FAMILY LAW BLOG

A weekly blog of all things family, family law, legal implications of recent events, and more!

From serious to funny, our team shares their legal experience(s), family law expertise, personal stories and legal insights with you on weekly basis. Come back often to learn about some not-so-common divorce strategies, read about new case law that could impact your adoption plans, or just to read a wonderful heart-warming story!

Which parent has the right to claim the children on their taxes?

John Koval

Mar 30, 2022
3 min

Which parent has the right to claim the children on their taxes?

Claiming dependents on your taxes after a divorce? Understand the rights of the custodial parent and the importance of having an agreement.

Texas SAPCR: Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship

John Koval

Mar 8, 2022
3 min

Texas SAPCR: Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship

A Texas SAPCR is a suit affecting the parent-child relationship and can be a complicated matter if the parents do not agree.

Texas Attorney Ad Litem or Amicus Attorney - When They are Involved and Why

CW Martin, Partner - Dallas-Fort Worth Family Law Attorney

Feb 27, 2022
3 min

Texas Attorney Ad Litem or Amicus Attorney - When They are Involved and Why

Learn the difference between an attorney ad litem and amicus attorney and the job they perform in family law disputes.

Contested Divorce in Texas: The Five General Phases and What to Expect

Andrew Oostdyk - Partner, Family Law Attorney

Feb 17, 2022
4 min

Contested Divorce in Texas: The Five General Phases and What to Expect

Uncontested divorce in Texas can be confusing and infuriating. Knowing the process for contested divorce will help you stay sane.

Do I have to file for divorce to get child support in Texas?

CW Martin, Partner - Dallas-Fort Worth Family Law Attorney

Jan 27, 2022
3 min

Do I have to file for divorce to get child support in Texas?

How to get child support when you have not filed for divorce in Texas.

Texas Parenting Plans: Top 5 Issues to Cover

Andrew Oostdyk - Partner, Family Law Attorney

Jan 13, 2022
3 min

Texas Parenting Plans: Top 5 Issues to Cover

Dallas divorce lawyers at Martin Oostdyk understand how to write Texas parenting plans to achieve the goals of all involved.

How to Collect Back Child Support in Texas

Andrew Oostdyk - Partner, Family Law Attorney

Jan 11, 2022
2 min

How to Collect Back Child Support in Texas

Have you not been paid child support? Wondering how to collect on back child support in Texas? Here are some general guidelines.

Termination of Parental Rights in Texas: Voluntary vs. Involuntary

CW Martin, Partner - Dallas-Fort Worth Family Law Attorney

Jan 9, 2022
4 min

Termination of Parental Rights in Texas: Voluntary vs. Involuntary

Termination of parental rights in Texas can be voluntary or involuntary. Learn the difference and requirements.

Can a father terminate his parental rights in Texas?

CW Martin, Partner - Dallas-Fort Worth Family Law Attorney

Jan 8, 2022
3 min

Can a father terminate his parental rights in Texas?

Terminating parental rights in Texas isn't as easy as one might think.

John Koval

Jan 3, 2022
3 min

Texas Gestational Surrogacy Agreements

If you are considering gestational surrogacy in Texas, you will need to prepare a Gestational Surrogacy Agreement.

CW Martin, Partner - Dallas-Fort Worth Family Law Attorney

Jan 3, 2022
3 min

How to Change a Child’s Name in Texas

Changing a child's name in Texas isn't difficult but will require some legal steps, especially if the other parent is not able to be located

What is the difference between traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy?

Andrew Oostdyk - Partner, Family Law Attorney

Dec 28, 2021
2 min

What is the difference between traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy?

Texas surrogacy law is very specific in how it treats traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy.

CW Martin, Partner - Dallas-Fort Worth Family Law Attorney

Dec 25, 2021
1 min

Gestational Surrogacy in Texas

If you are considering gestational surrogacy in Texas, you must understand the Texas gestational surrogacy requirements.