What a Texas Parenting Plan Template Includes When parents in Texas divorce or separate, they need a formal agreement that spells out how they'll raise their child going forward. That agreement is called a parenting plan, and it covers everything from where the child...
How to Win a Custody Battle Against a Narcissist A custody battle against a narcissistic co-parent requires careful preparation under Texas family law. Narcissistic behavior often includes manipulating court proceedings and using children as a tool for control. These...
Summer Vacation Custody Agreements in Texas It's already starting to heat up across Texas, and for parents managing custody arrangements, summer brings more than just warm weather and a break from the school year. Texas law sets specific rules for summer custody, and...
Can an Absent Father Lose Parental Rights in Texas?If a father remains absent from a child’s life in Texas, they may lose their parental rights. But exactly how long does the absence have to continue before it’s legally considered abandonment? In truth, Texas law does...
How Long Does a Child Custody Case Take in Texas? For many Texas families, especially those with significant assets, multiple residences, or demanding careers, the court process associated with custody determinations can feel overwhelming. At Balekian Hayes, PLLC, our...
Can I Change My Kid's Last Name After Divorce in Texas? Divorce brings up many issues for families, and one question that often emerges is whether you can change your child's last name. Nationwide, more than half of all divorces involve children under 18, which means...
2026 Texas Standard Possession Order Calendar If you’re co-parenting under a Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO), it’s your responsibility to keep track of the schedule. The 2026 Standard Possession Order Calendar sets out regular visits, holidays, and vacation...
When To Hire a Texas Family Lawyer for Custody Battles Child custody disputes in Texas are complicated even in the best circumstances. If you and your spouse disagree on custody, you’re looking at a long, potentially ugly legal battle. Accordingly, knowing when to...
Can a Parent Lose Custody for Parental Alienation in Texas? Have you ever wondered what could happen in a custody case if one parent actively turns a child against the other? Conduct that harms a child’s relationship with a parent can have a huge impact on the child’s...
Does the Biological Father Have Rights if He Is Not on the Birth Certificate? When a child is born to unmarried parents in Texas, the father's name doesn't automatically appear on the birth certificate. This absence can create a flood of legal questions. For many...
What to Do If Your Child Refuses to Go Home to Their Custodial Parent Is your child refusing to return to their custodial parent’s home in Dallas, Texas? If so, you should make sure you understand your legal rights and responsibilities in this situation and explore...
How Do I File for Custody in Texas If My Child Lives in Another State? Divorce can be very hard on families, especially in situations where family members must relocate to provide for themselves or their children. Understanding child custody and interstate...
Can I Move Out with My Child Before Divorce in Texas? Divorce is an emotionally charged, legally complex, and physically exhausting process. In addition to communicating with a potentially estranged partner, you need to worry about a slew of factors, including asset...
What Does Primary Physical Custody Mean in Texas? When parents divorce, a major concern is who will have “primary physical custody” of their children. However, the term “primary physical custody” does not exist in the Texas Family Code. Instead, child custody...
How a Mother Can Lose a Custody Battle in Texas Parents may assume that courts deciding custody disputes favor mothers over fathers. However, Texas law requires courts to take a gender-neutral approach in custody decisions, determining a custody arrangement that best...
