Child Support - As part of divorce proceedings, paternity actions, etc., the family court will make a determination as to the appropriate amount of child support to be ordered for the care of the child, retroactive support and post natal expenses etc. Unless you walk in with an experienced attorney, you are likely to lose out because you are not familiar with the law and the guidelines that the Courts look to in making these determinations. Child support may be set too high or too low. Unfortunately, too often after you leave court you can't go back and change the orders of the Court. Certain things will become final or you may be restricted in terms of how long you have to wait before you can go back in and change or modify the amounts of support. It may be possible for the amount ordered by the court to be altered at a later date if either parent petitions the court for such a change. I have years of experience dealing with both initial child support determinations and subsequent modifications. MORE...
Contempt/Enforcement - When a person fails to pay child support, or spousal support or violates the visitation orders of the Court they can be brought in for what are referred to as "contempt hearings." While they are dealt with in Family Courts, they have a criminal element that makes them dangerous for the normal person to walk into without an experienced attorney. What does that mean? It means that the judge can find you guilty of contempt and put you in jail for up to six months for each violation and fine you up to $500 for each violation. It also means that you may have a judgment granted against you. That judgment is usually thousands of dollars. However, sometimes contempt findings can be avoided because of errors in the language of the orders involved, etc. Unless you have an attorney who knows the law you are taking a serious risk. Unfortunately, not every attorney works in this area enough to understand the related law. Consequently, before you hire anyone ask them to explain how such judgments/convictions can be avoided. I have defended and prosecuted people for contempt and can help you avoid the traps if it is possible. MORE...
The Carroll Law Firm
100 North Central Expressway
Suite 1006
Dallas, TX 75201
Tel: 214-749-7777
Fax: 214-749-7779
e-mail
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The Dallas family law attorney at Carroll Law Firm is pleased to serve clients in North Texas and Central Texas including the areas of North Dallas, Plano, Irving, Fort Worth, Collin County, Denton County, Tarrant County, Rockwall County, and Kaufman County, as well as the communities that make up the Metroplex.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation. Lynn Carroll is responsible for the content of this site. The Principal Office is located in Dallas, Texas.
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