Resources · Family law guides
Texas family law, answered plainly
Clear answers to the questions Dallas spouses, parents and grandparents ask about divorce, children, property and Texas family law, written by John B. Polk.
AgreementsAre We Common Law Married in Texas? How It Is ProvedLiving together, a house or children do not make a Texas couple married. Here is what does, and the evidence courts look at.
AgreementsUpdating Your Will and Estate Plan After Divorce in TexasTexas revokes many gifts to an ex-spouse at divorce, but not all. Here is what to update, and how to protect your children after remarriage.
Hiring a lawyerHow to Choose a Divorce Lawyer in DallasExperience in Dallas County family courts, trial readiness, help with complex money, and a candid first meeting: what separates one divorce lawyer from another.
DivorceWhat Happens After a Divorce Is Filed in Dallas CountyService, the answer deadline, temporary orders, a spouse who refuses to sign or cannot be found, court dates, and how a divorce can be stopped.
DivorceLegal Separation in Texas: What the Law AllowsTexas does not recognize legal separation. Here is what separated spouses can do about property, bills, debt, insurance, and children without divorcing.
DivorceEvidence, Lies and Privacy in a High-Conflict DivorceTexts, posts, recordings and false accusations: what counts as evidence in a Texas divorce and how to protect yourself and your children in a messy case.
MediationCollaborative Divorce for Children, Businesses and Big EstatesYoung children, a family company or complicated retirement assets: how collaborative divorce handles them and keeps your family's details private.
MediationIs a Mediated Settlement Agreement Binding in Texas?What makes a Texas mediated settlement agreement binding, whether you can change it later and what happens if mediation ends without a deal.
ChildrenProtecting Your Time With Your Children in a Custody CaseHow temporary orders work, what evidence to collect, how courts treat false accusations, family violence, substance use and mental health, and how to keep your time with your kids.