A child support lawyer should help you explore all aspects of family law in The Woodlands that apply to your particular situation. For example, your family law attorney can help you seek child custody and, once you are established as the custodial parent , your family law attorney can further help you petition for child support payments. Child support is based on the idea that both of the child’s biological parents are financially responsible for meeting the child’s needs. Indeed, the obligation to support your children is found in the Texas Constitution. Child support is intended to go toward the cost of the child’s housing, education, medical care, food, and other necessities.

When you watch this video, you will learn more about the basics of child support and family law. This expert explains that child support guidelines vary from state to state. Wisely, he ultimately urges viewers to get in touch with a family attorney for case-specific guidance.

When you hire a child custody attorney near Spring, TX, he or she will advise you of what to expect from all stages of the legal process. If you and the other parent cannot come to an agreement regarding child custody , then you may need to attend an evidentiary hearing. During this hearing, your family law attorney will represent you. Nevertheless, you and the other parent will have to testify under oath. While you are under oath, the other parent’s family law attorney will ask you questions, which you are required by law to answer truthfully. Just remember, in a court proceeding, if you do not remember something or do not know the answer to a question, you should say so.

To hear more about the role of the evidentiary hearing in family law, watch this video and consult your child custody lawyer. This expert discusses which other individuals may be questioned under oath at the hearing, such as a minor child. Additionally, certain experts may be called to testify.

Putting together a will is one of the most important things you can do for your family members. A clear will can make your wishes known–and enforceable–in the event of your death. This reduces the likelihood of a lengthy legal struggle among your heirs. Andrew J. Bolton, Esq. , a probate law attorney in The Woodlands, can help you organize your will and ensure that your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone. Before you start work on your will, it’s important you understand the truth behind a few persistent myths.

Wills take years to get settled
You’ve likely seen stories in the news about long, costly legal battles over inheritances. Though some large and complex estates may take years before they’re fully settled, this is far from the norm. Most of the time, it only takes a few months for inheritances to be distributed. The clearer the will, the more quickly the probate process will go.

The probate process is costly
After a person dies, property in his or her name must go through the probate process before the property can be transferred to a beneficiary. Some individuals dread the probate process because they think court and legal fees will take up a large portion of the estate. However, court fees and lawyer’s fees often add up to less than a few thousand dollars.

The state gets the money if no will is in place
Perhaps the most common misconception is that the state automatically owns the property of a person if he or she dies with no valid will in effect. In fact, there are several legal contingencies that exist for just such an event. Depending on the family configuration, the money may go to the deceased’s spouse, children, or parents. That having been said, the deceased’s assets actually do go to the state where there are no family members to be found.

Welcome to Texas! Most newcomers find that, apart from our sometimes cranky weather, Texas is perhaps the best state in which to reside. Texas has low taxes, low regulation, low prices, and one of the country’s easiest probate systems! But to take advantage of our fast and easy probate process, it is often necessary to update your will to obtain the benefits of a Texas probate.

As with most things in the legal arena, there are often certain “magic words” which must be used in order to fast track and simplify the probate of your will. Whether you are young and just starting out, or whether you are closer to retirement than most, a redraft of your will can result in peace of mind–before and after you are gone.

It’s important if you are moving in from another state to seriously consider a will redraft. Although I’m not 100% certain, I hear that a will redraft is much harder after you are gone!

Contact us for an inexpensive review of your will. If one is not needed, we will tell you. If a redraft is in order, then it is the most cost-effective way of gaining peace of mind.

The Law Office of Andrew J. Bolton, Esq. is a law firm near The Woodlands with additional offices in Huntsville and Sugar Land Texas. Our firm focuses on the specific needs of each of our clients, whether they are dealing with divorce, child custody or drafting wills. Even though our family law attorneys are compassionate during client consultations, we provide aggressive representation in the courtroom.

Andrew J. Bolton is a family lawyer and was a longtime resident of Cypress, Texas and is a current resident of New Waverly, TX. Mr. Bolton graduated from Cypress Creek High School in 1981. Following graduation, Mr. Bolton went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish Language at Brigham Young University in Utah. He then earned his Doctorate of Jurisprudence at the J. Reuben Clark School Of Law. During law school, he was also editor of the BYU Journal of Law and Education. Following law school, Mr. Bolton returned home to Texas and began practicing family law. He was partner in the law firm of Bolton & Bolton, PC in Tomball, Texas and then served as City Attorney for the City of Magnolia, Texas. As a lawyer, Mr. Bolton’s goal is to provide the best quality legal representation by developing long-term relationships with clients.