Third time around and ex-husband is suing me for custody again. I was served papers yesterday and go in for surgery on Tuesday. I will be in the hospital for a week but court hearing is on Wednesday. Daughter is now 12 and fantasizes about having her father raise her. Too many details to share here but this is a case where mom knows the background she doesn't and hopes to spare her the pain. He does not pay child support, he is not involved in her school/sport activities, and has no rules. Whatever she wants, goes with him. Boys, makeup, shaving, padded bras...this all started at age 8. I need a good therapist that will see through the lying and get to the root and I need an attorney who will shed light on EVERYTHING. Thanks for your help.
###-###-#### John Eck of the Robert Stites Law Firm in downtown Ft. Worth. Very aggressive and knows his stuff!! I would hate to be on the wrong side of this guy. He did great for me and my kids! Best of luck to you.
J
Steve Naylor or Kimberly Naylor - they are husband and wife at different firms. Mark Lane, Bruce Beverly. These are all aggressive Tarrant County attorneys and there are plenty more great lawyers. Stick with a lawyer who practices family law in the county your case is in. I would also stick with one in close proximity to your residence so you have easy access. And make sure you feel like you have a good fit with them. It doesn't hurt to shop around.
If you don't have time before the hearing, show up on the court date and ask the court for time to hire counsel.
There are a lot of really good attorneys in your neighborhood, and they will know how to handle the dynamics of your court the best.
I note that Ken Carpenter was recommended by another. He was great but passed away last year of cancer. We miss him.
The affidavit "must" be considered by the court but is not automatic. The court just makes the ruling - I would ask for both you and your ex to work with a socialworker or parent coordinator. That way if the "worst" happens, you have a resource to set up some boundaries and rules.
I'm sorry you are dealing with this but maybe this time you can work with all of the resources so you and your ex are on the same page and you don't have to go to court every time there is a change in circumstances. J. D.
The best lawyer in Ft. Worth is DeForrest Tiffany. He is a little rough around the edges but when other lawyers see him coming they cringe. We have used him for both mine and my husbands children. He will also be very up front on the fees and what the cheapest path will be. I do not have his number but he is easy to find. Good luck!
This attorney is not in FW but she is who I would want fighting for me. She is nice and gentle with you and goes for the jugular with him! She is in Dallas and very affordable. Victoria Ingham ###-###-####. Tell her M. connected you.
I would be happy to consult with you. Contact me :
http://www.mikedyerlaw.com
you can read through my blog as well, lots of helpful info there:
http://www.divorce-palmbeach.com
CHEERS!
I don't know anyone in SW FW, but I do know an excellent family law attorney in Frisco if you don't find what you're looking for. Curtis Harrison is professional, honest and you can count on him:
Blessings to you and good look on your surgery! Sorry to hear that you are going through that. I know what you're going through, time is of the essence and you need an aggressive lawyer that will understand the whole situation and take immediate action. Give my husband John Haugen a call today at ###-###-#### and schedule an appointment for today. His website is www.haugenlawfirm.com He knows exactly what you're going through both personally and professionally. Don't waste a second.
I'm going through a similar situation. My daughter is 14 and wants to live with her dad. He doesn't want to pay child support so he wants her to live with him also. I have a great attorney, her name is Leslie Combs. She is a go getter. Her office is downtown FW. ###-###-####. Please let her know that I referred you to her, L. Allen
Well, if she is 12 his attorney may have gotten her to sign what is called a "preference". Essentially that is an affidavit a child signs (at the age of 12 or older) and the non-custodial parent has it notarized, and presents it to the Judge. Someone stated that if she wants to the Judge will let her, that is not entirely true; the Texas Family Code states "it must be in the child's best interest".
On a more personal note.... Fight tooth and nail to keep your daughter. I went to live with my dad when I was 12 (for the same reason your daughter wants to.)From that point on I raised myself. There were no rules, at least nothing consistent and it turned out T. the biggest mistake of my life. Regardless how mature she thinks she is, she still needs her mom and someone who will parent effectively. A single dad with a teenage daughter is a HORRIBLE idea. Good Luck.
Tom Jester is the senior partner of Minor & Jester. He was a Judge and also the Mayor. You won't find a better Family Law attorney I promise. His number is ###-###-####
I don't know anyone in Ft Worth but Stephanie Hall in Dallas, off Woodall Rodgers and Pearl St, is fantastic. Her number is ###-###-####. She helped me with my custody case 9 years ago, has helped me with "life" papers and is helping me now with my husband's adoption of my son. She's tough, she's got a no b.s. approach and will fight a good fight. I also worked in her office for about 6 months so I was able to witness how she approached various family law cases. It may be a drive for you but she's worth a phone call at least - she may be able to refer you to someone closer to home.
My prayers are with you.
