The Compassionate Advocacy You Need With Texas Family Law Matters
Nothing is more precious to you than your family. Children are vulnerable and dependent upon their parents and the adults in their lives for care and guidance. We take this responsibility seriously at Huckaby Hicks PLLC. We offer tenacious advocacy for the protection and well-being of you and your children in many family law and related issues.
A Full-Service Family Law Firm
As an experienced team, we are able to help you with many different family law issues. We regularly handle:
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Private and stepparent adoptions and parental terminations
- Separation and divorce cases
- Texas child custody and child support
As a team with diverse legal experience and knowledge, we are able to help you with many different issues related to family law, estate planning and business issues.
Understanding Guardianship And Ad Litem Terms
These are Latin terms frequently used in the courts and in child guardianship issues. Here are the basic definitions:
- Amicus attorneys are appointed by the court to assist them in matters related to complex child welfare or custody litigation.
- Guardians ad litem are also appointed by the court: their primary objective is to inform the court of what is determined to be in the best interest of the child, regardless if that is what the child ultimately desires
- The child’s attorney ad litem is the voice of the child, generally bound to their client’s wishes. We understand the importance of rapport building and consistent communication with younger clients.
We can help you understand both your rights and responsibilities if you are dealing with Texas child guardianship issues.
Child Welfare Matters In Texas
Parents involved in open child protective services investigations or who have had their children legally removed from their custody are at risk for having their legal rights terminated.
Child protective services (CPS) cases generally involve the county or district attorney’s office and generally have more than one required court appearance for the parties to a case.
The CPS caseworker and supervisor are required to develop a plan of services for each party in a case, which will ultimately become a tool of the court to determine if the children should be reunified with the biological parents. Child welfare matters are extremely complex and can affect your constitutional right to parent your child.
Writs Of Habeas Corpus And Parental Abduction
Parental abduction is a complicated matter as it relates to both criminal and civil liability as well as the importance of any legally binding court orders. If a parent is retaining the physical custody of a child in violation of valid court orders, it is essential to discuss requesting extraordinary relief from the court in the form of a writ of habeas corpus.
Habeas corpus means to “bring the body.” We can assist with this and counsel you regarding any accompanying criminal investigation. It is key to consult with an attorney if you need to get your children back in your care or have questions about your court-ordered periods of possession.
Extraordinary Relief From Domestic Violence
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that 40.1% of women and 34.9% of men experience intimate partner violence, rape and/or stalking during their lifetimes. A history of family violence within a relationship can result in the need for the victim to seek extraordinary relief from the court. This can involve:
- Protective orders
- Emergency orders
- Injunctions
- Writs of habeas corpus
- Kick-out orders
We know that developing a safe escape plan and a detailed timeline to protect the victim and any children of the marriage is imperative and the top priority. We are steadfast in our dedication to keeping you safe. We are more than your advocates, we are your legal warriors.
Legal Rights Of Grandparents And Extended Family
Grandparents and other close family members play a crucial role in a child’s life, especially when one or both parents fail to prioritize the needs of their children. In Texas, grandparents and other extended family members often become legally involved when a parent dies or is otherwise impaired. They can become involved when CPS needs to place the child outside of the parent’s home. Grandparents who want visits or legal rights to their grandchildren face extraordinary hurdles. We are wholly familiar with the underlying statutes and pleadings required to overcome these challenges and can assist you in facilitating a safe and healthy home for the subject children.
Mediation To Settle Issues Outside Of The Courtroom
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War
As neutral mediators, we will listen and negotiate with both parties to facilitate a conversation. We then identify areas ripe for settlement. Mediation is generally required by most courts prior to a final trial setting. Mediation is an opportunity for the parties to resolve their legal matter with a more creative, customized approach.
By encouraging compromise and explaining the mental and financial cost of a contested trial we can often:
- Streamline the mediation process for the clients
- Minimize or eliminate the outstanding issues that need to be presented to the judge
Our team has the courtroom experience necessary to guide the parties to a satisfactory end to their case.
Modifications
Changing life conditions can sometimes leave any parenting plan and child support orders unworkable or out of touch with the needs of the children.
- In order to modify a prior final order, a parent will generally need to demonstrate a “material and substantial change” to a parent’s or child’s circumstances, such as the relocation of one parent or change in careers, as well as prove that the requested modification is in the best interest of the child.
- A modification action requires a party to comply with certain procedural timelines and can often involve the appointment of an attorney or guardian ad litem for the child.
We can evaluate your custody orders to determine if a modification action is right for you and your child.
Parental Substance Abuse
As former prosecutors, we are well-versed in both the civil and criminal implications of drug abuse. Parents who abuse alcohol or other illegal drugs while caring for their children pose a risk for the entire family, but especially children that are more vulnerable based on age and disability. The court recognizes that parental substance abuse can be an issue that requires monitoring and treatment. We can help you create a plan to ensure the safety of your children from exposure to alcohol abuse or illegal drug use.
We Put Your Family First
As family law attorneys, our first priority is child welfare and advocacy. We know that nothing is more important than the well-being of your family. We also know that this process is emotional. We work to offer the support and guidance you need to be confident in the decisions you make. Have a question or want to set up a consultation? Reach our team at 737-309-2231. We help family law clients in Buda and throughout Central Texas. This includes Travis, Williamson, Hays, Caldwell, Comal, Burnet, Llano and Bastrop counties. You can also ask a question or reach us via our online contact form.