Murphy, TX Family Law Attorney

Skilled Attorney Providing Family Law Services for Murphy, TX Residents

Family law issues touch nearly every part of daily life, from where your children go to school to how your property is divided in divorce. Whether you are considering divorce, working through a custody dispute, or planning with a prenuptial agreement, the decisions you make now can affect your family for years.

Family law cases can involve more than one issue at a time. You may be facing a divorce that also involves custody and support questions, planning ahead with a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, or working through an adoption or paternity matter. Other situations involve disputes that do not fit neatly into a single category, such as grandparent visitation or enforcing an existing court order. Moore Family Law, P.C. can help with each of these issues, whether your case is just beginning or has already been through the court before. Our Murphy, Texas family law attorney has the skills and experience to guide you through your case.

Divorce and Property Division Under Texas Law

Texas allows for no-fault divorce, meaning a court can grant a divorce based on insupportability. This standard applies when discord or a conflict of personalities has broken down the marriage beyond repair. Texas also follows a community property system, meaning most property acquired during the marriage is divided between spouses in a manner the court considers just and right, rather than through an automatic even split.

A Texas divorce also requires a 60-day waiting period after filing before the court can finalize the case, except in situations involving family violence. Because every marriage involves a different mix of assets, debts, and family circumstances, the specific facts of a case can significantly affect how it resolves.

Child Custody Based on the Best Interest of the Child

Texas law refers to child custody arrangements through the terms conservatorship, possession, and access. Under Texas Family Code Section 153.002, the best interest of the child is always the primary consideration when a court decides these issues. Neither parent starts with an advantage under this standard. A court weighs the realities of the family instead, such as which household offers stability and whether either parent has a history of family violence or abuse. These decisions shape a child's routine and well-being. Our experienced lawyers can help you understand how a judge is likely to view your specific circumstances before your case reaches the courtroom.

Child Support Calculated From Net Income

Texas uses a percentage-based formula to calculate child support based on the paying parent's net monthly income. Under the standard guidelines, a parent generally pays 20 percent of net resources for one child, with the percentage increasing for additional children, up to a cap that adjusts periodically for inflation.

Different guidelines apply if the paying parent's net resources fall below a certain threshold. A court can adjust the guideline amount based on additional factors, such as a child's special needs or extraordinary expenses. Because these calculations depend on accurate income information, disputes often arise when a parent is self-employed or has irregular income.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements for Financial Clarity

It is a common misconception that prenuptial agreements are only for couples with significant wealth. However, these agreements can benefit a wide range of couples by clarifying financial expectations before marriage. Under Texas law, a premarital agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties, and it becomes enforceable once the marriage takes place.

A postnuptial agreement works similarly but is entered into after the wedding. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can address how property will be divided, whether alimony will be available, and how certain assets, such as a family business, will be handled if the marriage ends.

Adoption Services for Growing Families

Texas adoption law allows a child to be adopted once the parent-child relationship with each living parent has been terminated. An exception applies when the person seeking adoption is a stepparent. In that situation, the other parent who is married to the stepparent can retain their parental rights.

Some adoptions, such as certain stepparent adoptions, have specific requirements involving how long the petitioner has cared for the child before filing. These cases involve both state law requirements and, in some cases, coordination with child welfare agencies. We can help you understand the specific path that applies to your family's situation.

Representation for Paternity and Parentage Disputes

Establishing paternity affects a child's legal relationship with a parent, including rights related to conservatorship and financial support. Texas law presumes a man is the father of a child under certain circumstances, such as being married to the child's mother when the child is born, or voluntarily acknowledging paternity through specific legal channels. When paternity is disputed, genetic testing and other legal procedures can be used to establish or challenge a parent-child relationship. Resolving paternity questions early can affect a family's rights and obligations going forward.

Guidance for Other Family Law Matters

Family law covers a wide range of issues beyond divorce and custody, including spousal support, protective orders, grandparent visitation rights, and enforcement or modification of existing family court orders. If your situation involves a family law issue not listed here, it often still falls within the scope of matters our firm can help you address.

Moore Family Law, P.C. Brings Decades of Experience to Family Law Matters

We bring more than 20 years of legal experience to family law cases throughout Murphy and the surrounding area. Our firm has been recognized for its work in family law, and clients who have worked with us have left more than 100 five-star reviews describing their experience. Whether you are facing a divorce, working through a custody or support dispute, or planning ahead with a prenuptial agreement, we can answer your questions and walk you through the process.

Contact Our Murphy Family Law Attorney

Family law matters can be complicated, and the right guidance can make a meaningful difference in how your case unfolds. Contact our Murphy, TX family law attorney or call 214-764-8033 to discuss your situation with Moore Family Law, P.C. today.