San Marcos Family Lawyer

San Marcos Family Law Attorney

Family law can be an all-encompassing field of law that deals with intensely personal situations in your life. After all, any legal issue involving your family is going to affect you deeply. You don’t have to deal with them on your own. With the help of an experienced San Marcos family lawyer, you can rely on trustworthy advice and direction for all matters related to family law.

What Does a Family Lawyer Do?

Family law can be distressing. Divorces, custody agreements, arbitration, and prenups can all be overwhelming to handle on your own. A San Marcos family lawyer helps you handle those situations and works hard to make sure you aren’t taken advantage of while you are in a particularly vulnerable state. Having someone on your side who understands the legal procedures and laws can help you achieve success with your family matter.

Family law is a field that deals solely with family matters involving your children, your spouse, and your rights to certain kinds of support and custody. Navigating these kinds of legal proceedings without the help of an experienced family lawyer can result in disappointment. A family lawyer doesn’t just help you win your case. They can help you remain grounded during what is sure to be an emotional time for you.

Before hiring a family lawyer, it is important to know the kinds of cases they handle on a daily basis. A good family lawyer can help steer your case through the conflicts that come with family matters. Here are some of the kinds of cases that a family lawyer can handle on your behalf:

• Divorce: Nobody enters into a marriage expecting to get divorced. It can often feel defeating and painful to enter into divorce proceedings, especially if you are not the spouse who initiated. Texas is a no-fault divorce state, which means that neither spouse needs to provide grounds for a divorce in order to file. Just because it can be easy to file for divorce without claiming a cause, that does not mean the divorce itself will be smooth. If a divorce is contested, it can get messy as assets are divided, custody of children is decided upon, and personal issues are aired publicly. Having an experienced San Marcos divorce lawyer at the helm of your divorce can help you obtain the results you hope for.
• Collaborative Divorce: Not every divorce is tumultuous. Sometimes, marriages can just end amicably, with neither party seeking to hurt the other or achieve complete asset liquidation. Sometimes, people just grow apart, and it’s nobody’s fault. In those cases, you may want to seek a collaborative divorce. In a collaborative divorce, both spouses sit down and negotiate everything without the need for litigation. A collaborative divorce can be beneficial when both parties are mostly in agreement on asset division, child custody, and how to preserve a relationship moving forward. Every divorce is different, just like every marriage. It is important to take that into consideration when hiring a family law attorney. If your divorce is going to be hard, you may want a good litigator. If your divorce is going to be collaborative, you may want a good mediator.
• Child Custody: One of the most complex and emotionally difficult instances in which a family lawyer is absolutely necessary is when deciding on child custody. Depending on your relationship with your ex-spouse, deciding on a child custody arrangement can range from amicable to downright hostile. If you are able to reach an agreement on child custody outside of the court, that may be good for your case.It is the goal of the Texas courts to preserve the emotional and physical well-being of the child at all times, regardless of the desires of either parent. They must do what is right for the child. In order to decide on a custody arrangement, the judge presiding over your case will take multiple factors into consideration, such as each parent’s home environment, their total income, any past issues with domestic violence or drug abuse, and the desire of each parent to be there for their child.
• Prenuptial Agreements: A prenuptial agreement, also called a prenup, is a document established before marriage that protects both partners’ premarital assets in the event of a divorce. A prenup must be developed according to Texas law to be enforceable. Some couples may be reluctant to sign a prenup as they may consider it unhealthy to discuss a document that will only be revisited in the event of a divorce.A prenup is not a sign of an unhealthy relationship but rather a document that can be immeasurably helpful if things do not work out in the long run. Most couples will decide to create a prenup to protect separate property belonging to either spouse before the marriage. A family lawyer can help you draft a prenup and enforce it if necessary.
• Fathers’ Rights: When a child custody agreement is drafted, it can seem like fathers may experience a harder time being awarded primary custody over mothers. Under Texas state law, both parents have the right to dictate their children’s upbringing, including monitoring their moral and religious education, discipline, support, and legal representation, among other factors.The law provides equal rights to mothers and fathers in regard to their children. Regardless of marital status, if a father wishes to be there for his children and there are no legal barriers preventing it, it is perfectly legal to pursue visitation, make decisions about their child’s future, and provide financial support. If you believe your father’s rights are in jeopardy, you may want to seek legal assistance from a family lawyer.
• Relocation: Following a divorce, the parent who is awarded primary or sole custody of the children may wish to relocate to another part of the country or even leave the country. The idea may be that starting fresh in a new place will make it easier to move on and help the children develop a stable home life. However, it may not be that easy. Often, the ability to relocate your children may be dependent on the custody agreement that was made.

If they wish, the other parent may be able to go to court and claim you are violating the terms of the agreement by trying to take the kids. An experienced family lawyer in San Marcos can help you with relocation situations if they become a battle.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in Texas?

A: There isn’t a certain amount a family lawyer will cost in Texas. Every family lawyer’s fee will be different, as every case is different. In order to determine the amount that your lawyer will charge for their services, a number of important factors have to be taken into consideration. Your lawyer’s fee will be determined by the complexity of your case, your lawyer’s experience and education, their current caseload, their popularity, and the resources your case may take.

Q: What Does a Family Lawyer Do in Texas?

A: In Texas, a family lawyer is responsible for handling any legal issue that has to do with a family matter, such as divorce, child custody, fathers’ rights, child relocation, and adoption. Dealing with legal issues involving family can be heartbreaking, difficult, and frustrating. It is important to retain the services of a family lawyer who can keep things civil and ensure your interests are protected.

Q: Do I Need an Attorney for Child Custody in Texas?

A: No, you technically do not need an attorney for a child custody case in Texas. There is no law that says you must retain legal counsel for your case. You are perfectly able to handle your child custody case yourself. However, it is highly recommended that you speak with a lawyer. Having someone on your side who understands family law in Texas and can apply those skills to your case can help you achieve the result you desire.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to File for Custody in Texas?

A: Filing for child custody in Texas can vary, depending on the details of your case. The amount may be different in each county. In addition to a filing fee, you may need to pay additional fees for service, transcripts, photocopies, postage, and lawyer fees. Overall, the total amount to file for custody in Texas can be significant. Settling child custody out of court can be a less expensive route, if possible.

Reach Out to a San Marcos Family Lawyer Today at Vaught Law Firm, P.C.

It can be tough dealing with family issues in a court of law. However, hiring an experienced family lawyer can make your situation easier to handle. A good lawyer can steer your case in a favorable direction while helping to keep the case civil. At Vaught Law Firm, P.C., we can help you develop your case, represent your interests, and work on your appeal if it comes to that. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a valued team member.