The Harris Law FirmFort Worth Family Law Attorney | The Harris Law Firm2026-07-17T11:40:59Zhttps://www.harrislawtx.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of The Harris Law Firm<![CDATA[Moving may require a custody modification for co-parents]]>https://www.harrislawtx.com/?p=500142026-07-17T11:40:59Z2026-07-17T11:40:59Zmodification of that order may be required. Parents should never just take the children and move, violating the court order and their ex's parental rights.
Will the court approve a modification?
If you are hoping to relocate with your child, in general, courts will work with you to appropriately modify the arrangement. But they may ask you for good-faith reasons for the move and the requested modification, just to make sure that you are not doing it only to keep your former spouse from seeing their children.
There are many potential reasons why the relocation could be beneficial, both for you and your child. Examples include taking a new job that will increase your standard of living, looking for a more affordable housing situation or even going back to school to further your education. In many cases, divorced parents want to move closer to extended family members to help care for their children.
No matter what your specific reasons are, the key is always to focus on taking the proper legal steps to obtain the modification in advance. Make sure you understand exactly what legal requirements you face to ensure that this process goes smoothly. Seeking legal guidance can help.]]>On Behalf of The Harris Law Firm<![CDATA[What is the “best interest of the child?”]]>https://www.harrislawtx.com/?p=500122026-07-06T16:15:40Z2026-07-06T16:15:40ZSome parents are surprised to learn during the custody portion of their divorce battles that what is considered to be in the best interest of the kids is not necessarily the outcome they hoped for.
That’s OK, as the Texas family law system is designed to protect the children and allow them to live their best lives regardless of their parents’ marital decisions. Read on to learn more about how to provide the best home possible for your children.
Make sure you are present as a parent
That can mean different things to families, but basically it’s defined by showing up for your kids when they need you and sharing their lives with them. Make sure your parenting time with them is driven by real interaction and not just individual screen time. Simply being a present parent in your child’s life goes a long way toward establishing the boundaries they need to grow and thrive.
Meet all your children’s needs
Not all parents have whole summers off to spend with their children. If you have to work during your custody time with the kids, make sure that you have lined up impeccable child care for those periods. Whether that might include child care professionals or extended family members, the person in charge of your children should be qualified and up to the job.
Track expenses
Good child care is rarely cheap, so make sure to provide the court with proof of payment for daycare services rendered during your custody time. Being able to show that you have sufficient child care options can help persuade the courts that the kids are indeed safe and well-cared for during your designated time with them.
Heed your legal team’s guidance
Don’t play short shrift with the advice provided to you by professionals. Whether it’s your legal team or the children’s therapist, carefully consider their words of wisdom to you now. Learning more about how Texas custody laws work is always prudent.]]>On Behalf of The Harris Law Firm<![CDATA[What is the difference between divorce and annulment in Texas?]]>https://www.harrislawtx.com/?p=500112026-07-01T02:47:18Z2026-07-01T02:41:48ZWhat is divorce in Texas?
Divorce legally ends a valid marriage. Once a court finalizes a divorce, both spouses are free to remarry and move forward as single individuals. Texas is a community property state, so courts divide marital property in a way they consider “just and right,” which may not always mean a 50/50 split.
A divorce also resolves key issues such as:
Division of marital property and debts
Child custody and visitation
Child support
Spousal maintenance in certain cases
The court recognizes that a valid marriage existed before it ends the legal relationship.
One spouse was underage and lacked proper consent.
One spouse was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of marriage.
One spouse lacked the mental capacity to consent.
Fraud, duress or force led to the marriage.
One spouse was already married to someone else.
The spouses never lived together after marriage in certain cases
Because annulment challenges the validity of the marriage itself, courts apply strict standards.
Key differences between divorce and annulment
Although both processes involve family court, the legal outcomes differ significantly.
With divorce:
The marriage is legally recognized and then dissolved.
Property and debts are divided under Texas community property rules.
Spousal rights and obligations may apply.
With annulment:
The law treats the marriage as if it never existed.
Courts still address issues like property division and child custody when necessary.
Eligibility depends on specific legal grounds, not just the desire to end the marriage.
Which option applies to your situation?
Most couples in Texas end their marriage through divorce because annulments require specific legal grounds and strong evidence. Annulment is not available simply because a marriage did not work out.
Divorce is the appropriate option when a valid marriage exists but the relationship has broken down. Annulment may apply only when a fundamental legal issue existed from the start.
Why legal guidance matters
Whether you pursue divorce or annulment, the process can significantly affect your financial future, parental rights and legal status. An experienced Texas family law attorney can evaluate your situation, determine whether annulment is an option and guide you through the appropriate legal process.
Understanding the difference early can help you take the right steps and avoid unnecessary delays in resolving your case.
]]>On Behalf of The Harris Law Firm<![CDATA[3 top considerations during a Texas adoption home study]]>https://www.harrislawtx.com/?p=500102026-06-17T18:11:10Z2026-06-17T18:11:10Zhome study is typically part of that process. Home studies help ensure that adopted children live with safe and stable families. What factors do professionals typically focus on when conducting a pre-adoption home study?
1. The background of the adults in the home
A criminal background check is a standard component of any pre-adoption home study. Not all criminal records preclude adoption. Typically, the focus is on offenses that could affect a child’s safety, including violent crimes, drug offenses and crimes of exploitation. All adults living in the family home, not just the adoptive parents, are typically subject to a criminal background check.
2. The family's financial stability
One of the most common myths about adoption is that adoptive parents must be homeowners. Adults who rent can adopt, provided that they are financially stable. Validating that the family can meet a child's basic needs and that they have stable income is an important part of the pre-adoption home study process.
3. The dynamics in the family
Home studies often involve interviews with each person in the home, including children who already live with the aspiring adoptive parents. Learning about how the family operates and ensuring that everyone has a positive opinion of the prospective adoption is an important component of the home study process.
Many people find the idea of a home study to be intimidating. Learning more about what occurs during a Texas adoption can help people approach the entire process confidently. Aspiring adopted parents who have legal representation have the best chances of navigating legal proceedings and home studies to successfully adopt.]]>On Behalf of The Harris Law Firm<![CDATA[What is a commingled asset?]]>https://www.harrislawtx.com/?p=500072026-06-05T12:19:58Z2026-06-05T12:19:58ZMixing assets together
Commingling is the process of mixing assets together. Once they have been mixed, it can change their status. For instance, say that someone gets a $10,000 inheritance from their parents. Even if they were married, that ordinarily starts out as a separate asset.
But if the person deposits the $10,000 into a shared bank account where the couple keeps their joint funds, this gives their spouse access to that money. It may be used to pay the mortgage or buy groceries. Because the funds have been mixed together, the entire account may now qualify as a marital asset that has to be divided.
On the other hand, if the person had opened a personal bank account and deposited their $10,000 where only they could access it, it may remain a separate asset. That could mean that it does not have to go through property division.
Addressing a complex divorce
If you and your spouse are getting divorced, issues like this can certainly complicate the process. Make sure you know what legal options you have moving forward. Seeking legal guidance can help.]]>On 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.]]>