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Family Law

Houston Family Law Attorneys Pursue Lasting Solutions for Clients

Lawyers protect Texans’ interests in divorces and other matters

With offices in Houston and Brenham, Anne E. Kennedy, Attorney at Law provides high-quality, cost-effective family law representation to Texas residents. We are fierce advocates who handle both uncontested and contested family cases. Regardless of the cause, our firm is not afraid of high conflict, and is skilled at bringing peace to chaotic family feuds – often saving clients thousands of dollars.

The right team is crucial to a client’s success in court and in working through the process of a family case.  We have helped clients win fierce battles in court and also resolve their disputes via a private settlement—either informally or thru a process called mediation. The more work you and your family lawyer do, the better your case can be presented and the better chances you have for the best results.

Family law cases we can help you with

Attorney Anne Kennedy knows how painful the process of breaking up can be, and she helps each client meet that with dignity and a strong legal defense.  In every case, we work diligently on concerns over child custody, visitation and child support. Our firm helps divorce clients focus on identification and valuation of community assets and liabilities and the division of those assets and liabilities. We also advise on spousal support disputes and seek to reduce your burden by keeping attorneys’ fees manageable. 

Whether married or unmarried, our firm helps clients identify and resolve issues relating to divorce and parenting, such as:  

Regardless of your specific needs, our team will work diligently and aggressively to protect your interests, prosecute your claims, and position your case for the best results possible, whether through a settlement, as a result of mediation or at trial.

Frequently asked questions about family law cases in Texas

Our firm respects client privacy and confidentiality. We meet with each client to discuss a case in depth and help develop a plan and strategy to handle a family transition successfully. If you’re unsure about how to proceed with your domestic legal matter, we can answer your questions such as:

Do I really need a lawyer?

It depends. A client can represent themselves. This is called being “pro se.”

In some cases, clients may be able to handle their own family law cases on their own. However, the court system can be intimidating and confusing.

It is wise to at least consult with a lawyer to learn how the specific process works and what may be required of you in court and to make sure that you have everything you need for your case.

If there are children or significant property issues such as a home or retirement benefits, then it is a good idea to retain a lawyer that you feel comfortable with to help make things as smooth as possible and make sure that you are informed of your rights and that they are protected at all steps in the process.

What is required for a divorce?

In Texas, there are certain requirements for a court to be able to grant a divorce or for a party to be eligible to file a family lawsuit such as a divorce or custody proceeding.

To obtain a divorce, one of the parties must have been living in Texas for 6 months and be a resident of the county in which the divorce is filed for 90 days. The divorce must be on file for at least 60 days, and the other party must be given official notice or waive that requirement in an affidavit.

To complete a divorce, there are certain forms, along with the decree and initial petition that must be filed.

It is good to consult with a lawyer at least once before starting the process.

What is an uncontested divorce?

An uncontested divorce where both sides agree, from the beginning, to the terms of the divorce concerning both children and property.

It is the often the quickest form of divorce and the least expensive, and usually available on a flat rate.

What is an SAPCR?

A SAPCR is a “Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship.” It is a custody lawsuit.

It can be filed in connection with a divorce when a couple has children, or it can be filed between unmarried parents or between a parent and a grandparent or any other person that has a legal interest in a child.

If there are children involved, it is usually a good idea to consult with a lawyer about your case.

What is mediation?

Mediation is a process that is required in Texas by most courts in a divorce or other family lawsuit such as custody or child support that is contested- meaning the parties are not in agreement about some issue.

It usually lasts one-half day, and it is a time where both sides can be in the same location, but often in private rooms, and see if they can come to an agreement on certain issues in their case.

Because there are over 4 million people living in Houston, for example, the courts can be very busy. Mediation is a way that the parties can communicate in a safe and non-threatening way to try to come up with a solution concerning property and children that is best for their specific case.

What is the Texas Family Code?

The Texas Family Code is found here: Texas Family Code

It contains the laws and statutes that concern family law cases such as divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence, adoption, and the division of property.

The Texas appellate courts and the Texas Supreme Court issue opinions interpreting the laws. This is referred to as “common law,” and those decisions can impact a case.

How much does a family case cost?

I am very cost-conscious of my clients. However, it is hard to say what a case will cost in total without speaking to a client and getting an idea of the facts and circumstances of their specific case.

Some cases may be able to be done on a flat rate. Others will be done on an hourly rate. In general, however, the more rancorous a case is, the more expensive it will be.

If a case is handled on an hourly rate, a lawyer usually requests a “retainer,” or an amount at the beginning to cover a portion of the projected work and any filing fees that may be required by the county.

Helpful forms and resources

Child Support Calculator from the Texas Attorney General’s Office. This is an estimate only. A court can deviate higher or lower depending on the facts.

Download Divorce Client Questionnaire

Download Modification / Enforcement Client Questionnaire

Download Financial Information Statement

Download Texas Family Code Notice Sheet

Download The Pro Se Divorce Handbook by the Texas State Bar

Kids in the Crossfire

Download Harris County District Clerk Filing Fees

Texas Family Code

State Bar of Texas information for the Public on Divorce

Contact an accomplished Texas family lawyer for a free initial consultation

With offices in Houston and Brenham, Texas, Anne E. Kennedy, Attorney at Law handles a full range of family law concerns for Texans including divorces, adoptions and child support disputes. Please call 713-862-8110 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. 

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