When couples marry, it’s usually because they’re madly in love and want to spend the rest of their lives with each other. Unfortunately, not all marriages have a fairy tale ending. In fact, half of all U.S. marriages end in divorce. Of course, most people don’t just wake up one day and decide they want out. Usually, their marriage has been sick and in a state of deterioration for a long time. In this article, we take a look at the six stages of marital crisis. Recognizing these...

Martial Property Agreements in Texas A marital property agreement in Texas, also known as a prenuptial (before marriage) or postnuptial (after marriage) agreement, is a legal document that specifies how a couple will divide their assets and debts in the event of a divorce, death, or sometimes even during the marriage. Texas follows a community property law system. This means that, without a marital property agreement, any property acquired by either spouse during the marriage (with some exceptions...

Divorce is never easy. But for the brave men and women serving as first responders, this process is often exacerbated by the demands and stress of their professions. At Varghese Summersett Family Law Group, we understand the unique hurdles our first responders face. From complicated child visitation schedules to intricate child support calculations, divorce presents unique challenges for those on the front lines in Fort Worth and the surrounding areas. In this article, our attorneys explain the most...

In Texas, court orders are an essential part of all divorce and family law cases, establishing clear guidelines on child custody, support, and visitation, as well as property division and spousal support. These legally binding documents, issued by the court, are designed to provide a clear path forward for families in transition and minimize potential conflicts in the future. Court orders take into account the best interests of the children, the financial circumstances of both parties, and a multitude...

The Role of Child Protective Services in Texas Child Protective Services (CPS),  a division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), is a government agency tasked with ensuring the safety and welfare of children. When Texas CPS removes a child from their home, it is a drastic step that means they suspect abuse or neglect and that the child may be in danger.  This can be a frightening and overwhelming experience for the child and the parent, and it’s important to understand...

Many people think divorces in Texas end in big courtroom drama. But in reality, most cases get settled, often through mediation, before they ever reach trial. It’s more often about finding common ground than fighting it out in court. Having said that, a small percentage of divorces can and do go to trial in North Texas. In this article, we explain what to expect if your divorce goes to trial in Texas. We’ll discuss the two types of trials, the process, and how long it usually takes for...

When parents divorce or separate, it’s not uncommon for children – especially teenagers – not to want to visit mom or dad at some point. Maybe they are upset with them, don’t like the rules at their house, or have other plans. But can a child refuse visitation in Texas? The short answer to this question is, no. Children do not have the legal right to refuse visitation in Texas if it’s court-ordered. It’s simply not their choice. In this article, our experienced...