In Texas, joint conservatorship is a common arrangement where both parents share the rights and responsibilities of raising their children after a divorce or separation. However, this arrangement can present challenges that require careful navigation. If you are currently going through a divorce and are concerned with co-parenting with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, discuss your concerns with your lawyer. Your lawyer will likely possess strategies you can utilize to help find ways for you and your ex-spouse to get along for the well-being of your kids.

Communication and Co-Parenting

One of the primary challenges in joint conservatorship cases is effective communication and co-parenting. Parents must learn to set aside their differences and prioritize open, respectful, and consistent communication. This includes sharing important information about the child’s well-being, such as medical appointments, school updates, and extracurricular activities. Utilizing tools like shared calendars or co-parenting apps can help streamline communication and reduce conflicts.

Respecting Boundaries and Decision-Making

Another challenge in joint conservatorship cases is respecting each parent’s boundaries and decision-making authority. It is crucial to establish clear guidelines regarding significant decisions, such as education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Both parents should strive to make decisions in the best interests of the child and consult each other when necessary. Respecting each other’s opinions and finding compromises can help maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship.

Establishing paternity is crucial for both legal and emotional reasons. In cases where the biological father’s identity is in question, a paternity test can provide clarity and determine important legal rights and responsibilities. However, what happens when parties in a paternity dispute refuse to cooperate? Can the court step in and order a paternity test? The answer is yes; the court can order a paternity test. If you are currently in a paternity dispute, contact a lawyer immediately to obtain crucial legal representation as you navigate this important process.

Legal Basis for Court-Ordered Paternity Tests

In Texas paternity disputes, the court can and often does exercise its authority to order a paternity test. This authority is granted under the jurisdiction of family law, which prioritizes whatever is best for the child. The court aims to establish legal paternity to ensure the child’s rights to financial support, inheritance, and access to medical benefits. Additionally, a court-ordered paternity test serves to protect the rights of both the alleged father and the child, providing the opportunity for a fair and conclusive determination of paternity. 

Circumstances for Court Intervention

The court typically intervenes in paternity cases when there is uncertainty or disagreement regarding the child’s biological father. This can arise in situations where a potential father denies paternity or when the mother or child seeks to establish paternity for support or legal rights. The court requires a reasonable basis for doubt or legitimate interest in determining paternity to order a paternity test. This may involve presenting evidence such as testimonies, medical records, or other relevant documentation to support the need for a paternity test.

Preparing for a Child Protective Services (CPS) interview in Texas can prove stressful and daunting. A parent or caregiver concerned about the well-being of a child who is the subject of the investigation will be especially concerned. It is best to approach the interview with clarity, honesty, and a focus on the child's safety and welfare.

Before the Interview

Facing a CPS interview can be emotionally charged, but it is crucial to remain calm and composed throughout the process. Taking deep breaths and staying focused can help you articulate your thoughts clearly. You should review any relevant documentation or records related to your child's welfare, including medical records, school reports, and any communication with CPS or other professionals involved in the case.

Familiarize yourself with your legal rights as a parent or caregiver involved in a CPS investigation. Understand what information is required and what you have the right to withhold. Know the specific allegations made against you or the child involved. Being aware of the concerns will help you address them directly during the interview. In addition:

State law in Texas recognizes community property in cases where couples are married. Both communal property and marital debts must be divided when a couple files for divorce. When the phrase "community property" is used, it is frequently assumed that it refers to things like a couple's marital home, their vehicles, their personal property, and their bank accounts. In the majority of cases, those things do indeed fit under that category. However, business ownership or a stake in a family business is another type of asset that may or may not be considered community property.

How Divorce Can Affect Your Business in Texas

Divorce proceedings can have a variety of effects on a business owner. It can be challenging for a person to take care of the day-to-day requirements of running a business while also navigating the legal aspects of divorce, which may involve going to divorce settlement conferences and appearing in court. Utilizing key personnel, lowering workloads where possible, working a reduced schedule, and hiring temporary workers that can help maintain the existing anticipated level of your company are all options that may be available to business owners during the divorce process.

Because it can be considered a communal asset, a business may be impacted by a divorce as well. In other words, a business owner’s spouse could be able to claim a share of the company. In many cases, it is a good idea for business owners to plan for this possibility before getting married. A premarital agreement may be used to ensure that a business owner will be able to maintain full ownership of the company in the event of divorce.

 Divorce not only has a significant emotional impact, but it can also carry a substantial financial burden. The financial impact of divorce can be far-reaching and affect various aspects of your life, including income, assets, debts, and future financial stability. Being aware of what some of these areas are can help you better prepare and avoid some of these issues.

Division of Assets and Debts

One of the most immediate and tangible financial consequences of divorce is the division of assets and debts. Texas is a community property state, so marital property, such as the family home, investments, and other assets, may need to be divided between the spouses in order to achieve that 50/50 split. This process can be complex and often involves negotiation. If a couple cannot reach an agreement via negotiation, then the court will make the decision for them. The process can result in the need to sell assets or divide them in a way that may not be financially advantageous for one or both parties.

Household Expenses

Divorce can also lead to a significant reduction in household income. You may not be going from a two-income household to a one-income household. This can be particularly challenging for individuals who were financially dependent on their ex-spouse or who may have sacrificed their career or earning potential during the marriage. Adjusting to a single income can require significant lifestyle changes and budgetary adjustments. In some situations, the court may order spousal support for the lesser-earning spouse, depending on the circumstances and the history of the marriage.