The Law Office of Keith M Harris

In honor of Memorial Day, we invite you to join us in taking time to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country and preserve our freedom.

Please note that our office will be closed on Monday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26th, and will respond to any messages received during the closure as promptly as possible.

Wishing you a respectful and meaningful Memorial Day.

Family law is about much more than divorce. For many families, it is about building something new, protecting what matters most, and making sure the right legal foundations are in place for the people they love.

Two areas where family lawyers often provide meaningful support are helping families navigate adoption and other legal protections:

✅ Adoption and Legal Parentage - Adoption creates a permanent legal relationship between parent and child, and requires court approval to finalize parental rights. Family lawyers often assist with adoptions at private, licensed agencies and state-run public agencies, as well as stepparent adoptions and independent adoptions (private placement). Legal guidance can help families navigate the documentation and court procedures involved in the adoption process.

✅ Legal Protections Within Families - Family law can also help create legal protections through guardianship arrangements, parenting agreements, and other legal documents. These tools clarify responsibilities and help ensure that individuals have the legal authority to care for children or make important decisions when necessary.

If you have questions about adoption, legal parentage, or other family law matters, know that we are here to support you. Give us a call today, and we can get started.

Summer is around the corner, and if you are co-parenting, now is the time to get ahead of seasonal schedule changes. A little early planning can go a long way in preventing stress and setting your child up for success.

Here are a few legal reminders to keep in mind:

✅Review your custody agreement - Look for summer-specific guidelines like vacation request deadlines or travel restrictions.
✅Communicate early and in writing - Whether you are discussing trips, camps, or child care, written communication helps avoid misunderstandings.
✅Check notice requirements - Many agreements require advance notice for schedule changes or travel.
✅Plan transitions - Talk about transportation, medical needs, and how you will stay in contact with your co-parent.
✅Confirm travel rules - Traveling out of state or abroad? You might need written consent or court approval.
✅Document all changes - If you adjust the schedule, make sure it is in writing.

Have questions about your parenting plan or thinking about making changes before summer begins? Give us a call. We are here to help.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, we want to take a moment to honor the mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures who enrich our lives with love, wisdom, and unwavering support.

We hope your day is filled with the appreciation, warmth, and joy you so richly deserve.

Happy Mother's Day!

Unmarried parents often have more legal rights than they realize, but those rights are not always automatic. Understanding how parentage, custody, parenting time, and child support work can make a meaningful difference in protecting both your relationship with your child and your child’s long-term stability. Swipe to learn more.

If you have questions about your rights as an unmarried parent, call us to discuss your situation. Our team is here to help you take the next step forward.

Question of the Week: Does the father have legal rights to the child if we weren’t married, he’s not on the birth certificate, and he left during my pregnancy?

Answer: In Texas, if a father is not listed on the birth certificate and paternity hasn’t been established, he has no automatic legal rights to the child. However, he can take steps to gain rights, such as:

Filing for Paternity: He can petition the court to establish paternity through a DNA test.
Seeking Custody or Visitation: Once paternity is established, he may request custody or visitation rights.
Child Support Obligation: Similarly, once paternity is confirmed, he may be legally obligated to pay child support.
If you’re facing this situation, it’s important to understand your rights as the child’s primary caregiver. The courts will always prioritize what’s in the best interests of the child.

📞 Have questions about your specific case? Call us at (281) 940-8054 or email us at [email protected] for a free consultation. We’re here to help!

👨‍⚖️ Your family, your future – let’s protect it together.

FAQs About Filing for Divorce in Texas part one

What are the residency requirements for filing for divorce in Texas?

To file for divorce in Texas, either spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months and in the county where the divorce is filed for at least 90 days.

What are the grounds for divorce in Texas?

Texas recognizes both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce. No-fault grounds include insupportability due to discord or conflict. Fault-based grounds include adultery, cruelty, abandonment, felony conviction, confinement in a mental hospital, and living apart for at least three years.

How long does it take to get a divorce in Texas?

There is a mandatory 60-day waiting period after filing the divorce petition. The actual time depends on the complexity of the case, ranging from a few months for uncontested divorces to over a year for contested ones.

What is an uncontested divorce?

An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree on all major issues, including property division, child custody, child support, and alimony. These divorces are typically faster and less expensive.

Do I need an attorney to file for divorce in Texas?

While it is not legally required, having an attorney is strongly recommended, especially if the divorce involves children, significant assets, or disputes.

What documents are required to file for divorce?

Common documents include the Petition for Divorce, Waiver of Service, Final Decree of Divorce, and child-related forms if applicable. Specific documents depend on the circumstances of the case.

How is property divided in a Texas divorce?

Texas is a community property state, meaning assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided equitably, though not necessarily equally. Separate property, such as inheritances or property owned before the marriage, is not subject to division.

What happens if my spouse does not want the divorce?

Texas allows one spouse to proceed with a divorce even if the other does not agree. The unwilling spouse can contest the terms, which may lead to a contested divorce.

How does child custody work in a Texas divorce?

Texas courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child. Custody agreements can include joint managing conservatorship (shared decision-making) or sole managing conservatorship (one parent makes decisions).

How is child support calculated in Texas?

Child support is based on a percentage of the noncustodial parent’s net income, with guidelines provided by the Texas Family Code. The amount varies depending on the number of children.

Can I change my name during the divorce process?

Yes, you can request a name change in your divorce petition. The court will usually approve the request if it is for a prior legal name.

What if my spouse cannot be located?

If you cannot locate your spouse, you may serve them through publication. The court may grant a divorce after specific legal procedures are followed.

What is the cost of filing for divorce in Texas?

Filing fees vary by county but typically range from $250 to $400. Additional costs may include attorney fees, mediation, and court-related expenses.

Do we have to go to court for a divorce in Texas?

In uncontested divorces, a final hearing may be brief or waived in some counties. Contested divorces often require multiple court appearances.

Can I file for divorce online in Texas?

Some counties allow online filing, but the process often requires in-person steps, such as notarization or hearings.

What if we reconcile during the divorce process?

If you reconcile, you can dismiss the divorce case before the final decree is signed.

What role does mediation play in a Texas divorce?

Mediation is often required in contested cases to help spouses reach agreements on disputed issues before trial.

What happens if we cannot agree on terms?

If no agreement is reached, the case goes to trial, and a judge decides the unresolved issues.

Is alimony (spousal support) awarded in Texas?

Alimony is awarded in limited circumstances, such as when one spouse cannot meet basic needs or has been married for a long time.

How do I modify a divorce decree?

To modify a divorce decree, you must file a petition to modify and demonstrate a significant change in circumstances, such as income changes or relocation.

Facing Drug Possession Charges? We’re Here to Help.

Being charged with drug possession can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At the Law Office of Keith M Harris, we understand the complexities of Texas drug laws and are committed to defending your rights every step of the way. With personalized guidance and a focus on protecting your future, we’ll work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Why Choose Us?

Experienced Defense: Knowledgeable in handling drug-related cases in Texas
Personalized Strategy: Every case is unique—so is our approach
Dedication to Your Rights: Committed to safeguarding your freedom and future
Let us help you navigate the legal system and fight for your rights. Contact us today at 281-940-8054 or visit kmharrislaw.com for a confidential consultation. We’re ready to stand by you.

Criminal Defense and Family Law Attorney in Houston, Texas | The Law Office of Keith M Harris At The Law Office of Keith M Harris, providing quality legal representation is our top priority. We believe that every client deserves to be heard and supported during a time of stress and difficulty. Working out a legal matter is not always an easy endeavor, but with the right attorney on your side...

Q: What can I do if my child’s other parent is not letting me see the children?

A: If the other parent is preventing you from seeing your children, here are some steps you can take:

Review Your Custody or Visitation Order: First, check your existing custody or visitation order (if you have one) to understand your rights and confirm the schedule set by the court.

Document Attempts to See Your Child: Keep a record of each time you tried to see or contact your child. Document any communication where you were denied access. This information may be useful if you need to take legal action.

Seek Mediation or Negotiation: Sometimes, resolving issues through mediation or open discussions with the other parent can be effective without involving the court. Mediation allows you both to discuss and work toward an agreement that serves the child's best interests.

File for Enforcement: If you have a court-ordered visitation agreement that’s being violated, you can file an enforcement motion with the court. Texas courts can require the custodial parent to follow the agreed schedule and may impose penalties if they refuse.

Contact Me for Guidance: If you're dealing with consistent denial of visitation, reach out to me for assistance. I can help you understand the options for resolving this, whether through enforcement, mediation, or potentially requesting a custody modification if needed.

"Divorces don’t have to be a fight. At our firm, we believe in guiding couples through a respectful and amicable process, ensuring that both parties can move forward with dignity and peace of mind. Let us help you find a path to an agreeable resolution, keeping the focus on cooperation, understanding, and a positive future."