In 2021, we wrote an article addressing new Texas legislation that every lawyer should know about. We are tracking pending legislation, and hope to provide an update in Summer, 2023.In the interim, here in Texas, State ...

Forensic psychologists are called upon to make recommendations to courts about the fitness of parents. Their evaluations can take place in the context of adoptions, custody disputes, and cases involving termination of ...

The image that a sexual predator is a stranger trying to entice a small child is so outdated. Today, we know that sexual predators can be anyone—blood relatives, clergy, doctors, coaches, and, yes, teachers. As authority ...

Polyvagal theory was developed by Stephen Porges, Ph.D. to describe our “flight or fight” response to stressful situations. When faced with trauma, some individuals react with anger, anxiousness, or shame. Some retreat. ...

A parent's rights can be terminated if they are not able to properly care for their child. The Eighth District Court of Appeals in El Paso recently dealt with this issue in In the Int. of R.A.B., 2023 Tex. App. The appellate ...

The Houston Court of Appeals (First District) recently heard Fernandez v. State. Its ruling provides clear definitions of what role an outcry witness can play in proving allegations of continuous sexual abuse of a young ...

The Legislative Update on Family Law is a valuable resource to keep Texas lawyers in the know regarding changes to the Texas Family Code and other statutes. Why are these changes important? An attorney’s competence as a ...

Family court judges have very difficult jobs. They must possess the wisdom of Solomon, the work ethic of Steve Jobs, and the kindness of Dolly Parton. When a family court judge looks in the mirror, do they see the legions ...

Lawyers are charged with advocating for their clients. When a court takes a holistic team approach, zealous advocacy must bow to serving the best interests of families, and especially, the best interests of children. The ...

Children may be the recipients of a quiet tsunami of well-intended, but nonetheless inappropriate expectations cast upon them. The parent who uses a child as a shield is manifesting high levels of dependency and emotional ...