Family Law Attorney in Houston

Helping Clients Find Positive Resolutions During Difficult Times

One of the most contentious and sensitive branches of law is family law, as these cases often involve people experiencing highly charged emotions. Family matters can be complicated, with complex legal processes and multiple parties making different claims. When the courts are involved, these disputes are sometimes both emotionally trying and expensive. That is why it’s highly recommended that you secure legal representation from an experienced family law attorney. A skilled family lawyer can assess the situation and determine what the next best action is to preserve your interests.

If you are struggling with a family law dispute and require legal counsel, call Horak Law. Attorney Matthew Horak and his team work with family law clients throughout the greater Houston area, including Harris County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, Galveston County, Fort Bend County, and Brazoria County. With his experience, resources, and skills, you can rest assured your case is in the most capable hands possible.

At Horak Law, Houston divorce lawyer Matthew Horak has extensive knowledge of family law procedures and applies a unique approach to every client’s case. Learn more about his practice and your legal options by calling his office or submitting an online contact form today. Horak Law has several offices in Houston and The Woodlands, TX.

Horak Law handles all types of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, support modifications, and paternity. He’s successfully handled all degrees of family law disputes, ranging from a simple, uncontested divorce to a highly contentious paternity action. To speak to qualified Houston family lawyer Matthew Horak, call our offices today at (713) 225-8000.

What Does a Family Law Attorney Do?

An attorney with a focus on family law legally represents individuals and families in domestic disputes, including dissolution of marriage, child support, support modifications, and more. Family lawyers act as mediators and also represent litigants in family conflicts that end up in court. Their work varies from case to case, but they essentially help individuals and families handle domestic matters by providing excellent legal representation.

Even simple proceedings, such as an uncontested divorce, often involve a mountain of paperwork and filing requirements that must be completed in order for the legal action to be valid. A skilled Texas family law attorney will know how to interpret the State’s intricate laws that apply to your situation. They can handle all the paperwork and ensure all filing obligations are met.

Most importantly, you could be at a significant disadvantage without an attorney. The other party of any contested family law matter will likely have legal representation secured already. Due to this, they will have more time and resources to dedicate to the case and a better understanding of the possible outcomes of a proceeding. Having a skilled family law attorney on your side will ensure you have the tools and knowledge needed to secure your interests and protect/preserve your family.

What Are Some Types of Family Law Cases?

• Divorce – One of the most common family law disputes is when two parties wish to dissolve their marriage, also known as the dissolution of a marriage contract or divorce. To divorce, one party must legally petition at least one person inside the marriage. Both parties must agree on the terms of divorce for the divorce to be uncontested. If the parties disagree on a major component of the marriage contract, such as property division or support, then the divorce is contested.
• Child Custody – When two people divorce and have shared minor children, they must have a parenting plan that includes child custody. Many family law disputes involve determining who the principal legal guardian of the child or children is after divorce.
• Prenuptial / Postnuptial Agreements – Premarital agreements are a legal contract between a bride and groom prior to marriage. These agreements often involve the division of property, child custody, support court orders, or anything else that would be included in a divorce decree.
• Spousal Maintenance – Spousal support is an agreement between the two divorced parties that states one person will essentially pay the other an allowance post-marriage. The allowance or support is determined by the situation and whether the parent requesting payment meets specific criteria.
• Paternity – When a proposed father of a child requests parental rights, such as visitation rights, custody, or child support, it’s known as paternity action. The suspected father of the child may have to undergo a DNA test to prove their relation to the child and claim paternity rights.
• Non-Marital Relationships – While it may not be a marriage, many people in non-marital relationships need a lawyer if they split after a significant amount of time. It’s common for people in these types of relationships to have accumulated wealth and assets together over time, so that division can be complex. An attorney can assist with negotiations and ensure the client understands their rights.

What Additional Resources Can I Use in My Houston Family Law Case?

Sometimes, you need additional help, including assistance from law enforcement. Our Houston family law firm will help you identify ways various organizations can help with your family law issue. We understand the Texas legal code and will offer advice based on Texas law.

• Texas Juvenile Court Department – One of the biggest sub-sections of the family code of Texas is the section about the juvenile court system. The Texas Juvenile Court is important as it concerns all children’s legal issues and because it’s an entirely separate process from that of a regular adult court. This webpage is the online face of the Texas Juvenile Court. In it, you will find the objectives of the Texas Juvenile Court and the explanation for how Texas differs in its juvenile process from other states.
• Texas Department of Family and Protective Services – The motto of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services mainly stands for the safety and health of families and children inside Texas. Their webpage contains various resources involving family law aspects, including the newest programs and laws for Texan children and families.

Contact Horak Law right away for difficult family law matters and help contacting the proper authorities for your unique situation.

What Are the Main Steps in a Texas Divorce?

Getting a divorce in Texas can be a difficult process, including determining property division, child custody, and other critical questions. Having divorce attorneys on your side can mean you end up with fair proceedings that help meet your needs in the future.

Some of the main steps in divorce cases include:

• Determining the grounds for the divorce – In Texas, couples can get a no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences. In other cases, the divorce may be fault-based, such as in cases of domestic violence or infidelity.
• Filing the divorce papers – Either you or your spouse will file divorce papers, ideally with the help of family law attorneys like those at Horak Law. Your family law attorney will ensure everything gets filed completely and in a timely manner so you don’t run into delays or other issues later in your divorce case.
• Attend mediation – In certain divorce cases, the couple must attend mandatory mediation. During mediation, the couple meets together or assigns representatives to meet on their behalf. Hopefully, critical questions such as child custody, property division, and spousal support can be finalized through mediation so the divorcing couple avoids the expensive and lengthy court process.
• Attend court – If mediation fails to produce a satisfactory agreement, the divorcing couple will need to take matters before a family court. A judge will review the case, hear testimony, and make a legally binding decision regarding any contested matter in the divorce.

Call our family law attorneys right away for help navigating the complex divorce process in Houston, TX. We will fight for your best interests so you can move on and look forward to a brighter future following your divorce.

How Are Child Custody Decisions Made in Houston, TX?

In a Texas divorce, several matters must be resolved regarding child custody. This custody is often one of the most highly contested family law issues. The couple must decide who will retain legal custody, which refers to decision-making authority for the child, and physical custody, which is the child’s primary caregiver.

Ideally, the divorcing parents can work out a plan that gives each parent a fair share in the child’s interests and upbringing. However, the Texas family code provides that one parent may be the sole guardian in some instances, such as domestic violence and substance abuse. A judge will consider the best interest of the child in determining the resolution of a custody case.

Some factors that can influence a judge’s decisions include:

• The child’s wishes
• Each parent’s wishes
• Relationships between the children and parents
• Locations of the parents’ homes
• Each parent’s health
• Each parent’s financial situation

Why Do I Need a Lawyer in My Texas Family Law Matter?

Family law matters are complex issues. It is critical that you get as favorable an outcome as possible, especially when dealing with issues such as asset division, child custody, child support, and spousal support. Family lawyers like those at Horak Law can ensure your rights are protected and that you walk away with the decision you need to start a new, better life.

Whether you are seeking support from your ex-spouse, conflict resolution through mediation, or representation in a court of law, your attorney will stand behind you. Your lawyer can address your needs according to your unique circumstances and fight for a positive outcome no matter what challenges you face.

Your family law attorneys will explain your options to you so you can be a full participant in the decision-making process. They will negotiate the best terms possible during mediation and watch out for your interests in crucial decisions like property division and alimony. Your lawyer will also ensure that any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements are fulfilled according to the law.

What Makes Your Family Law Practice Different?

Our family law firm differs from any other family law practice in Houston, TX because we go the extra mile to fight for our clients. We promise to represent you fearlessly when confronted by the complex challenges of a Houston divorce. Our family law firm addresses child custody, division of property, and other critical practice areas.

When you hire our law firm, you will instantly feel the warm, compassionate atmosphere where you are valued and respected. We will listen carefully to your concerns and questions and give you the answers you need at this critical time.

Should You Hire Our Houston Family Law Attorney?

If you are filing a case for divorce, petitioning for child custody, seeking support, or any other family law matter, call Horak Law. Matthew Horak and his legal team understand how serious these matters are and that you need logical guidance during this complicated time. We can provide the emotional and legal advice you need to protect your family unit today.

When you are going through divorce matters or other family law issues, you need legal counsel and representation from lawyers you can count on. You can rely on our caring, capable legal team to answer your questions in terms you can understand. We will leverage our decades of legal experience to get you the best outcomes possible in your family law case.

Call Horak Law at (713) 225-8000 or submit an online contact form to learn your options in either Houston or The Woodlands, TX. We offer a free consultation, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out to our legal team today!