5 SIGNS THAT YOU SHOULD INVOLVE A LAWYER IN YOUR CHILD CUSTODY CASE
- By Admin, Tuesday, September 5, 2017 10:02 AM
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- 17 Sep, 2018
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CONVERSATIONS ALWAYS SEEM TO TURN INTO ARGUMENTS
Chances are that you'll have many conversations with your spouse while trying to come to a child custody agreement. And you will have to talk to one another about coordinating play dates, school functions, sports events and other activities that the kids are involved in.
If these conversations tend to turn into arguments and you can't seem to agree on anything from food choices to how free time is spent, it's a good idea to consider hiring a lawyer to act as a buffer and help the negotiation process progress. You'll have less conflict to worry about and more leverage to rely on while working out your custody and visitation schedule.
CURRENT AGREEMENTS AREN'T BEING MET
Another good reason to get an experienced lawyer involved in your child custody case is if your current arrangements aren't being met by your spouse. If the kids should be dropped off at your home every Sunday evening and they don't show up until the next day, it's a sign that your spouse is acting in defiance and may not intend to adhere to your agreement long-term.
Having a reliable attorney by your side will help ensure that your agreements are being upheld and that you don't end up having to spend time worrying about when you'll see your kids again.
THE KIDS ARE BEING PUT IN THE MIDDLE
While your children should have a clear understanding of the child custody and visitation arrangements you've agreed upon, they shouldn't have to worry about disputes between their parents about where the children should be spending their time.
If your kids come home and start gossiping about your spouse or telling you negative things that have been said about you, it's a sign that you need some professional help to diffuse the situation. You should also seek legal counsel if you notice that the kids are stressed out about making sure your custody and visitation agreements are being met by each parent.
YOU JUST DON'T FEEL GOOD ABOUT THE OPTIONS OFFERED
Most likely, you and your spouse have specific custody and visitation options in mind. And if your spouse isn't willing to budge when it comes to the options they lay out on the table, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer to represent you throughout the negotiation process.
Even if you can't get your spouse to negotiate on one small aspect of your custody and visitation options, it's a sign that they will resist in future negotiations or make negotiating nearly impossible overall. As the kids age, visitation and custody agreements may have to be renegotiated. If you're having a problem negotiating now, have a lawyer step in now to help set a precedence for future negotiations.
YOUR SPOUSE HAS HIRED THEIR OWN LAWYER
Don't let yourself get caught in court representing yourself when your spouse has a lawyer to back them up. At the first sign that your spouse has hired a lawyer to assist them in the custody and visitation negotiation process, you should do the same thing to ensure that the playing field remains even.
Experienced divorce and child custody lawyers have a clear understanding of the laws, which could put you in a risky position if you haven't been to law school yourself. They may use a law or technique you've never heard of to win their client the custody and visitation agreement that the client wants. Protect yourself by making sure you're represented by someone who knows the laws inside and out.
For more information about how an experienced attorney can help you win your child custody and visitation case, contact James M. Whorley to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to serving your best interests.

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Child custody laws and statutes are put in place by individual states. Understanding the nuances of child custody in each state is vital when seeking it. Texas is a perfect example of a state where child custody laws should be thoroughly investigated by those seeking custody.
- Terminology - In Texas, custody is interchangeable with the term conservatorship. While the term conservatorship is used in many other states, it is generally associated with anyone other than direct descendants. However, in Texas conservatorship includes children as well.
- Acronyms - There are several terms in Texas child custody cases that are merely referred to by their acronyms. While these acronyms are not difficult to differentiate, having a working knowledge of them can eliminate common confusion. For example, JMC stands for Joint Managing Conservators.
- Appointment - In Texas, in order for a custody order to legal and bona fide, it has to be processed through the courts. Though temporary guardianship can be approved through power of attorney, without an official court order, both parents have identical rights to children.
Child custody can often be one of the most contentious battles in a divorce settlement. For more information on child custody laws in Texas, call James M. Whorley at 254-742-0420.

It is not uncommon for circumstances to change after a divorce. When this happens, the involved parties may want to make changes to custody and support decrees. To move forward, the party seeking those modifications must show that the changes to the circumstances are significant and will continue. The changes that might prompt modification include:
- Relocation of one party to another state
- Significant income changes
- Concerns relating to the care and safety of minor children



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Attorney's fees are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what you will be financially responsible for. There are a variety of additional fees, fines and expenses that will come along with your defense.
The following will provide you with an idea of the kind of expenses you can expect to pay when you are convicted of a DUI. Keep in mind that exact figures are not provided because monetary amounts will vary from person to person and state to state. However, here's a general overview of what to expect.

This type of separation is more than just an informal trial period when one of you moves into another home for a few months. Instead, it requires a legal agreement that outlines yours and your spouse's fiscal and child-rearing responsibilities during your separation.
Legal separation isn't as well understood as divorce is. Below, we'll introduce you to what legal separation is and explain whether it could work for you.