The most common legal need of Houston residents are related to family law issues. Whether you need help with a divorce, child custody arrangement, prenuptial agreement or other legal issues, a Houston family law attorney at Ricardo N. Gonzalez & Associates can help.
Divorce
It is often said that half of all marriages end in divorce. This statistic may not be exact, but it is true that thousands of Texans every year are affected by the dissolution of a marriage.
It can be an emotionally and financially exhausting process for the couple, their children, and even their extended families and friends. At Ricardo N. Gonzalez & Associates, we strive to negotiate the best possible outcome while minimizing the stress to our client.
Most complexities in a Houston divorce relate to the following:
- Child custody, support and visitation
- Division of assets (personal and business)
- Spousal support
- Property rights
Our experienced Houston divorce lawyers will walk you through every step of the process and ensure your interests and legal rights are always protected.
Child Custody, Support and Visitation
Legal issues involving children can often be the most emotionally charged when it comes to family law. Whether you are dealing with child custody, child support, or visitation rights, our family lawyers will be sensitive to the needs of you and your children.
When pursuing a child custody agreement or modifying one, key factors that we will address include:
- Who will have primary custody of the children?
- What legal rights and duties will be assigned to each parent?
- What visitation rights will the non-custodial parent have?
- In what geographic area will the children live?
- Will there be a child support order?
- How will the parents make major decisions affecting the children?
In this process, the No. 1 priority of our Houston child custody attorneys is providing for your children’s needs and ensuring their best interests are considered above all.
Prenuptial/Postnuptial Agreements
In a Texas divorce, all community property is subject to being divided between spouses. Having a prenuptial agreement can help avoid the messy division of assets during a divorce by allowing the spouses to preserve and protect their individual property before the marriage begins.
While no one wants to see their marriage end, the sad truth is that it does happen to many couples. And since marriage is a legal contract between two people, it is reasonable and responsible to set up legal protections in the event that a divorce occurs down the road.
Just like setting up a will or creating a savings retirement account, the decision to have a prenuptial agreement can protect you, your spouse and other loved ones.
A postnuptial agreement can also do this after a couple is already legally married. These contracts can help couples to resolve financial disputes or even to protect one spouse’s assets from the other’s debts.
Enforcement of Orders
From divorce decrees to child custody orders, violations of family law agreements happen frequently. Examples of violations include a refusal to comply with property division as stated in the divorce decree; neglecting to pay child support; or refusing to allow access to children for visitation.
Failing to comply with court orders regarding child custody agreements and divorce settlements has consequences. In Texas, those who fail to pay child support or comply with visitation may be fined up to $500 a day and/or spend up to 180 days in jail.
When a court order is violated, a family law attorney in Houston can help you seek enforcement of the order and consequences for the violator.
Get Help from a Family Attorney in Houston, Texas
Ricardo N. Gonzalez & Associates has provided experienced legal assistance to individuals and families throughout the Houston area for the past 30 years. We have built our reputation around our excellent client services, honest and direct communications, and sincere hard work.
If you or a loved one needs help with a family law issue, contact us today for help. Our Houston family lawyers offer legal services in English and Spanish (Espanol).
