Legislative Update – CHANGES TO TEXAS FAMILY CODE beginning Sept 1, 2015

I have gone to the Legislative Update seminar recently to learn of the various changes and updates to the Texas Family Code resulting from this recent Legislative session. There actually were very few changes this session. The most notable are: 1. DENTAL INSURANCE and dental expenses are now going to be MANDATORY, in addition to Health Insurance and health care expenses in general. 2. In child custody cases, for many years the courts have ordered social studies , often through the County s own in house agency. Occasionally, the Court would order a Psychological Evaluation . Now, all of those are lumped together and called a Child Custody Evaluation and the rules and qualifications are more detailed and standardized than before. See me for details. The post Legislative Update CHANGES TO TEXAS FAMILY CODE beginning Sept 1, 2015 appeared first on Law Office of Jon R. Boyd, P.C..
http://boydfamilylaw.com/legislative-update-changes-to-texas-family-code-beginning-sept-1-2015/

Update re Equal Parenting Bill

I regret to say the Bill proposed in this last Legislative session to make 50-50 parenting rebuttably presumed to be in the best interest of the child did NOT pass. It was actively opposed by the Texas Family Law Foundation, which is the group of Family Law attorneys who actively works each session to pass or oppose new legislation. I have been in contact with members of the Foundation to see whether we can re-submit the Bill next session. I will keep you updated on my efforts. The post Update re Equal Parenting Bill appeared first on Law Office of Jon R. Boyd, P.C..
http://boydfamilylaw.com/update-re-equal-parenting-bill/

Gay Marriage Approved by Supreme Court

As of last Friday, June 27, 2015, the US Supreme Court has ruled that gays and lesbians are entitled to legally marry. Which also means they can legally divorce and be just as happy as the rest of us heterosexuals, lol. So to you members of the Gay and Lesbian community- Congratulations. But if and when you re marriage fails, call me. I will represent you with dignity and professionalism the same as I represent any other client. The post Gay Marriage Approved by Supreme Court appeared first on Law Office of Jon R. Boyd, P.C..
http://boydfamilylaw.com/gay-marriage-approved-by-supreme-court/

An Extra Option Besides Joint Custody: Equal Custody

For years, our family law firm has sought to ensure equal rights for fathers in Texas. It’s been challenging since historically, mothers are the ones who are awarded custody most often. In recent years, we’ve begun to see a shift, and now one state representative is seeking to level the playing field a bit more. Rep. Gilbert Pena (R-Pasadena) has brought a new bill to the Legislature floor with the goal of putting into place different standards regarding child custody. It s just an extra option the judge has at his disposal besides joint custody, Pena said. House Bill 2363, also known as the Equal Parenting Law, is designed to provide judges a bit more leeway in how custody unfolds. It allows judges to initially give parents equal custody, provided it benefits the child. It comes as little surprise that support for this bill has impressive support from many father’s rights groups around the state and around the country. As a family law attorney, I know firsthand the importance o
http://boydfamilylaw.com/an-extra-option-besides-joint-custody-equal-custody/

Heartbroken Father Speaks Out About Losing Custody

You may recall the devastating story out of Maryland last week when a mother was found pushing her deceased son on a swing in a park. The little boy, who was just three years old, had been at the center of a custody battle between his parents. Ji-Aire’s father is now speaking to the media and his story only adds another layer of tragedy, especially considering it could have been avoided. Ji-Aire’s father, James Lee, was in in court the week before in his continued efforts to gain custody. I m not saying she is an unfit parent, but at this particular time, she wasn t fit to take care of our son, he said to a Fox News affiliate in DC. He had been attempting to gain full custody and says he’s not sure if the judge took him seriously. He said his son was a happy boy. “That’s my little man, he loved having fun just like me. He’ll always be that’s my little man. That last custody hearing was the last time he saw his son. I Have a Stable Home He explained to the judge that he w
http://boydfamilylaw.com/heartbroken-father-speaks-out-about-losing-custody/

Dads Bonding With Their Children

When it comes to custody issues, mothers and fathers can be adamant in their stances. Whatever the motives for the determination (and as a family law firm, we like to believe those motives are focused on the well-being of the children), there are growing amounts of evidence that support the presence of Dad in a child s life.
http://boydfamilylaw.com/dads-bonding/

Is a Lack of Fathers the Real Problem?

In recent months, it seems as though there’s been a huge divide in this country. It’s tragic because it’s not indicative of how most Americans truly feel. It is, however, the result of a few who are adamant on making it so. No matter what the issues at hand, there’s always something that seems to keep us divided. Recently, though, it’s what one of the candidates for the Republican presidential ticket said that has stirred some debate. Many are asking if it’s the lack of fathers that is the real problem. As a family law attorney, I see firsthand the trauma and emotional pain pouring forth from families that divide due to divorce. There are times when both parents are loving, unselfish and want to ensure their children are as protected as possible. Those are the cases that remind us just how important family is, even when it’s a divided family. Priorities are straight and we know these kids are going to have two parents who are always on their side. Then there are the case
http://boydfamilylaw.com/is-a-lack-of-fathers-the-real-problem/