Our firm can also assist with any name change for the child which accompanies the stepparent adoption.
- Paternity
- Premarital AgreementWhile no one enters into a marriage anticipating it will end in divorce, sometimes people and life’s circumstances change after marriage, making the marriage unsustainable. In a situation where there is no possibility of saving the marriage, divorce is sometimes the best option for a couple. In an effort to ease the discord, conflict, and cost associated with divorce, parties may want to consider entering into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, also referred to as premarital and postmarital agreements.
- Spousal SupportGoing through the collaborative divorce process allows divorcing spouses to reach a mutually agreeable outcome on all aspects of their divorce. This includes alimony...
- Sex CrimesBoth men and women may be the target of violence initiated by another family member. Such violence is called “family violence” and is defined under Texas law as an act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or household that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, sexual assault, or a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault, but does not include defensive measures to protect oneself.
- Assault
- Restraining OrderA Protective Order is not the same thing as a Temporary Restraining Order in a divorce proceeding. A Temporary Restraining Order in a divorce proceeding is a court order signed by the judge which orders that neither party is excluded from use of the marital home and that the parties ‘living arrangements and finances remain the same on a temporary basis during the divorce proceedings. Protective Orders specifically addresses family violence, unlike Temporary Restraining Orders. If an offender violates a Protective Order, law enforcement agencies should immediately arrest the offender and seek to have charges filed.
- Estate PlanningChristine focuses exclusively on family law matters and the preparation of common estate planning documents. While Christine is well versed in family law, certain circumstances can require a third-party expert review or consult with her and the client. While many cases do not require the necessity of an outside source such as a CPA, appraiser, or business evaluator, some do, and Christine is not hesitant to advise a client when it is time to involve a specialized third party. Christine is seasoned and confident in her field while still aware that if the complexity of your situation calls for a third party, she is prepared to bring them on board to achieve the desired outcome. It can be necessary to employ or consult with an expert when dealing with business valuations, valuations of stocks & restricted stock, tracing of inheritance, tracing of assets owned prior to marriage, as well as tax implications in regard to division of a marital estate. If necessary, Christine can assemble and lead a team towards achieving your goals.
- Probate
- Tax LawChristine K. Lincoln is not a certified public accountant and cannot provide tax advice. She suggests that all prospective clients and current clients consult with their certified public accountant to choose the best manner of filing their tax returns and claiming any deductions.