Category Archives: Family Law
What To Do If Your Child Is Taken To Another Country Without Permission
Few things are more frightening for a parent than finding out their child has been taken to another country without permission. Often, the parent who takes the child believes they are doing what is best, while the other parent sees it as a violation of custody rights and court orders. These cases can quickly… Read More »
When Disability Is Not Enough: Lessons from McCulloch v. McCulloch on Modifying Texas Spousal Maintenance
Lessons from McCulloch v. McCulloch on Modifying Texas Spousal Maintenance The Austin Court of Appeals’ opinion in McCulloch v. McCulloch, No. 03-24-00518-CV, 2026 WL 1872638, filed June 30, 2026, is a useful reminder that a party seeking to modify support obligations in Texas must do more than point to a changed label, diagnosis, or… Read More »
Protective Orders In Texas Family Law Cases
Protective orders usually come up during some of the most stressful times a family can face. Claims about threats, harassment, family violence, or safety concerns can quickly shift the course of a divorce or custody case. These orders are meant to offer quick legal protection, but they can also have lasting effects beyond the… Read More »
When Can You Use a Mandamus in Texas Family Law?
When Is Mandamus Worth Pursuing? Most family lawyers know what a mandamus is. Fewer know when it is actually worth pursuing. I often describe a mandamus as an “emergency appeal,” and while that is not technically precise, it is a useful way to think about it. Unlike a traditional appeal, which occurs after a… Read More »
Appellate Strategy Begins at the Trial Level
In complex family law litigation, appellate issues rarely appear without warning. In many cases, the foundation for a successful appeal is established long before a notice of appeal is ever filed. The way issues are raised, preserved, documented, and argued during trial proceedings can significantly affect future appellate options. For that reason, appellate strategy… Read More »
Why Jurisdiction Can Change the Direction of a Family Law Case
Jurisdiction issues are often overlooked until they become central to the dispute itself. In complex family law matters, where a case is heard can influence strategy, timing, procedural rules, and in some situations, the outcome of the litigation. For cases involving multiple states, relocation concerns, business interests, or interstate custody disputes, jurisdiction may become… Read More »
Complex Divorce Cases Often Begin Long Before Filing
In many complex family law matters, the most important decisions are made long before a petition is ever filed. While some divorces move quickly toward litigation, high-conflict and financially significant matters often require a more deliberate and strategic approach from the outset. When substantial assets, business interests, trusts, interstate concerns, or complicated custody issues… Read More »