What Are a Father’s Rights During Adoption?
The mother of a baby may consent to adoption no sooner than 48 hours after the child’s birth. What about the father’s rights during adoption? With so much focus on mothers after a child is born, a father’s rights during adoption can sometimes get lost in the shuffle, especially if the mother plans to consent […]
What You Should Know About Child Support in Texas
Four types of child support are available in Texas, any of which can be sought in court and can be brought separately or at the same time. The four types of child support available in Texas are current child support, medical child support, retroactive child support, and temporary child support. A further break down of […]
What is the Difference Between a Will and a Living Trust, and Which One Do I Need?
What Is Probate? Probate is the court process that takes place after someone dies. During probate, the decedent’s Will is proven valid, then his or her property gets identified, inventoried, appraised, and distributed after any payments to debts and/or taxes. Probate typically involves paperwork and court appearances by attorneys. The estate property pays legal and […]
Same-Sex Couples & Estate Planning
Your estate is everything you own – your car, home, bank accounts, life insurance, personal possessions, etc. Some estates are large, some are small, but just about everybody has one. What do all estates have in common? You can’t take it with you when you die. In honor of pride month, we are focusing on […]
Entering Into A Common-Law Marriage
Last week we discussed what a common-law marriage entails, but how do you enter into one? If You Would Like To Enter A Common-Law Marriage You Must Be: over 18; marrying someone of the opposite sex; not related to your future spouse; not currently married. More Requirements When Entering A Common-Law Marriage Nobody under the […]
Tessmer Tips for New Business Startups
Are you an entrepreneur with a dream? If you are considering starting your own business, there are legalities to consider. For the next two weeks, we will discuss some of the points you may want to think about before you hang that “OPEN” sign. Before you start your business, decide on an ownership structure. Ownership […]
Someone I Know Is Being Abused
“I think someone I know is being abused.” What has changed? They make excuses for injuries Their personality has changed. They used to be so confident, now they have such low self-esteem They have become reserved and distant They are constantly checking in with their partner They never really have access to money, or money […]
Domestic Violence: Types Of Abuse
More than just physical. Domestic abuse is more than just physical. There can be psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse (yes, you can be sexually abused and even raped by your significant other), financial abuse, and emotional abuse. Am I being abused? Am I being sexually abused? Rape, attempted rape or sexual assault Inappropriate touching […]
Separation V. Divorce In Texas
What is the difference between separation and divorce in Texas?
Estate Planning Before, During and After a “Gray” Divorce
Before your divorce, you may have insurance policies, a Will or Power of Attorney that benefit the other spouse, or that names the other spouse as an executor. Before filing for divorce, you may want to make changes. Sometimes changes are prohibited after a divorce is filed, so check with your attorney. You may not […]