The Harris Law FirmFort Worth Family Law Attorney | The Harris Law Firm2026-05-22T03:07:19Zhttps://www.harrislawtx.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of The Harris Law Firm<![CDATA[Dealing with a high-conflict divorce]]>https://www.harrislawtx.com/?p=500062026-05-22T03:07:19Z2026-05-22T03:07:19ZSome spouses can summon the spirit of “conscious uncoupling” when filing for divorce. While that might be the ideal way to accomplish a marital split, other couples get mired down in vitriol and a rash of allegations.
The latter are considered to be high-conflict divorces. Read on to learn some tips for managing communication with your soon-to-be ex-spouse.
Establish firm boundaries
What you allow is what will continue, so make sure that you both define and defend your boundaries. Don’t weaken or allow any egregious behaviors to occur. One way to do this is to choose a public spot like a police or fire station to make all custody exchanges. You may also want to bring a neutral party to accompany you for these tasks.
Control the narrative
Things can’t devolve into a he said/she said if there is documented evidence of what actually occurred. There are special apps designed for communication between former spouses and/or co-parents. When used by divorcing spouses, they can prevent incidents of miscommunication that might otherwise escalate. When you must communicate, keep all discussions focused on the specific topic. Respond clearly without rehashing old problems or situations.
Start a divorce log
Any missed pick-up dates or broken agreements should be documented with available evidence, e.g., screenshots, witness testimonies, etc. Your legal team may later use this information as evidence in your divorce or custody battle.
Scale back your digital presence
Social media posts have tanked many a divorce case. It is always prudent to avoid posting updates during a divorce battle. Ask friends not to post pictures of you or your children, which could be misconstrued by an ex. Block automatic tagging on all social media sites. Stick to innocuous comments and birthday greetings while your divorce is pending.]]>On Behalf of The Harris Law Firm<![CDATA[Changing a custody order when a job or schedule shifts]]>https://www.harrislawtx.com/?p=500022026-05-15T08:40:46Z2026-05-15T08:40:46ZModifications to child custody orders
If a parent wants to change their custody or schedule post-divorce, they file a motion to modify the SAPCR. The "court order" that was created during the divorce stays active until a new "modification" is filed and signed by a judge. This applies to:
Changes in work schedules: When a new job or different hours make the old visitation calendar impossible to follow.
A child's changing school needs: As children grow, their educational or extracurricular requirements often require a shift in the daily routine.
One parent moving to a different part of the Metroplex: Relocating within the Fort Worth area can change commute times and affect how parents share time.
Before a judge can approve a change to a parenting plan, it is important to show that the new schedule is in the child’s best interests, especially since Texas law prioritizes stability for the family.
Taking the next step toward a stable schedule
Updating a court order does not have to be an aggressive battle between parents. Most often, it is a practical step taken to reflect the reality of a busy, changing life. When parents work together to adjust their agreements, it reduces friction and ensures that the focus remains on supporting the child’s growth. Taking the time to officially document these shifts prevents future confusion and provides everyone with a clear, reliable path forward.]]>On Behalf of The Harris Law Firm<![CDATA[Must spouses split retirement savings 50/50 in a Texas divorce?]]>https://www.harrislawtx.com/?p=499992026-05-07T00:51:12Z2026-05-07T00:51:12ZUneven splits are common
A 50/50 property division outcome is not always fair and appropriate. Texas state statutes allow spouses and the courts to deviate from a 50/50 split of property when an even split might prove unfair.
When looking at the distribution of retirement savings, in particular, key considerations include the income and separate assets of both spouses, the duration of the marriage and other details about their economic circumstances.
Spouses may need to divide their individual retirement savings accounts to reach a fair property division settlement. However, they do not necessarily need to divide each account in half. They can potentially even reach arrangements where they each retain their own retirement savings and then address discrepancies through the allocation of other marital property and debts.
Setting clear priorities early in the property division process can make it easier for people to preserve key resources when they divorce. Retirement accounts can be difficult to address fairly, making a thorough financial review with a skilled legal team critical for those concerned about 401(k)s and similar resources during a divorce.]]>On Behalf of The Harris Law Firm<![CDATA[Navigating prom season with your co-parent]]>https://www.harrislawtx.com/?p=499972026-04-19T16:09:29Z2026-04-19T16:09:29ZProm season can be an exciting time for high school students – especially seniors anticipating their last big high school dance. For parents, it can be a bag of mixed emotions and fears.
If you’re a divorced or separated parent, it may also mean more communication and cooperation than you’d prefer to have with your co-parent. However, if you’re sharing custody of your teen, it’s important to find a way to put your issues to the side as you strive to make this a special and safe night for them. Let’s look at a couple of key things to focus on.
Expenses
It’s important to determine how much you’re contributing to your teen’s prom expenses and how you’ll divide the expenses you’re helping with. These may include clothes, tickets, transportation, dinner, flowers, photos and more.If possible, it’s best to have a conversation with your co-parent about whether you’re both helping them foot the bill, and then work out the budget with your child together. This shouldn’t be a competition to see which parent will splurge for a limo or designer attire or who is agreeable to letting them stay out all night.
Rules
It’s important to form a united front when setting rules like how long they can stay out, where they can go, whether they can drive (or let one of their friends drive), how often they need to check in (with both of you) and so forth.Even if the two of you have different rules in each of your homes (for example, for curfews and check-ins), it’s a good idea to agree on these things for prom night, regardless of whose parenting time it falls under.
Prepare for more milestones
Remember that prom is just one of the milestones that you and your co-parent will need to navigate as your child moves from being a high school student to a college freshman. There will also be looking at schools, graduation and moving into their college housing (nearby or maybe thousands of miles away). Maybe your child is considering taking a gap year to work or travel. That’s a big decision that you’ll both want to weigh in on. It’s important to let your teen experience those milestones without having to worry about their parents bickering. Even though most of your child-related agreements will end as they become an adult, there may be things you want to codify, like college expenses. Reaching out for legal guidance can help if you have questions or concerns. ]]>On Behalf of The Harris Law Firm<![CDATA[Can a biological parent stop an adoption in Texas?]]>https://www.harrislawtx.com/?p=499782026-03-31T14:59:13Z2026-04-02T14:57:08ZWhen a biological parent can stop an adoption
In most cases, a biological parent must consent before an adoption can move forward. Courts treat parental rights as significant and do not remove them lightly.
If a parent maintains a meaningful role in the child’s life, that involvement can carry weight. Consistent contact or support may signal that their legal rights remain intact, which can allow them to block the adoption.
When consent is not required
Consent, however, is not always a requirement. Texas courts may allow an adoption to proceed without it under certain conditions.
The parent has failed to support or maintain contact
Courts look at patterns over time rather than isolated actions.
How courts handle parental rights in adoption cases
Adoption cases often center on whether a parent’s rights remain in place, since those rights must be addressed before an adoption can proceed. A parent may choose to give up those rights, or a court may end them after reviewing the facts. In either situation, a judge must approve the outcome. The law requires clear and specific findings before a legal parent-child relationship can end.
In making that decision, Texas courts focus on the child’s best interest. Judges consider the child’s need for stability, the strength of existing relationships and the environment each adult can provide.
Understanding what shapes the outcome
No single factor decides the outcome of an adoption case. Courts look at whether the parent still has legal rights, how they have been involved in the child’s life and how those facts affect the child’s long-term stability. Understanding how these elements work together can help clarify what shapes the court’s decision.]]>On Behalf of The Harris Law Firm<![CDATA[When your spouse refuses divorce for religious reasons]]>https://www.harrislawtx.com/?p=499772026-03-16T15:45:13Z2026-03-19T13:43:06ZTexas allows one spouse to file for no-fault divorce
Texas recognizes “no-fault” divorce, which means you do not have to prove that your spouse committed a specific wrong to end the marriage. A judge can grant a divorce if the marriage has become insupportable, meaning that deep-seated conflict or personality differences make the relationship impossible to continue.
This rule is particularly important when a spouse objects to divorce for religious reasons. Your spouse may believe the marriage should continue, but the court can still grant the divorce if you meet the legal requirements.
What happens if your spouse refuses to participate?
Sometimes a spouse refuses to engage with the legal process because they believe participating would violate their faith. In these instances, they might:
Refuse to sign divorce papers
Ignore official court documents
Decline to appear at scheduled hearings
When this happens, the case does not automatically stop. If your spouse receives proper legal notice and still does not respond, a judge may issue a default judgment that allows the divorce to move forward.
Addressing the legal issues in your divorce
Even when religion plays a role in the conflict, the court must still resolve the practical parts of ending a marriage. These issues often include property division, parenting arrangements and financial support.
While religious counseling may help some couples work through personal concerns, the legal process still follows Texas family law. Understanding how that process works can help you move forward with greater clarity during a difficult time.
]]>On Behalf of The Harris Law Firm<![CDATA[4 communication boundaries for every co-parent]]>https://www.harrislawtx.com/?p=499762026-03-05T15:55:41Z2026-03-05T15:55:41ZKeep messages focused on children
Your co-parent does not need updates about your personal life or social schedule. Therefore, you should limit every conversation strictly to topics involving your children. Discuss school events, medical concerns and holiday schedules exclusively.
If the other parent brings up past conflicts, redirect them to the current topic immediately. This boundary prevents unnecessary emotional friction between households.
Many parents find success using a co-parenting app to maintain a clean record of these interactions. These digital tools provide a structured environment that can help reduce the frequency of off-topic discussions and venting.
Set specific times for responses
Responding to notifications throughout the day creates a state of constant stress. Instead, choose two specific windows each day to check and send messages. For example, you might check your inbox at 8 a.m. and again at 6 p.m.
However, you must distinguish between routine logistics and true emergencies. Immediate responses are necessary for:
Physical injuries
Sudden safety concerns
Situations where a child cannot be located
Most questions about weekend pickup times can wait a few hours. Clear expectations reduce anxiety for everyone involved.
Use one primary communication method
Switching between texts, emails and calls creates confusion. It also makes tracking information difficult if you need to review your legal rights during a dispute. Consequently, you should select one platform and stick to it consistently.
Many legal professionals recommend email or dedicated co-parenting apps for non-urgent matters. These platforms provide organized logs that can be prepared for court use through proper authentication under the Texas Rules of Evidence. Written communication gives you time to compose a neutral response rather than reacting in the heat of the moment.
Maintain a professional tone
If a co-parent sends a provocative message to get a reaction, you must respond with calm and professional language. Think of this person as a business colleague rather than a former partner.
Draft responses to hostile messages and wait 60 minutes before you send them. This pause helps you remove emotional language and stick to the facts. If your custody arrangement faces a legal review, professional messages protect your interests throughout the process.
Secure a stable future
Research suggests that high levels of parental conflict can negatively impact a child's emotional development and long-term stress responses. Therefore, while a co-parent might resist at first, firm structures provide the stability your children need to thrive.
Consistency is the most important factor when you implement these changes. A local attorney can help you determine if these boundaries should be incorporated into a formal court order or parenting plan to ensure they are legally enforceable.
]]>On Behalf of The Harris Law Firm<![CDATA[Withholding visitation: What the new Texas law means for parents]]>https://www.harrislawtx.com/?p=499742026-02-18T15:59:03Z2026-02-26T15:20:03ZHow the Three-Strikes Rule works
Under the new law, the strikes refer to criminal convictions for interference with child custody. A parent can face these consequences for enticing or persuading the child to skip a visit:
First and second offenses: Class C misdemeanor with fines of up to $500
Third offense: State jail felony with potential jail time from 180 days to two years and fines up to $10,000
It is important to note that taking or retaining a child in violation of an order is a state jail felony on the first offense.
If the courts find a parent in contempt at least three times, a judge must grant the wronged parent at least double the duration of the missed visits and award attorney’s fees. Additionally, these three findings now count as a material and substantial change for seeking a permanent custody modification.
Why accuracy in documentation is vital
The protections under the Three-Strikes law only take effect if you have a clear legal record. Establish a paper trail with these recommendations:
Maintain a detailed log of every missed or shortened visit.
File for formal contempt.
Gather through saved texts, emails or witness testimony to prove intentional interference.
Because the distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony is legally technical, navigating this alone is risky. Seeking legal counsel is the best next step to determine whether your ex-partner is violating your rights.]]>On Behalf of The Harris Law Firm<![CDATA[3 reasons a judge orders a child custody evaluation in Texas]]>https://www.harrislawtx.com/?p=499752026-02-24T16:31:24Z2026-02-24T16:31:24ZContested conservatorship or possession
The most common reason for an evaluation is simply that parents disagree on where a child should live. Under the Texas Family Code, a judge can order an evaluation in any case where custody is contested. It is not always about "bad" parenting.
Often, the court needs a neutral expert to look at complex family dynamics or special needs. The evaluator uses evidence-based methods to see which environment offers the most stability for the child.
Allegations of unsafe environments
If one parent raises concerns about the safety or stability of the other household, the court must act. This includes allegations of substance abuse, neglect or domestic violence. Texas judges prioritize the physical and emotional safety of the child above all other factors.
The evaluator will visit each home to observe the living conditions. They ensure each parent can provide a safe and supportive space that meets the needs of the child.
High-conflict communication and alienation
Sometimes parents are capable individuals but struggle to co-parent. If frequent arguments occur during exchanges at local parks or schools, the judge may seek an expert opinion.
The evaluator looks for signs of parental alienation or one parent interfering with the bond of the other. They often interview teachers and doctors to get a full picture of the child's life.
Understanding your rights
An evaluation is a formal legal process that requires a professional approach. An experienced family law attorney can help you prepare for interviews and home visits. Having legal support ensures that the evaluator receives an accurate and fair representation of your relationship with your child.
]]>On Behalf of The Harris Law Firm<![CDATA[Does a home renovation affect property division in Texas?]]>https://www.harrislawtx.com/?p=499722026-02-10T16:08:53Z2026-02-10T16:08:53ZHome renovations can increase comfort and resale value, but they can also affect property division during a Texas divorce. Because Texas uses community property rules, improvements to a home may change how a court views ownership and equity. Knowing how renovations factor into property division helps you better understand what is at stake.
Community versus separate property rules
Texas law treats most property acquired during marriage as community property, including a home purchased while married and any renovations made to it. If one spouse owned the home before marriage, the house may qualify as separate property, but improvements made during marriage can still matter. When community funds or labor enhance a separately owned home, the community estate may assert a claim tied to the benefit created by those improvements.
How renovation funding matters
The source of money used for renovations plays a key role in property division. When spouses use shared income or joint savings, the improvements usually increase the value of the community estate. If separate funds pay for renovations, the court may examine whether those funds increased the home’s market value and whether a reimbursement claim applies.
Impact on home value and equity
Renovations often raise a home’s appraised value, which directly affects equity available for division. Higher equity can change settlement discussions and court decisions, even when the upgrades seem modest. Courts typically rely on professional appraisals to determine how renovations affected the home’s current value.
What reimbursement claims may involve
A reimbursement claim allows one marital estate to seek repayment when it benefits another estate. For example, if community funds improve a separately owned home, the community estate may request compensation based on the value added by the renovation rather than the total cost. Courts have broad discretion in evaluating these claims and focus on fairness supported by evidence.Clear documentation can make a significant difference in renovation-related property disputes. Records showing payment sources, contracts, and appraisals help clarify whether improvements increased value and who benefited from them. Understanding how Texas courts evaluate renovations allows you to approach property division with greater confidence.]]>