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Can One Spouse File Bankruptcy in Texas? What Texas Law Says

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Bankruptcy Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: March 10, 2026 · Last Updated: March 27, 2026 · 8 min read

White Chapter 7 folder and gold seal on marble for one-spouse bankruptcy in Texas, Warren & Migliaccio, L.L.P.

 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...]

Categories: Bankruptcy

Is Spousal Support Taxable in Texas? What the Law Actually Says

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Divorce Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: March 4, 2026 · Last Updated: May 19, 2026 · 19 min read

A divorce decree, IRS documents, date stamp, and tax booklets labeled "PRE-2018" and "POST-2018" are arranged on a desk next to the question: Is Spousal Support Taxable in Texas?.

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...]

Categories: Divorce

Divorce Mistakes to Avoid in Texas: What Texas Law Says

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Divorce Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: February 24, 2026 · Last Updated: May 19, 2026 · 21 min read

A stack of legal documents titled "Final Decree" sits next to a pen, calendar, and notary stamp, with text reading "Divorce Mistakes to Avoid in Texas.

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...]

Categories: Divorce

What Not to Do Before Filing Bankruptcy: What Texas Law Says (North Texas Guide)

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Bankruptcy Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: February 11, 2026 · Last Updated: March 27, 2026 · 27 min read

A stack of documents, envelopes, a credit card, and paper clips on a wooden desk with the text "What Not to Do Before Filing Bankruptcy in Texas" displayed.

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...]

Categories: Bankruptcy

How to Help Your Child Cope With Divorce in Texas

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Divorce Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: February 5, 2026 · Last Updated: May 15, 2026 · 21 min read

Illustration of a child holding a teddy bear, surrounded by images of upset parents, custody schedules, a house, and a car with luggage, representing coping 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...]

Categories: Divorce

What Are Non-Exempt Assets in Chapter 7 in Texas?

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Bankruptcy Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: January 25, 2026 · Last Updated: March 11, 2026 · 10 min read

Illustration showing a man examining non-exempt assets in Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Texas: a house, cash, jewelry, a car, documents, and a judge’s gavel.

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...]

Categories: Bankruptcy

7 Reasons to File Bankruptcy in Texas

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Bankruptcy Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: January 14, 2026 · Last Updated: March 14, 2026 · 19 min read

Illustration with a gavel, foreclosure house, medical bills, debt notices, and a bag of money, titled "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...]

Categories: Bankruptcy

Consequences of Not Paying Child Support in Texas

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Child Custody Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: January 5, 2026 · Last Updated: May 20, 2026 · 26 min read

Dramatic balance scale on a dark wooden desk with a blurred Texas courthouse-style background

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...]

Categories: Child Custody, Child Support

What to Do When Your Ex Stops Paying Child Support in Texas

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Child Custody Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: January 3, 2026 · Last Updated: May 20, 2026 · 31 min read

A hand-drawn sketch illustration in muted colors showing a worried man holding a document at a crossroads. Arrows connect him to surrounding icons representing legal steps: a phone and logbook for documentation, an envelope for contact, a lawyer and government building for enforcement paths, and a calendar with a circled date indicating deadlines. The title "What to Do When Your Ex Stops Paying Child Support in Texas" is bold at the top.

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...]

Categories: Child Custody, Child Support

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Stops Repossession—But Doesn’t Erase Your Car Loan (What North Texas Drivers Need to Know)

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Bankruptcy Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: December 31, 2025 · Last Updated: April 22, 2026 · 27 min read

A car key and folder rest on a wooden desk with text explaining that Chapter 7 bankruptcy stops repossession but doesn't erase car loans, aimed at North Texas drivers.

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...]

Categories: Bankruptcy

Alternatives to Bankruptcy in Texas: Real Options That Can Work

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Bankruptcy Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: December 29, 2025 · Last Updated: March 17, 2026 · 22 min read

A cinematic photograph of a Texas attorney in a navy suit consulting with a relieved couple over debt options, with gold text overlay on the left reading "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...]

Categories: Bankruptcy

Custody Lawyer Cost in Texas: Realistic Fees, Retainers, and What Drives the Bill

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Child Custody Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: December 28, 2025 · Last Updated: December 30, 2025 · 19 min read

Two men sit at a table reviewing documents; one looks stressed while the other, in a suit, explains paperwork. Text reads: “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...]

Categories: Child Custody

Can Utility Bills Be Included in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Texas?

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Bankruptcy Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: December 26, 2025 · Last Updated: March 17, 2026 · 21 min read

Two men sit at a table reviewing paperwork, with the text "Can Utility Bills Be Included in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Texas?" displayed beside them.

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...]

Categories: Bankruptcy

Do Minors Have to Pay Child Support in Texas?

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Child Custody Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: December 22, 2025 · Last Updated: May 20, 2026 · 18 min read

A teenage boy sits between two adults, holding a child support document and a budget sheet, with the question “Do minors have to pay child support in Texas?” displayed on the right.

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...]

Categories: Child Custody, Child Support Tagged: child custody atorney, Child Custody Tag, Child Support Tag, Divorce & Your Children, minors and child support

How to Register an Out-of-State Custody Order in Texas

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Child Custody Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: December 17, 2025 · Last Updated: March 3, 2026 · 16 min read

child custody application documents;

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...]

Categories: Child Custody Tagged: child custody lawyer, Child Custody Tag, Child Support Tag, custody order in texas, Divorce & Your Children

Can Gambling Debt Be Discharged in Bankruptcy in Texas?

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Bankruptcy Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: December 10, 2025 · Last Updated: March 17, 2026 · 20 min read

A man sits at a poker table with stacked chips and playing cards in front of him, appearing deep in thought—perhaps considering discharging gambling debt 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...]

Categories: Bankruptcy Tagged: Bankruptcy Attorney Dallas, Bankruptcy in Texas, Bankruptcy Tag, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, gambling debt

Legal Guardian vs Power of Attorney in Texas Explained

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Estate Planning Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: December 2, 2025 · Last Updated: December 8, 2025 · 11 min read

Mature lawyer having conversation in the court room

Wondering what “legal guardian vs power of attorney in Texas” really means? A power of attorney in Texas is a private legal document. In it, a capable adult chooses an agent (attorney-in-fact) to handle financial or medical decisions. Meanwhile, a legal guardian is very different. It is a … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: Durable power of attorney, Estate Planning Tag, last will, legal guardianship, power of attorney

Should I Put My Home in a Trust in Texas? Pros, Cons & Your Next Steps

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Estate Planning Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: November 23, 2025 · Last Updated: March 26, 2026 · 21 min read

Protect your house in trust

If you own a home in Texas and are asking, “should I put my home in a trust in Texas?”, you are really asking two things: will a trust make life easier for my family, and do I need a Texas living trust attorney to set it up correctly? In many cases, a revocable living trust can keep your homestead … [Read more...]

Categories: Estate Planning Tagged: estate planning, estate planning attorney, estate planning attorney texas, estate planning lawyer, Estate Planning Tag

What Am I Entitled to in a Divorce in Texas?

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Divorce Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: November 22, 2025 · Last Updated: May 15, 2026 · 21 min read

Brown wooden cottage with keys, in the background the woman is signing a paper

Are you also questioning, what am I entitled to in a divorce in Texas? In a Texas divorce, you may be entitled to a fair share of community property (assets and debts acquired during the marriage), possible spousal maintenance, and child-related support based on your children’s needs and your … [Read more...]

Categories: Divorce Tagged: community property, Dallas Divorce Attorney, Divorce, Divorce Law, divorce law texas

How Long Does A Divorce Take In Texas With Children? Timeline & What to Expect

By Christopher Migliaccio · Texas Divorce Attorney · Texas Bar #24053059
Published: November 21, 2025 · Last Updated: May 19, 2026 · 23 min read

Sad little girl, sofa and parents in conflict, disagreement or fight in the living room at home. Family, divorce and husband in argument with wife and unhappy child on lounge couch in depression

Key Takeaways In Texas, a divorce with children takes at least 60 days. Uncontested cases usually finish in 3–4 months, while contested custody cases often take 6–18+ months. ● Texas law imposes a mandatory 60-day waiting period after filing for divorce. … [Read more...]

Categories: Divorce Tagged: Child Custody Tag, Child Support Tag, Divorce, Divorce & Your Children, Divorce Lawyer Dallas, family law attorney

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Christopher Migliaccio, attorney in Dallas, Texas
About the Author

Christopher Migliaccio is Co-Founding Partner and Managing Partner of Warren & Migliaccio, L.L.P., where along with Gary Warren he leads a team of attorneys serving Texas families since 2006. A graduate of Thomas M. Cooley School of Law with a B.A. in Accountancy, he oversees the firm's practice areas including debt defense, bankruptcy, divorce, child custody, and estate planning.

Licensed by the State Bar of Texas (#24053059 ✓), Christopher and his team serve clients statewide for debt defense and estate planning matters, while focusing on North Texas families for bankruptcy and family law cases. His unique financial background and nearly two decades of leadership enable him to ensure each client receives compassionate, strategic guidance.

If you have questions about this article, contact Christopher Migliaccio to discuss your situation.

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