A guardian ad litem in Texas is a court-appointed advocate whose only job is to represent a child's best interests during a custody case (called conservatorship and possession and access under Texas law), divorce, or CPS case. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 107, a guardian ad litem investigates the … [Read more...]
How Long After Bankruptcy Can I Buy a Car in Texas?
In Texas, you can usually buy a car after your bankruptcy is discharged. For many Chapter 7 filers, the discharge order is entered about four months after filing if no objection is filed. In an open Chapter 13 case, do not sign for new vehicle debt until you have gone through the trustee and local … [Read more...]
Spendthrift Trust in Texas: How It Works and Who It Protects
A Texas spendthrift trust lets a trustee manage and distribute assets for a beneficiary while generally keeping the beneficiary from transferring the interest and generally keeping most creditors from reaching trust assets before distribution, subject to exceptions under Texas and federal law. Tex. … [Read more...]
Health Insurance After Divorce in Texas: What You Need to Know
If you are on your spouse's health insurance plan, do not assume coverage lasts until or beyond the day the judge signs your divorce decree. In many employer plans, divorce ends your eligibility as a spouse when the divorce becomes final, while Texas courts can use temporary restraining orders or … [Read more...]
Can One Spouse File Bankruptcy in Texas? What Texas Law Says
Yes, one spouse can file for bankruptcy in Texas without the other. The filing only appears on the filing spouse's credit report. But because Texas is a community property state, the non-filing spouse can still be affected in ways most couples don't see coming (Tex. Fam. Code § 3.002). At … [Read more...]
Is Spousal Support Taxable in Texas? What the Law Actually Says
For most Texas divorce or separation instruments executed after December 31, 2018, qualifying spousal support is not taxable to the recipient and not deductible to the payer. Pre-2019 orders may still use the older deductible-and-taxable rules unless a later modification expressly adopts the newer … [Read more...]
Divorce Mistakes to Avoid in Texas: What Texas Law Says
The biggest divorce mistakes to avoid in Texas include hiding assets, posting on social media, letting emotions drive decisions, ignoring temporary orders or county standing orders, and rushing into a Final Decree you do not understand. Who This Helps vs. Who Needs Something Else This guide … [Read more...]
What Not to Do Before Filing Bankruptcy: What Texas Law Says (North Texas Guide)
What not to do before filing bankruptcy: Don’t run up new credit card charges, transfer or hide assets, repay family or one creditor, or cash out retirement accounts. In Texas, exemption rules and federal lookback periods can turn these moves into trustee problems or nondischargeable debt. Get legal … [Read more...]
How to Help Your Child Cope With Divorce in Texas
How to help your child cope with divorce in Texas starts with calm, honest talks, a steady routine in both homes, and keeping them out of adult conflict. Plan for exchange days and schedule changes early, because Texas possession schedules can be hardest on kids during transitions. … [Read more...]
What Are Non-Exempt Assets in Chapter 7 in Texas?
Non-exempt assets in Chapter 7 in Texas are property or equity not covered by Texas or federal exemptions. The bankruptcy trustee may sell the non-exempt value to pay unsecured creditors. Common examples include extra vehicles, non-homestead real estate, and cash above exemption limits. Since … [Read more...]
7 Reasons to File Bankruptcy in Texas
Reasons to file bankruptcy in Texas often come down to getting real debt relief fast. But the right path depends on your income, assets, and what types of debts you have. Some debts can be wiped out. Others will still have to be paid. Key Takeaways Filing triggers the automatic … [Read more...]
Consequences of Not Paying Child Support in Texas
Consequences of not paying child support in Texas are serious, and yes, Texas can take enforcement action through wage withholding, liens, license suspension, and passport denial. But the exact risk depends on how far behind you are and whether a court believes you can pay and chose not to. At … [Read more...]
What to Do When Your Ex Stops Paying Child Support in Texas
When your ex stops paying child support in Texas, you have two enforcement paths: file with the Texas Attorney General's Office (OAG) for free assistance with a longer timeline, or hire a private attorney for faster court action. Both can force wage garnishment, license suspension, and contempt … [Read more...]
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Stops Repossession—But Doesn’t Erase Your Car Loan (What North Texas Drivers Need to Know)
Yes, filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy immediately stops car repossession through the automatic stay. However, the automatic stay doesn't eliminate your lender's lien on the vehicle. If you're behind on payments, you'll need to catch up quickly, reaffirm the loan, redeem the car, or surrender it. In North … [Read more...]
Alternatives to Bankruptcy in Texas: Real Options That Can Work
Alternatives to bankruptcy in Texas can work, but it depends on your debt type, how close you are to a lawsuit, and what you own. Many Texans have strong wage and property protections, but secured debts like a mortgage or car loan can still lead to foreclosure or repossession. Bankruptcy can feel … [Read more...]
Custody Lawyer Cost in Texas: Realistic Fees, Retainers, and What Drives the Bill
Custody lawyer cost texas: It depends on whether your child custody case stays agreed or becomes contested. Many lawyers charge about $150 to $600+ per hour and ask for a $2,500 to $10,000 retainer, but high-conflict cases can exceed $40,000 when hearings, discovery, or trial prep stack up. … [Read more...]
Can Utility Bills Be Included in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Texas?
Can utility bills be included in chapter 7 bankruptcy in Texas? Yes, in most cases past-due utility bills can be included and discharged, but you must keep paying future utility bills and you may have to post a new deposit to keep service on. Cable, internet, and cell phone service may not get the … [Read more...]
Do Minors Have to Pay Child Support in Texas?
Do minors have to pay child support in Texas? Yes. In Texas, a parent can be ordered to pay child support even if that parent is under 18. But minor-parent cases often need an adult next friend to help the teen parent take part in court. Key Takeaways Even if a parent is under … [Read more...]
How to Register an Out-of-State Custody Order in Texas
To register an out-of-state custody order in Texas, send the appropriate Texas court: (1) a request to register, (2) two copies of the order (one certified), (3) a sworn statement the order hasn’t been modified, and (4) names and addresses of the parties (with safety exceptions). The court serves … [Read more...]
Can Gambling Debt Be Discharged in Bankruptcy in Texas?
Most unsecured gambling debt can be discharged in a Texas bankruptcy unless a creditor proves fraud or a Bankruptcy Code presumption applies. Problems usually come from recent cash advances, last-minute charges, or false information on a credit application. The sooner you gather records and assess … [Read more...]
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