Schedule a Confidential Consultation With Our Friendswood Family Law Attorney Today
Several situations may arise throughout a person’s life. Family law issues can affect some of the happiest moments of life, including preparations for marriage or adoption. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, our Friendswood family law attorney is skilled, experienced, compassionate, and committed to helping clients find the right solutions. We have a strong track record of success across a wide range of family law cases.
If you have any questions or concerns about your rights or your options, our team is here to offer you the legal representation you’ve been looking for. Contact us today for a fully confidential consultation with a top-rated Friendswood, TX family lawyer.
Our Firm Handles All Types of Family Law Cases in Friendswood, Texas
A suburban community that is located midway between Houston and Galveston, Friendswood is known for its strong sense of community, great schools, and overall family-friendly atmosphere. It was originally founded as a Quaker settlement and has grown into a thriving city. The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates is a boutique law firm that is proud to provide reliable family law guidance and support throughout all of Southeast Texas, including right here in Friendswood.
Our firm handles the full range of family law cases—with a focus on personalized advocacy. Along with other family law issues, our Friendswood attorney has experience with:
- Divorce: Ending a marriage is hard. A divorce is the formal process through which a marriage is divorced. Texas allows for both no-fault divorces and fault-based divorces. It is not necessary to prove fault to obtain a divorce in Texas, as it is a no-fault divorce state. Texas is a community property state, so all assets acquired during the marriage belong to both spouses regardless of who bought them. Divorces in Texas can be granted on the grounds of insupportability, meaning there is marital discord or conflict of personalities for which no reasonable expectation of reconciliation exists. Divorces can be contested (when spouses disagree) or uncontested (when they agree on all terms). The process includes filing a petition, a 60-day waiting period, and resolving all material family law issues, including things like property division and child custody. Our Friendswood, TX divorce lawyers have the experience that you can rely on.
- Alimony: Officially referred to as spousal maintenance in Texas, alimony is financial support paid by one spouse to the other after divorce. It is only awarded in limited situations. Texas has among the most restrictive alimony laws in the entire country. It is usually only awarded when the marriage is long-term (ten years or more) and when a spouse cannot support themselves. Alimony is usually temporary and designed to help the lower-earning spouse transition to self-sufficiency. If you have any questions about spousal maintenance, our Friendswood, TX family lawyer is here to help.
- Property Division: Texas is a community property state. Virtually all of the property acquired by the spouses during the marriage is presumed to be jointly owned. Each spouse’s pre-marital property is considered to be separate unless it was commingled. There is a common misconception that community property guarantees a 50/50 split of the assets in a divorce, but that is not always the case. Our Friendswood, TX family law specialists have the skills and experience to handle even the most complex of property division disputes.
- Child Custody: For parents of young kids or teenagers in Friendswood who are going through a divorce or a separation, they must determine custody. Child custody in Texas is called conservatorship and determines parental rights and responsibilities. Courts typically favor joint managing conservatorship (shared decision-making) unless it is not in the child’s best interest. The court considers factors like each parent’s involvement, the child’s needs, and the ability to provide a stable home. Judges refer to the child’s best interests when making decisions about child custody and visitation. All court orders regarding child support are legally binding and can be enforced. If you have any questions about a custody case, our divorce attorneys are more than ready to help.
- Child Support: Parents in Texas have a presumed responsibility to provide financial support to their children. Following a divorce or separation, a parent who does not have primary physical possession of the child (possessory conservatorship) may be required to make ongoing child support payments. Texas law requires both parents to financially support their child, but the noncustodial parent usually makes child support payments. The amount is based on a percentage of the paying parent’s income and the number of children. Courts enforce child support orders. Our Friendswood family lawyers represent both mothers and fathers in child support cases in Texas.
- Prenups and Postnups: Prenuptial agreements (prenups) are signed before marriage to define how assets will be handled in case of divorce. Prenuptial agreements offer considerable advantages to couples preparing for marriage. Creating a prenuptial agreement can help small business owners protect their business interests in case of divorce. Postnuptial agreements (postnups) or post-marital agreements serve the same purpose but are created after the couple is already married. These contracts help protect individual assets, clarify financial expectations, and prevent disputes. Texas courts enforce prenups and postnups as long as they are fair, voluntary, and properly executed. Our Friendswood family law attorneys have the skills and experience to draft, negotiate, and litigate both prenups and postnups.
- Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is a difficult thing to navigate. The term includes physical harm, threats, stalking, or emotional abuse within a household. Victims can seek a protective order, which legally restricts an abuser’s contact and can include temporary custody and financial support provisions. Of course, an abuser could also face a criminal charge. Domestic violence cases may involve abusers being put behind bars as part of legal action. However, from a family law perspective, a domestic violence allegation could have an impact on living and child custody arrangements.
We Help People Find Collaborative Solutions in Family Law Cases in Friendswood
Family law cases should be handled with care and sensitivity. The reality is that very few people enter a family law dispute looking to get into a difficult fight. Most people want to try to find a collaborative, low-conflict solution—even if they are dealing with a very difficult case.
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we put a strong emphasis on helping clients in Friendswood find collaborative and amicable solutions whenever possible. It can save time, money, and spare feelings. At the same time, we are trial-tested Texas litigators.
Our firm will never let your family law rights take a backseat. Our Friendswood family law attorneys are always prepared to fight aggressively to protect you and do right by your family.
Our Law Firm has a Proven Record of Success in Texas Family Law Cases
Results matter. You need a Friendswood family law attorney who can help you get the best outcome in your case. Our track record of success across a wide range of legal services demonstrates what we can do for you. Attorneys Tad A. Nelson and Amber R. Spurlock put clients first.
You can hear it directly from our former clients:
- “I can’t be happier with Tad for his exceptional support during my legal issue. He was professional, responsive, and truly invested in my case. Tad made the process much easier to navigate and helped me achieve a fantastic result. If you need a reliable and dedicated lawyer, he is the one to call.” – Kevin
- “The level of expertise and compassion Tad showed was remarkable. He made an incredibly stressful situation manageable and always answered my questions promptly.” – Wezi
- “They are a tremendous law firm. I did everything over the phone and never had to miss ANY work. I explained my situation to Amber Spurlock, and she went above and beyond to keep me updated on everything and saved me a ton of money. I would highly recommend her to anybody in the area.” – Aaron
Why Trust Our Friendswood Family Law Attorney
Family law cases are complicated. It is normal to feel stressed out, confused, or even overwhelmed when navigating a family law matter. There is a lot at stake. You need reliable legal advocacy.
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we put a strong emphasis on personalized representation. We are proactive and we are committed to helping clients find the best outcome for their needs. Along with other things, our Friendswood family law attorneys are prepared to:
- Listen to your story and answer questions about the law;
- Help you gather and organize any supporting documents/records;
- Represent you in family-related settlement negotiations; and
- Develop a comprehensive strategy focused on getting the best results.
Family Law in Friendswood, TX: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Most Common Types of Family Law Cases?
Family law is a broad practice area that covers the full range of issues related to marriage, parenting, and other domestic matters. The most common types of family law cases involve divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. Other common cases include adoption, paternity disputes, protective orders, and modifications of existing court orders.
Do I Need Legal Counsel for a Family Law Case?
Although it is not a legal requirement to hire a lawyer, you can benefit from being represented by an experienced Texas family law attorney. These are complicated legal matters. Even in amicable cases, professional legal services can help to prevent costly mistakes. Family law cases will go to a family law court for orders as needed. A top-tier Friendswood family lawyer will ensure that your rights and your interests are protected.
What Should I Look for in a Friendswood Family Law Attorney?
Knowledge, skills, experience, and a commitment to personalized advocacy. You should choose a Friendswood lawyer with experience in Texas family law and a strong track record in cases that are similar to that of your own. You should not hesitate to set up an initial consultation with an attorney. Your consultation is your opportunity to ask specific questions to a Friendswood family law attorney.
Is Mediation a Good Option for Family Law?
Yes—mediation is an option that should be considered for a family law case in Texas. It is possible to handle many family law cases outside of trial through negotiation or mediation. Mediation can be a great option because it helps resolve disputes without going to court, saving time and money. It allows both parties to negotiate a fair outcome with the help of a neutral mediator. Of course, it works best when both sides are willing to compromise and communicate.
Will My Family Law Case Go to Trial?
Most family law disputes do not require a full trial—even if court appearances are required. Most family law cases are settled before trial through negotiation, mediation, or other agreements. If both parties cannot agree on key issues like custody or property division, a judge will make the final decision. It is best to work with a trial-tested Friendswood, TX family lawyer.
Can a Family Law Settlement Be Reopened?
It depends. A family law settlement can only be reopened under specific circumstances, such as fraud, newly discovered evidence, or significant changes in circumstances. It is much easier to reopen a settlement for an ongoing obligation—such as child custody or child support—as a substantial and material change in circumstances is sufficient to seek a change of the future terms. Records in Texas family law cases become public records by default unless certain circumstances exist to seal them.
How Do I File for a Protective Order in Texas?
Unfortunately, domestic violence remains a serious problem. A protective order is an option for protecting the victim. To file for a protective order in Texas, you must submit a request to the court detailing the abuse/threats you endured. A judge can issue a temporary order immediately—with a hearing scheduled within two weeks to determine if a longer-term order is necessary.
Can Grandparents Get Custody or Visitation Rights in Texas?
Yes—but grandparents’ rights in Texas are limited and they require proving that denying visitation or custody would harm the child. A parent’s rights take precedence over a grandparent’s rights. Courts may grant visitation if the grandparent had a strong prior relationship with the child and a parent is deceased, incarcerated, or unfit. In rare cases, grandparents may seek custody of a child.
How Do I Establish Paternity in Texas?
Paternity is legal fatherhood. It can be established voluntarily by signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) or through a court order. In disputed cases, it typically requires genetic testing. Paternity bestows legal rights and legal responsibilities on a father. Without legal paternity, a father has no enforceable rights or responsibilities related to the child. Child custody, visitation, and support are key issues in paternity matters.
Contact Our Friendswood Family Law Attorney Today
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, our Friendswood family law attorneys bring big-city experience and small-town values to support the rights and interests of our clients. If you have any questions about any type of family law issue, an experienced family law attorney is more than ready to help. Contact us today for a fully confidential, free consultation.
We provide family law representation in Friendswood, League City, and throughout the surrounding region in Galveston County and Harris County.