Tarrant County Attorney for a Will

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Drafting a Will

Legal consultation for a will is something everyone will at one point require in their lives. A will is a document that expresses someone’s final wishes. This is of great use to make sure that your assets go exactly where you want them to go. The Fetty Firm P.C. is experienced in Texas estate planning. So you can rest easy knowing that the will is drafted correctly. With our sole attorney, Rashelle Fetty, you’ll receive the knowledgeable and capable services of an attorney with over 10 years of experience.

Tarrant County Law Attorney

Legal Consultation on Wills

Drafting a will is a very delicate matter for a number of reasons. You want to make sure that your loved ones are taken care of. Additionally, you will have to try and anticipate any problems that may arise in the future. The best way to handle the drafting of a will is with the services of an experienced and trusted law firm. With The Fetty Firm P.C., you’ll receive the results of a big firm combined with the personal and attentive services of a small firm.

Metroplex Estate Planning

In order to make a will, you will need to be over 17 years of age, been lawfully married, or a member of the United States military. In addition, you are required to have a sound mind. This means that you can understand the business in which you are engaged when making the will, the effect it will have, the nature and extent of your property, and the number of relatives you have.

Expert Consultation for Drafting of Wills

Legal consultation for drafting wills

Here are some things to keep in mind when drafting your will:

  • A will can be used to leave property to individuals or organizations
  • Name a guardian for your children
  • In the case that you leave property to minors, have a trustee to handle the property
  • Name an Executor of your estate
  • To validate your will in Texas, you must sign the will with two witnesses and the witnesses must also sign the will

This is a very delicate matter.

Tarrant County Estate Planning

Therefore it makes sense to have the best services available. Contact The Fetty Firm P.C. today to learn more about the ins and outs of will-drafting. You can get in touch with us by calling (214) 546-5746 or clicking here. Furthermore, if you want to learn more about our Legal Consultation on Wills, click here.

Texas Adoptions

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Tarrant County Adoptions

Adopting is a beautiful way of forming a family. Not only are you adding to your family, but you’re also helping a child grow and thrive in a loving and safe environment. The adoption process, however, can be very complex. The best way to tackle this process is with the help of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney, such as Rashelle Fetty.

Based in Colleyville, TX, The Fetty Firm helps clients through the ins and outs of the adoption process. Moreover, Rashelle has extensive knowledge of Texas, and its adoption laws, and can be of great help with:

Keep in mind that adoptions require great deals of paperwork and come with strict rules and procedures. Any missteps along the way may result in your adoption being declared invalid. Nobody wants to endure this painful, heartbreaking conclusion to their dreams of adopting. Furthermore, here are some more tips for those thinking about adopting.

Gather Information

Just like any important matter, proper knowledge will go a long way in the success of your adopting endeavors. You should definitely research the adoption process through books, magazines, and other publications.

You can also reach out to families who have gone through the process and may be able to help you. Moreover, read adoption blogs and get a diverse collection of opinions regarding the lengthy adoption process.

Prepare for Adoptive Parenting

Once you become familiar with the adoption process, you should next prepare yourself for life as an adoptive parent. Be aware of the common issues that sometimes arise in the psyche of a recently adoptive parent. Look out for these challenges that children:

  • Normative parenting practices
  • Emotional and mental development
  • Adoption related grief
  • Identity issues

Child’s Background

Knowing your child’s medical, genetic, and social history is also very important. It provides vital information that can help adoptive parents decide if they are the right match for the child. Just like anything else, every child has their own requirements when it comes to financial and emotional resources.

The Fetty Firm is an experienced law firm in the state of Texas ready to help parents through the entire adoption process. For experienced and effective law services, contact us at (214) 546-5746. Additionally, visit our family law webpage for more information on our services.

Tarrant County Adoption Attorney

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Tarrant County Adoption

The Tarrant County Adoption process is lengthy and complicated. However, there is a way to maneuver the steps , simply.

The Fetty Firm has experience working with future parents to adopt a child.We will make sure you go through each step with our assistance so that you can build a stable family unit.

Adoption has numerous benefits for the child and parents. Rashelle Fetty is an experienced family law attorney who can help you reap the benefits of adopting a child.

Furthermore, the adoption process is not simple. It requires the right kind of maneuvering to be successful. A simple mistake can set up back or stop the adoption process outright. So, get in touch with The Fetty Firm before you stop the process.

Adoption Steps

Colleyville TX Family Law

The Fetty Firm can help you adopt the child of your dreams.

The first step you need to take for adoption is to choose which program is best for your family. There are various adoption programs to choose from, and not all of them fit a family’s life. It is also important to decide if adoption is the right choice for your family. There are a lot of things that go into this one action. Consider everything while making this decision. The Fetty Firm can certainly help you analyze specific areas you may feel concerned about.

During this process, you can also choose an adoption professional. Fetty is the best choice when it comes to an adoption professional. She will help you traverse the steps needed for the adoption process. Parents will then need to become an active waiting family or create an adoption plan. This process varies on the program you have chosen. It may involve home studies or adoption profiles.

Next, parents will need to find an adoption opportunity. Parents will need to seek a child in which they can adopt, which can be found in a number of ways. Children’s agencies are one way you can find the child you want to adopt. Once you have found the child you wish to adopt, they will be placed in your home. Now, there is paperwork through this process, and the process is not over.

After the child is placed, there will be some form of contact with an adoption professional and an agency. This contact is to check up on the child simply.

The Fetty Firm Has an Adoption Professional

Get in touch with The Fetty Firm today. Future parents will find that Rashelle Fetty is experienced with the adoption process. She will help you get through this long process. Get in touch with her by calling (214) 546-5746. Of course, future parents can also find more information on The Fetty Firm adoption page.

Tarrant County Estate Planning – Wills & Probate

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Tarrant County Estate Planning

Probate is when a will goes through a legal process to determine if it is authentic. It is a common legal procedure, but it is also very timely. Wills that go through probate takes time and money, which is why some try to avoid it altogether. There is a way to skip probate, and there may be scenarios when you would want to skip the process. Find a Tarrant County Estate Planning Attorney who will help educate you on these facts.

Wills are used to pass on property to beneficiaries once a person dies. If a will is not established, then the courts will create one and distribute property how they see fit. Wills are very beneficial for the families after a family member’s death and the testate, the person dying. The family will have a more comfortable process after their loved one’s passing. Plus, their loved one will have peace of mind when they do pass.

Ways of Avoiding Probate

Will

Most wills go through probate.

There are ways of avoiding probate, but there needs to be careful planning. Firstly, it is best to have a will. Those who die without wills may also require probate. You may want to avoid probate to skip the many legal fees you will incur or avoid the estate taxes. Your reason may also simply be privacy.

Regardless of the reason, there are ways of avoiding probate. One way of avoiding this lengthy legal process is to set up a revocable living trust. Property is placed into the trust that is only accessible to the owner. Once they die, the property is given to a beneficiary, and no probate is needed.

Life insurance policies are another way you can avoid probate. They require policyholders to add a beneficiary to the plan. Once the holder passes, then the property is passed on to the beneficiary. Retirement plans may also be another option, but not all of them work the same way.

In general, you will most likely go through probate. Unless you actively plan to avoid it, the process will most likely occur. That said, probate is relatively inexpensive, and the process has been streamlined over the years.

Take the time to research what you want. Find an Estate Planning Lawyer that can help you understand what is important. Find an attorney that will make you feel comfortable.

Call for a Will or a Probate Lawyer

If you are needing to create a will or want probate assistance, get in touch with The Fetty Firm. Rashelle Fetty has years of experience with family court. Give her firm a call at (214) 546-5746. Clients should also visit her will and probate pages to find out more about the process.

Child Support Modification

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Child Support Modification

Clients commonly express concern to regarding possible changes to their income during a divorce in relation to their obligations to pay child support. What I usually tell them is in general after a divorce property issues are done. However, under the law of Texas child issues are generally not done until after the child graduates high school or turns 18 whichever comes later.

Basically this means that child support law was written with the understanding that the person responsible for paying child support’s financial situation may change. Jobs change. Life changes. Situations shift.

When these changes happen,  a person is allowed file a “Petition to Modify” the child support order on the basis that there has been a “substantial change in circumstance”

Possible reasons for a substantial change in circumstance may include:

  1. a serious illness
  2. change in employment, or
  3. even being deployed in the military

It is good for a client to know they have these options

When to Modify Child Support

Something parents should keep in mind is that child support is not supposed to be a bad thing, revenge or a form of punishment. Child support serves a real purpose to serve real needs of the child.

Another consideration when deciding whether to file for a modification should be a cost benefit analysis on whether it is worth it financially or emotionally. For example, if you file:

  1. The other parent may file asking for a change of their own for something else
  2. If you hire an attorney it’s going to cost, your money to get the change and if the difference in child support is not very much then you may be spending $2000 to get $40 extra dollars a month.
  3. Alternatively, if you go through the Office of the Attorney General’s office you may get the State of Texas to handle the modification for you for free. However, this may take a very long time to get them to Act. If the change is substantial, then it is probably worth hiring an attorney to get the change done quicker.

Tarrant County Child Support Modification Attorneys

The Fetty Firm, PC is dedicated to helping you and your family find the solution that works best for everyone. We understand things may have changed from the time child support decision was made, and we will work to promote the best interests of you and your child in the modification of the child support order.

The Duty to Support

In Texas, parents have the legal obligation to support their children until the child reaches the age of 18, or until the child stops going to high school whichever is later.

If your child was disabled before his or her 18th birthday, that duty will extend into adulthood. This duty to support does not apply to children who are self-supporting, living away from home (if over the age of 16) or married. If the parent who pays child support dies, the obligation to pay does not die with him, but will accelerate and be due immediately from his or her estate.

You may not stop paying your child support simply because you believe the amount is too much, or because you have been denied visitation with your child. In both cases, there are legal remedies available to you, and you should talk to a lawyer.

Likewise, filing for bankruptcy will not relieve you of your duty to pay child support. Even if your debts are discharged, you must continue to pay child support.

How Child Support Amounts are Determined

The amount of child support you will pay is determined by the court under statutory guidelines. The court is required to look at the following 5 factors when deciding how much child support is appropriate:

  1. The statutory guidelines
  2. The needs of the child
  3. The ability of the parents to support the child
  4. Any other resources available to support the child
  5. The amount of access to the child the parent has

The statutory guidelines are somewhat complicated. The amount of child support recommended by the statute is a fixed percentage of the parent’s “net resources”, taking into account the number of children involved. For example, a parent will pay 20% of his net resources in child support if he has one child, but he will pay 40% if he has five. The law presumes that the statutory guidelines are reasonable and in the child’s best interest.

A parent’s “net resources” include all of their income, minus some deductions for things like FICA, income tax and health insurance costs for the children. Net resources are capped. That cap can change every few years. Even if you make more than that amount, the court will not order additional support unless the child has special needs or extraordinary circumstances exist.

Your attorney can review your child support obligations and finances with you to determine whether the statutory guidelines were applied correctly in your case.

Modification of the Support Order

There are two circumstances where the support order might be modified. First, if the circumstances of either parent or the child have changed, the court may modify the order.

Some examples of changes of circumstance which might warrant a modification include:

  1. Release from prison
  2. Serious illness or injury
  3. The birth or adoption of another child
  4. Deployment or being called to Active Duty

Second, the court may modify the order if it is not in line with the statutory guidelines. However, the order will only be modified if three years have elapsed since the order was entered, and the amount of support differs from the guidelines by either 20% or $100.

Either parent may file a Motion to Modify the Support Order with the court.

 

Contact Rashelle Fetty and The Fetty Firm at (214) 546-5746 to for more information.

Metroplex Divorce Lawyer

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Metroplex Divorce Attorney

As unfortunate as divorces can be, the fact is that they are common occurrences. Simply put, sometimes things just don’t work out. Regardless of the reason for the divorce, these types of cases can be stressful, painful, and quite complex. If you live in or near Tarrant County and are seeking an experienced divorce attorney, turn to Rashelle Fetty and The Fetty Firm. We have vast experience in various types of divorce cases and will work diligently to advocate for your best interests. With The Fetty Firm, you can expect a great work ethic as we aim to get you the best divorce settlement possible. There are many Metroplex Divorce Attorneys, trust us.

General Overview of Divorce in Texas

General Overview of Divorce in Texas

Our sole attorney, Rashelle Fetty, founded The Fetty Firm 6+ years ago and has helped countless clients as they navigate the oftentimes complex divorce process. Additionally, we have experience with clients dealing with cases such as child custody, child support, and spousal support. Above all, our goal is to provide compassionate and understanding support to all of our clients. Contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more about why we’re a leading firm in North Texas.

Overview of Divorces in the State of Texas

If you’re in the process of getting a divorce, you should aim to acquire the services of an experienced law firm. We’ve assisted countless clients in navigating complex and high-conflict divorce litigation. Here are some of the aspects of divorce we can help you with:

  • Comprehensive Divorce Planning
  • Uncontested and contested divorce cases
  • High-asset/high net worth cases
  • Marriage Annulment
  • Much more
Great Divorce Planning

Comprehensive Divorce Planning

There are some things you should keep in mind when divorcing in Texas. For one, grounds for divorce in Texas include:

  • Adultery
  • Three years of confinement for incurable insanity
  • Felony conviction and imprisonment for over one year
  • Cruel and inhumane treatment
  • Insupportability

The divorce process can be very lengthy. Some cases can wrap up in as little as 2-3 months. However, some cases can take up as much as 18-24 months. The length of the process depends on factors such as the complexities of the case and the level of disagreement. In the state of Texas, legal separation is not recognized by the courts. As such, even if a married couple “separate,” any property or debt acquired while married is still considered community property and debt. In divorce cases, the best bet is to have an experienced family law attorney by your side. Contact Rashelle Fetty and The Fetty Firm at (214) 546-5746 to for more information.

Metroplex Divorce Attorney

Tarrant County Estate Planning

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Tarrant County Estate Planning

Generally speaking, everyone should take care of basic estate planning. In other words, everyone should make sure that their wishes followed through after their death. By doing so, your family can be spared from unnecessary expenses and delays. Additionally, you’ll have someone you trust in charge of important matters in the instance that you are unable to do so yourself.

Adults in the state of Texas should have the following estate planning documents:

  • A will, to leave assets and also to name your executor
  • A durable power of attorney for finances, which names a designated person to manage your finances in instances where it’s necessary
  • The living will, (In the state Texas, this is called a Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates or an advanced directive), this document spells out your end-of-life wishes
  • Medical Power of Attorney, a document that names someone to ensure your health care wishes are carried through
Texas Estate Planning

Texas Estate Planning

Residents of Texas should also look into probate-avoidance. While Texas’ probate is better than other states in terms of simplicity, people tend to prefer to avoid probate court proceedings altogether. The reason for this is that avoiding probate saves families money and hassle. In order to avoid probate, you’ll need to plan ahead of time. Alternatively, your family may be subject to a probate court proceeding. This court proceeding will give families the authority to transfer your assets to those who inherit them. Methods such as a living trust can help avoid probate.

Experienced Estate Planning Attorney

Experienced Texas Law Attorney

Family Law Firm in Texas

Rashelle Fetty, The Fetty Firm’s sole attorney, has over ten years in the legal sector. This experience proves greatly valuable when providing individualized services to her clients. After all, you need to create an estate plan that fits you and your unique circumstances. If you haven’t taken care of your estate planning yet, the time to do so is now. The Fetty Firm can provide assistance with:

  • Advanced Directives/Living Will
  • HIPAA Forms
  • Trusts
  • Designation of Guardian
  • Powers of Attorney
  • Wills

Contact us today by calling (214) 546-5746 or visiting our website to learn more about our estate planning services.

Enforcing Modification Orders

Modifying Child Support and Custody Orders

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Modifying Child Support and Custody Orders

When dealing with situations such as child custody and child support, there might come a time where you’ll need to seek a child support lawyer for modified court orders. Why would this happen? Well, in some instances, the original court order may have been unfair or unworkable from the get-go.

In other cases, the circumstances in which the original order was based on may change. Circumstances can vary, including the children grow older, a change in financial situation, or a change in living arrangements.

In these situations, a modification of orders could be needed, whether it’s custody, support, or visitation rights. Finding yourself in these types of situations may seem complex, but it doesn’t have to be with the assistance of a qualified attorney.

Texas Estate Planning

Texas Family Law firm

Child Support Modifications

In Colleyville, child support orders can be modified under Texas law is one of these conditions is met:

  • More than three years since the establishment of the order or last modification
  • The monthly amount of the orders differs by either 20% or $1oo from the amount that would be awarded based on the guidelines
  • A “material and substantial” change since the last support order

Child Custody Modifications

State law allows modifications of child custody orders to petitions filed by either parent at any given moment. This is as long as it is filed in the court that granted the divorce originally. In the event of relocation, the petition could be filed in the new.

If both parties agree that a custody order is needed, the proposal must be submitted to the courts. The court reviews the proposal, often approves it and becomes legally enforceable.

Top-Rated Attorney in Texas

Top-Rated Attorney in Texas

One thing to note is that if both parties don’t agree on the need for modifications, then an extensive litigation process begins. The law stipulates that the petitioning parent must demonstrate that:

  • The child is of at least 12 years of age and wishes to live with the other parent
  • Material and substantial change (like a losing a job, job relocation, income, abuse and neglect, substance abuse, or medical condition)
  • The modification in the order is in the best interest of the child.

For more information on modifying orders, contact Rashelle and The Fetty Firm at (214) 546-5746. Moreover, you can also learn more by visiting our modification of orders webpage.

Advanced Directive

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Advanced Directive in Tarrant County

An advanced directive, also known as a living will, is an important aspect of estate planning. In short, this document provides doctors and caregivers instructions on what medical treatments you do or don’t want in the case that you’re unable to give those instructions yourself. Those instructions can include orders such as don’t resuscitate and orders regarding organ donation. By creating a living will now, you’ll ensure your last wishes are carried out while also preventing potential problems with loved ones. Living wills typically cover:

General Overview of Living Wills

General Overview of Living Wills

  • Resuscitation, such as CPR or an electric shock to the heart
  • Breathing machines
  • Tube Feeding
  • Dialysis
  • Medicine
  • Palliative care
  • Organ donations

Overview of Living Wills in Texas

A valid living will meets the following conditions:

  • The declarant must be in a state of competence
  • A requirement of two witnesses
  • The living will can be oral with two witnesses and a present physician
  • A written directive becomes part of your medical records. If the directive is oral, the witnesses have to sign the medical record
  • Advanced directives are not operative for pregnant patients
Top-Rated Attorney in Texas

Top-Rated Attorney in Texas

Keep in mind that livings wills can be revoked at any time. You can sign and date the revocation or choose to do it orally. The revocation of the document takes effect one the document of intent is sent to an attending physician or when the physician is notified of the revocation. This document will remain valid until it’s revoked. Even more, there are additional legal conditions that’ll apply to these documents. As such, it’s best to contact an experienced attorney for a better understanding. Rashelle Fetty and The Fetty Firm can provide answers to your questions.

 

If you wish to learn more about this delicate matter, contact us at your earliest convenience. You can reach us by calling (214) 546-5746. Moreover, you can set an appointment by clicking here. Together, we’ll work towards a comprehensive, advanced directive based on your circumstances.

Tarrant County Estate Planning – What is a Will? What is a trust?

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What is a will? What is a trust?

Estate Planning in Tarrant County

You may have used or heard of the words “will” and “trust.” Some people believe they are interchangeable, but that is not the case. On the surface, these two documents may be very similar, but they have several differences. A will is used to distribute any property you have after your death. A trust is when a trustee signs over property to another known as beneficiary.

Trusts can start once it is completed, upon a person’s death, or after. A will takes effect after the person has died. There are other significant differences between a will or trust. The Fetty Firm specializes in both of these documents. If you are interested in setting up either, get in touch with the firm today. Rashelle Fetty is the owner and sole attorney at the firm. She can help you decide which document is best.

Sit down with a Tarrant County Estate Planning Attorney so that you can learn what it is that you need for your situation.

Major Differences of these Documents

will and trust

A will and trust are not the same thing.

One major difference between the documents is a will only distributes the property under your name. If you have any property that is owned jointly, that will not be distributed. When it comes to a trust, the property must be in the name of the trust to be distributed. Another major difference is that wills go through probate. Probate is when a will goes through court to prove its authenticity.

If there is no will when a person dies, then the court can distribute the property how they like. Wills are not private records since they go through probate. Trusts bypass probate and are remained private. Additionally, trusts are capable of planning for disability or saving for taxes. It cannot specify a specific person or funeral arrangements.

Wills and trusts have their advantages and disadvantages. It is important families know the differences and determine which document is best for them. The Fetty Firm can help clients find the right document for their future. There is a wide range of reasons to choose one over the other. Let Rashelle Fetty help you make that difficult decision.

Choose the Right Document

Get in touch with The Fetty Firm today. You can reach our firm by calling (214) 546-5746. Clients should also visit our pages about wills and trusts. They provide important information that may help you decide which document is better.

Estate Planning – Tarrant County