An Overview on Ellis County Family Law
Family law is an expansive area of legal practice that encompasses a wide range of legal issues that affect families, both during times of crisis and in situations that affect relationships that are generally happy and successful. In Texas, family law covers a broad range of areas including divorce, modification of custody, grandparent custody, and adoption and terminated parental rights; as well as matters that are less commonly known, such as spousal support, grandparents rights, and unique military or LGBT issues. Those going through a divorce should always make sure to do their own research on the issue of divorce and understand how their divorce will affect them. In particular, we advise in Texas that you make a really in-depth examination into the area of military divorces, as there are issues related to those divorces that are unique to military families. When it comes to custody issues, the family attorneys in Ellis County at Burleson Pate and Gibson are knowledgeable and flexible in adapting to their clients needs. Types of child custody issues include: custody orders , visitation (parenting time) modifications, child custody modifications, child support modification, and civil stalking. For grandparents and great-grandparents, Texas law allows for the possibility of securing custody of children provided certain requirements are met, which our Ellis County grandparents rights lawyers understand very well. While most people think of adoption as something that is fairly straightforward, there are significant pitfalls within the process that can present problems for the unknowledgeable. This includes understanding the nuances of adoption bonds, adoption scams, types of adoptions available and how long the process really takes. The importance of having a qualified and experienced family law or divorce attorney cannot be understated when dealing with family law issues, and Burleson Pate & Gibson is always there to provide you with sound advice and effective representation for your needs.
Reasons to Select a Local Ellis County Family Law Lawyer
Choosing a local Ellis County Family Law attorney has advantages that can be fundamental to the success of your case. An attorney residing in Texas (and/or an Ellis County resident) and who regularly handles cases in Ellis County will enjoy a distinct advantage over an attorney who does not. These advantages include familiarity with the rules, both local and statewide, that govern family law litigation in the State of Texas. A local attorney is also familiar with the individual court rules that apply in the Ellis County District Courts, including the 378th Judicial District Court and the 40th Judicial District Court.
Other advantages of being a local Ellis County Family Law attorney are knowing the judges of the courts in which your case is pending, their individual preferences and how these preferences play out on a day-to-day basis. Given the locally contested nature of a typical divorce or custody dispute, these relationships and the trust that has been built over a period of many years can be advantageous in almost every case. It is important to know these preferences exist and understand that they can impact the outcome of your case. If you are represented by an attorney who did not bother to learn, understand and keep abreast of these preferences, an undesirable result may prejudicially affect your case.
What to Consider When Hiring a Family Law Attorney
The family law landscape is expansive and has many twists and turns. It is important to take your time and choose an advocate that meets all your needs. You should seek an attorney with the experience necessary to handle your case. One who is not afraid to advocate for you while also understanding the necessary navigation of your proceedings to bring about a result you can live with. An attorney who obtains results is kind of like a sports team owner that regularly hires winning coaches. Attorneys who focus on family law (rather than dabbling in it) generally are better suited to help you through the process. You want someone with years of experience handling divorces, custody modifications, contempt actions, adoptions and everything else involved in family law matters. You want counsel who can chart your case’s course and not be buffeted by every change in the wind or the court’s mood on the day of your hearing. You want an attorney that will communicate effectively with you. Our firm has multiple means to keep you updated, whether a phone call, email or text messaging. Your attorney should not only be available to speak with you but should consult you on decisions that will affect your future. There should not be surprises for you, whether they are good or bad. Too many times clients come to us who have been receiving poor communication from their attorneys. Choose an attorney from the start who will be there in the courtroom for you and keep you "in the loop" well ahead of trial, mediation, collaborative law meetings, etc. Investing time, money and emotion into your case only to find out you are blindsided by the next step in your case is not what you are looking for.
Hiring a Family Law Lawyer
Hiring a family law attorney can be a daunting task, especially since so much is on the line. Children, homes, and a spouse are often the main issue at play in a case, and a lawyer can make the difference between a secured future and a long, drawn-out legal battle. The process of hiring a family law attorney is comprised of several steps, but each is critical to hiring the right person for your case.
Begin by researching in-depth. Ask friends, family, and even colleagues about their experience with family law attorneys they know. Asking around is a great way to get a feel for a lawyer’s character and legal style, and to weed out any that may not be a fit for you. Once you have some names on your short list, head on over to the Texas State Bar website. The bar provides a wealth of information on a family lawyer’s standing, such as whether a license is active, any disciplinary actions taken against them, and whether they are an active member in any organizations.
With all that information, it’s time to go to an initial consultation. Most lawyers offer free consultations, but the law does not require this to be the case. You should also not be surprised if you are charged for an initial consultation, since some attorneys believe there is no such thing as a "free lunch." Even if an attorney does charge you, keep in mind that the fee is usually small, so don’t disregard a potentially great fit .
During the initial interview with a family law attorney, ask lots of questions about your case, and expect complete answers. This is no time for vague or evasive responses. Pay attention to the manner in which your questions are answered, and whether you feel heard and understood. Be suspicious of attorneys who do most of the talking, since a good family law attorney will always focus on you, and ask you questions about your case. The point of the consultation is to determine whether the attorney is a good fit for your case, so if you’re given little opportunity to speak, take that as a sign.
Finally, discuss fees. North Texas family law attorneys typically charge by the hour, but this is not always the case. If fee arrangements vary based on the type of task performed, such as mediation as compared with representation in court, be sure to get this in writing. An attorney’s flat fee for a divorce might look great, but what’s the hourly fee to modify the case once a final order has been entered? If there are retainer fees, ask for a complete breakdown of costs, and be sure to ask about any additional costs, such as court reporter fees, record retrieval fees, or fees for expert testimony.
Choosing a family law attorney can be a nerve-wracking process, and you should not take the decision lightly. Follow these four simple steps to help you make the right choice.
Top Rated Family Law Firms in Ellis County
When seeking the right representation in your family law case, having a trusted lawyer by your side can be support essential to your success. Below are some of the top-recommended Ellis County child custody and family law lawyers on Leadership Lists:
Friedman & Fritsch PLLC – This firm has been serving the people of Waxahachie, Texas for more than 15 years. Their lawyers are well-known for their highly effective representation in family law cases, including divorce, child custody modification and adoption. Their lawyers have been representing clients in south Dallas for decades.
Ellis Law Firm, P.C. – The attorneys of this firm have been serving people in Waxahachie for several years. Over that time they have been known and respected as effective trial lawyers focused on family law. They have extensive experience in contested divorce and child custody matters.
Love & Long, LLP – Love & Long is a Waxahachie based family law firm with long-standing roots in north Texas. Their attorneys focus primarily on family law matters such as divorce, adoption, child custody and child support. They also practice bankruptcy and other general areas of law.
Frequently Asked Questions about Family Law in Ellis County
How quickly can I expect to meet with a family law attorney in Ellis County?
Generally, we can schedule your appointment with an experienced North Texas family law attorney with 1-3 days. If you are in a rush and have special needs, of course we will do our best to accommodate your scheduling.
Is my first consultation free?
Most family law attorneys in Ellis County provide a free initial consultation. However, make sure to read the fine print. Many lawyers charge for travel time that you might not expect. Additionally, you have to be careful when referring to the "free" consultation. In many instances, it is free ONLY if you hire that particular lawyer.
How much do family law services typically cost?
The cost of hiring a family law attorney in Ellis County depends on a number of factors. For example, the more experience the lawyer has, the more he or she will charge. The less time it takes the attorney to take care of your legal issue, the less he or she will charge. I charge a flat fee for uncontested divorces, but an hourly rate for contested divorces. The basic hourly rate for Ellis County family law attorneys is between $300-$350 per hour, which is similar to most metropolitan areas .
What’s the difference between divorce with and without children?
The Texas Family Code has a number of provisions that are necessary during a divorce and that involve children. Rights and duties for parents to pick up, drop off, the residence for children, transportation, etc.
Does the cost of hiring a lawyer mean you get better legal representation?
Not necessarily. Keep in mind that a fee is not always based on the attorney’s experience or capabilities. Certain lawyers elect to charge a lower fee to get the most cases possible in the door. You need to preserve your rights and utilize your resources in a manner that is reasonable and appropriate. There are many competent Ellis County family law attorneys, and those who will work with you to solve your particular issues.
Will I know how much it is going to cost?
I can give you a basic idea on an uncontested divorce or uncontested modification. That does not mean that number won’t change due to unforeseen issues. The more people involved – the more issues and the longer it may take. Each situation is different.