Texas Adoptions

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

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

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.

Tarrant County Estate Planning

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

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.

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

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

Tarrant County Wills and Trusts Attorney

Probate is when a will goes through a legal process to determine if it is authentic. Texas has its own set of probate laws. Specifically, you want to have a Wills and Estates Attorney in Tarrant County that is informed about the local probate laws.

It is a common legal procedure, but it is also very timely. Being well acquainted with the local structure for probate can be helpful.

Wills that go through probate take 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. Hire an attorney near you, like The Fetty Firm to help with your estate planning.

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. Be prepared. Choose an attorney close to you. Get yourself a Tarrant County Probate Attorney.

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.

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 Tarrant County will and Tarrant County probate pages to find out more about the process.

Can I Get Spousal Support in My Divorce?

Can I Get Spousal Support in My Divorce?

If you are thinking about filing for divorce in Texas, or if your spouse has already filed for divorce and you have been served with divorce papers, you may be worried about how you will be able to afford your bills and other expenses without help from your spouse. In many marriages, one of the spouses is the primary earner while the other is a stay-at-home parent, or one of the spouses earns significantly more than the other spouse. In such scenarios, the lesser-earning spouse might want to seek spousal maintenance (also discussed as spousal support or alimony) in order to help make ends meet until she or he is able to get a higher paying job or to complete a degree in order to earn a higher salary.

 

While spousal maintenance is often awarded in many states under a variety of circumstances, spousal support in Texas is a bit different. To be sure, spousal support is much more difficult to obtain in Texas than in some other states. We want to provide you with more information about what you would need in order to get spousal support in your Texas divorce.

 

You Must Fall Into One of Four Different Categories to Be Eligible for Alimony

 

If you are seeking support in Texas, you should know up front that the Texas Family Code only allows a spouse seeking maintenance to obtain support from the other spouse if one of the following four situations is true:

 

  • Spouse who would be required to pay support was convicted of a family violence offense (or received deferred adjudication for such an offense) against the spouse seeking support or the spouse’s child, and the offense occurred either within two years prior to the divorce filing or while the divorce suit is pending;
  • Spouse seeking maintenance is unable to earn a sufficient income to provide for his or her reasonable needs due to an incapacitating physical or mental disability;
  • Spouse seeking maintenance is unable to earn a sufficient income to provide for his or her reasonable needs and the marriage lasted for at least 10 years; or
  • Spouse seeking maintenance is unable to earn a sufficient income to provide for his or her reasonable needs because the spouse seeking support is the custodian of a child from the marriage (a minor or an adult child) who has a mental or physical disability that requires substantial care and personal supervision.

 

To be clear, simply because one spouse earned less money than the other spouse during the course of the marriage, or supported the higher earning spouse during his or her years in college, or provided care and domestic duties—which could result in a spousal support award in other states—will not be sufficient reasons for a Texas court to award support.

 

If You Are Eligible for Support, the Court Will Determine the Amount and Duration of the Award

 

If you can get spousal support according to Texas law, the next thing you likely want to know is how much you will be awarded and how long the support will last. According to the Texas Family Code, once the court determines that a spouse seeking support is eligible to receive money from the other spouse, the court will then turn to a variety of statutory factors to determine the amount, duration, nature, and manner of payments.

 

There is no specific formula in Texas for determining the amount and duration of spousal support or maintenance as there is in certain other states. If you want to know more about how the court may determine the amount and duration of support in your case, you should seek advice from a Texas divorce lawyer.

 

Contact a Colleyville Divorce Attorney for Assistance

 

If you are planning on a divorce and want to seek spousal support, you should get in touch with an experienced Colleyville divorce lawyer today. At The Fetty Firm, PC, we routinely help spouses seeking support in a divorce case, and we can help you to understand your options and to advocate for your rights in court. Contact The Fetty Firm, PC today for more information. Get information on Spousal Support in Tarrant County Texas.

Enforcing Modification Orders

Enforcing Modification Orders

For several reasons-all of which are based on the best interest of the child-family courts in Texas may approve of changes from previous court orders. This process is considered a modification of orders. Varying case by case, the following court orders can be modified:

  • Existing custody orders
  • Visitation orders
  • Child support orders
  • Medical and support orders

Circumstances like getting a new job or loss of current employment, relocation, changes in living conditions, criminal charges on part of a parent, or changes in the child’s health can lead to modification of orders. After creating a modification of orders, the next step is making sure the modification is enforced.

Enforcing Modification Orders

Enforcing Modification Orders

Modification of orders can include:

  • The child’s desire to reside with other parents
  • Child abuse or neglect
  • Changes in income and job status
  • The best interest and needs of the child
  • Visitation rights
  • Conservatorship

Keep in mind, you have the right to seek or defend yourself against the modification of orders. Subsequently, The Fetty Firm is here to make sure your modification orders take effect in the best way possible.

Furthermore, a court order can become stale at times. Because circumstances can change, an existing order can become obsolete.

Seeking Enforcement of Modifications

If the other person fails to pay child support or spousal support, The Fetty Firm can help. Contact us for a consultation. Consequently, we’ll provide advice on your legal rights and in terms of how to proceed based on a review of the enforcement order.

Remember, you have a right to fight proposed custody and support modifications. If you’re in a current situation where a proposed enforcement is unworkable or not in the child’s best interest, reach out to us at your earliest convenience.

Texas Estate Planning

Texas Family Law firm

Rashelle Fetty has over ten years in the legal sector, in which she has helped countless clients with their family law cases. With personalized and attentive services, we’ve achieved great results for our clients. Don’t allow your support order to be ignored, and make sure it’s enforced by the law.

You can reach Rashelle and The Fetty Firm by calling (214) 546-5746. Moreover, check out our Family Law webpage for more information on our legal services. We look forward to meeting with you and finding the best path forward with your case.

Texas Estate Planning

Tips For Adopting Parents

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:

Legal Assistance with the Adoption Process

Legal Assistance with the Adoption Process

  • Stepparent adoption
  • Private adoption
  • International adoption
  • Unplanned pregnancies
  • An infant or older child adoptions
  • Special needs adoptions

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:

Texas Estate Planning

Texas Family Law firm

  • 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.