Houston Family Law Attorneys

The majority of the cases handled by the Woodfill Law Firm deal with civil lawsuits pertaining to family matters. However, our team is also able to accommodate other types of legal needs, including representation in mediation and other forms of out-of-court negotiation. 

Our Houston family attorneys can assist you with cases involving:

• Child Custody. In a Texas divorce, the court will decide who will take possession of minor children and have a say in their upbringing if both parents cannot agree on an arrangement. The court will assess numerous factors, including the best interests of the child or children, any history of domestic violence, and the preferences of any child who is at least 12 years of age. In some cases, child custody arrangements can be negotiated out of court through mediation. Litigation may be necessary if a compromise cannot be reached, and we are prepared to advocate for you in any scenario. We can also help you seek a modification to an existing child custody order if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. 
• Child Visitation. Absent extenuating circumstances, Texas courts generally prefer that children maintain relationships with both of their parents. The parent who does not receive primary physical custody will typically receive visitation time on a schedule that must be honored by the other parent. Our team can help you negotiate visitation and will work to ensure you have fair access to your child or children.
• Division of Property. In Texas, your assets will be considered either “community property” or “separate property.” If you acquired an asset during the marriage, it is likely considered “community property,” regardless of whose name is on the ownership papers. An asset is designated separate property if it was acquired before the marriage or if it was received as a gift, inheritance, or as part of a personal injury recovery award or settlement. Only community property is subject to division in a Texas divorce. We are familiar with how to navigate complex property division cases and can handle disputes involving allegedly commingled property, retirement benefits, farms, ranches, and more.
• Litigation. Contested divorces and other conflicts of family law may require litigation to resolve. Our capable litigators have comprehensive trial experience and are in the courtroom often. While we are happy to explore alternative forms of dispute resolution where possible, we are not afraid to go to court and will fiercely fight for your interests.
• Mediation. Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution and can be used to negotiate terms of a divorce in lieu of litigation. Many Texas family courts require spouses to attempt mediation before their case is tried. The process involves negotiating through a neutral, third-party mediator in a less formal setting. The mediator will work with all parties to arrive at a compromise for issues involving child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, and more. If agreements can be reached, a binding agreement will be drafted and signed. You can walk away from mediation if the process is unproductive, however, and, in some cases, litigation may be the only practical path forward. Our team is prepared to represent you in mediation sessions and, if necessary, can advise when it may be time to consider litigation.
• Failure to Comply with a Visitation Order. Both parents are required to comply with all terms of a divorce decree, including a visitation schedule. If the parent with possession refuses to allow the other parent to see their children under the visitation guidelines, the aggrieved parent may need to file a court motion to enforce the order. We know how to approach enforcement remedies in a variety of scenarios, including those involving denied visitation. 
• Prenuptial Agreements. Many couples use prenuptial agreements to preserve their assets and prepare for the possibility of divorce. A prenuptial agreement can proactively define separate property that is exempt from property division. These documents can also set enforceable terms involving estate planning tools, homestead rights, the right to control property over the course of the marriage, and the division of retirement and employment benefits. Our firm can draft prenuptial agreements that reflect your wishes and protect your interests. 
• Post-Divorce Modifications. Some elements of a divorce decree are not necessarily permanent and can be modified when a “material and substantial” change in circumstances has occurred. Changes to child custody, child support, and spousal support can each be requested with the appropriate justification. We can review your case and advise whether your current situation calls for a modification. 
• Paternity Law. Paternity law continues to rapidly evolve in the state of Texas. Under new laws, an individual who has mistakenly been identified as a child’s father (and is thus obligated to pay child support) may now file a petition to correct the wrongful determination. DNA fingerprinting and acknowledgment of paternity forms can also be used to establish paternity. We can answer your questions about Texas paternity law and help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
• Divorce. Spouses going through a contested divorce will need to decide issues involving property division, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and more. If agreements cannot be reached, the case may need to go to trial. Our firm has exhaustive experience handling all elements of divorce and can guide you through each stage of the process. 

Learn more about our family law services by calling (713) 766-0789 or contacting us online. Payment plans are available.