Category: Tarrant County Divorce

Termination of Parental Rights

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Termination of Parental Rights in Texas

Are you a parent who has to deal with a TX Termination Of Parental Rights issue? Call The Fetty Firm if you want the best representation in court. No matter which side you stand on in the difficult case, The Fetty Firm can assist you through the legal process of terminating the rights of a parent or avoiding rights termination. Usually, these types of cases are as complex as they are difficult.

Even if you wish to give up your parents right voluntarily, you should still hire a Texas family law attorney to ensure that your decision is legally valid. If the court is attempting to terminate your parental rights, you need a strong defense to support your case. In many circumstances, the courts may be able to find an alternative solution. If you want to retain parental rights over the legal, medical, and educational decision of your child, you might have to fight your case in court. However, an experienced attorney can make a large difference in the outcome.

Colleyville TX Termination Of Parental Rights

We can assist you in child custody cases and maintain your parent-child relationship!

What Is A Termination Of Parental Rights?

When parental rights are terminated, the individual no longer has the capability to make decisions on behalf of the child. Furthermore, the parent is not obligated to provide for the child once he or she has terminated parental rights. There are two methods of terminating parental rights: voluntary and involuntary.

Voluntary Termination

A parent may wish to terminate his or her parental rights for one of several reasons. For example, the individual may currently be required to pay child support for a child that is not biologically theirs. Instead of shirking child support payments and dealing with severe penalties later, a parent can terminate his or her right and with it, terminate the obligation to pay child support. Some parents also terminate parental rights when they believe that they are unfit to serve as the child’s guardian. Rather than make a series of unfair decisions that put the child’s welfare at risk, the parent may terminate his or her rights. That way, the child can be under the guardianship of a more suitable caretaker. Additionally, the parent will prevent the need for an involuntary termination or a criminal case arising from negative parenting decisions.

Another reason that a person may terminate their rights to parent a child has to do with adoption. In fact, termination is often required in order for the child to be adopted by another guardian. Terminating parental rights can ensure potential adoptive parents that the birth parent won’t change their minds about the adoption. Furthermore, if the parent does change their mind, they are legally limited in regards to retaliatory actions they can take. The biological parent can’t run away with their child that they gave up for adoption or make decisions for the child without the adoptive parent’s consent.

Colleyville TX Termination Of Parental Rights

TX Termination Of Parental Rights Attorney

Involuntary Termination

That being said, the court may revoke a parent’s right to make decisions for their child. If this happens, the parent has been deemed by a judge to be unfit to parent. Sometimes, a parent may have tried to retain parental right but they were revoked due to the parent’s actions or behaviors, such as substance abuse issues. However, these cases are not clear-cut. Sometimes, spiteful ex-spouses try to paint a negative picture of their child’s parent, in order to obtain sole custody. If you believe that it is in your child’s best interest that you retain your parental rights, you can fight your case in court.

Depending on the reasons for termination, your case may vary in terms of difficulty. No matter how obvious it seems to you that you’re fit to parent your child, you need an attorney. Don’t risk your parental rights by relying on the judge’s common sense or your own great debate skills. Instead, call The Fetty Firm. We can weigh your options and figure out how we can help you.

As you can see, termination can prevent legal consequences arises from unwise parenting decisions. If you don’t intend to properly care for a child for their entire childhood, you may benefit from a voluntary termination agreement. The Fetty Firm can explain the regulations and process in more detail before you proceed with termination. For one, you must prove that the voluntary termination is in the best interest of the child, and not solely because you seek to avoid legal consequences. The termination should serve the child, not the parent.

Why Would The Court Terminate My Rights?

The reasons for voluntary termination are numerous, but they all must meet the same qualification. In order to successfully terminate your parental rights voluntarily, you must prove that doing so would be in the child’s best interest. Similarly, the court orders involuntary termination on behalf of the child’s welfare. If a court seeks to terminate your parental rights, it is because the judge believes that you are incapable of making good decisions to keep your child safe. Possible explanations for involuntary termination include abuse, neglect, abandonment, criminal behavior, or a dangerous physical or mental environment. Additionally, if you refuse to support the minor child or an adult child who has a mental or physical limitation that prohibits them from caring for themselves, your rights may be terminated.

Even if someone believes that your child isn’t in an ideal living situation, that doesn’t mean that your rights will necessarily be terminated. The courts will review all convincing evidence before making a decision. Everyone involved wants to do what’s best for your child, but first, we must discover what that means.

Colleyville TX Termination Of Parental Rights

Termination of Parental Rights

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If your child’s other parent is unsuitable in your opinion, we can fight to terminate their parental rights. On that same note, we will fight to help you retain your rights if someone wrongfully accused you of abuse or are getting out of a bad situation. Call The Fetty Firm law office at (214) 546-5746 to learn more about how we can help you deal with this stressful TX Termination of Parental Rights matter. Alternatively, you can contact us at any time using our online form. Let us know how we can help you.

Child Custody in Texas

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Child Custody in Texas – Divorce

When dealing with Child Custody Legal Consultation, you should never compromise on quality. Child custody cases are very complex and sensitive cases that require experience and knowledgable law services. So if you are currently in the midst of a child custody case in or near Tarrant County, then your best bet is to contact The Fetty Firm P.C. today. With our experienced and Texas-born attorney Rashelle Fetty, you are guaranteed to get knowledgeable law services from one of the leading law firms in North Texas. Our firm will get you big firm results with the personal and relatable care and attention of a small firm.

Child Custody Law Services

Child Custody Legal Consultation

Family law matters are very tedious and uncomfortable affairs. The process of child custody cases is extensive, lengthy, and just difficult overall. Usually, the best way to handle these types of cases is with the services of an experienced and trusted law firm. With Rashelle Fetty, you’ll receive the services of an attorney with vast knowledge on Texas Family Law. Additionally, Ms. Fetty always puts clients as her first priority. When you work with The Fetty Firm, you will receive our full commitment and effort to ensure that you get the best settlement possible. Contact us today to learn more about our services and why we are a leading law firm.

Child Custody Legal Consultation

Rashelle Fetty understands how difficult it can be to handle child custody cases as she has dealt with these types of cases for years. One of our goals is to make sure your child’s welfare is secured. With us on your side, we’ll do everything in our power to make sure that your child and your rights as a parent are protected.

Colleyville TX Child Custody Lawyer

Expert Family Lawyer Services in Tarrant County

Knowing your options is very important when dealing with family law matters. As a result, Ms.Fetty always explains each type of custody that is available. You’ll receive a thorough explanation of the four types of custody: Joint, sole, temporary, and split custody. For more information on the ins and outs of child custody cases, contact The Fetty Firm P.C. today. You can get in touch with us by calling (214) 546-5746 or clicking here. Furthermore, if you wish to learn more about our firm and our Child Custody Legal Consultation services, click here.

What is joint custody in Texas? What is sole custody?

In Texas, courts divide child custody issues into two different categories: conservatorship and possession & access. There is no real “full custody” in Texas because the courts look at custody as two separate things.

Conservatorship is the rights and duties of the parents. Conservatorship can be done in different ways, including allowing one parent to make all the decisions (Sole Managing Conservatorship) or allowing both parents to jointly make the decisions (Joint Managing Conservatorship).

Possession and access refers to when the parents have physical custody of the children or when they can visit with the children. Texas has two statutory possession and access schedules: standard and extended standard. These schedules dictate the time each parent spends with the child.

However, the parties can agree on different possession and access schedules based on their needs or the court can order a different possession and access schedule based on the best interest of the child.

If you’re wanting to consult with The Fetty Firm, P.C., go ahead and give us a call for your Child Custody in Texas – Divorce issues.

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

Child Custody Lawyer in Tarrant County

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Child Custody in Tarrant County

In the state of Texas, child custody is oftentimes referred to as “conservatorship.” So instead of referring to a parent as a “custodian,” courts in the state of Texas are referred to as a “conservator.” Furthermore, conservatorship is the term that describes the legal rights and responsibilities of a parent.

A family law judge decides on the detailed terms of a conservatorship. In the case that both parents come to an agreement for a custody plan, then the courts will just approve a written agreement. In all custody cases, the most important concern for courts is what is the best interest of the child. Moreover, here are the two types of conservatorship in the state of Texas:

  • Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC)
  • Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC)

Rights Included in a Conservatorship

Child Custody Laws in Texas

Child Custody Laws in Texas

For the most part, a conservatorship includes the following rights:

  • Getting information from the other parent about the child’s health, education, and welfare of the child
  • Obtaining access to psychological, dental, medical, and education records of the child
  • Ability to speak to a psychologist, physician, or dentist about the child
  • Speaking to a school’s officials regarding the welfare and education status of the child, with the inclusion of school activities
  • Consent to dental, surgical, and medical treatment during an emergency involving dangers to both the health and safety of the child

Joint Managing Conservatorship

In a Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC),  both parties share the duties and the rights of a parent. Even in this situation, one parent is awarded the exclusive right to make certain decisions. In the case that both parties are named conservators, the courts will specify the responsibilities of each parent separately and jointly.

Law firm for family law cases

Legal assistance for family law and estate planning

Sole Managing Conservatorship

An SMC, or Sole Managing Conservatorship, means that a single parent has the right to make certain decisions regarding the child. Additionally, an SMC gives the designated parent rights, such as:

  • Making a decision on the primary residence of the child
  • Ability to consent to medical and dental treatment
  • Consenting to a psychiatric and psychological treatment
  • Legal right to attend school activities
  • Right to receive child support
  • Ability to make decisions concerning the child’s education

Keep in mind that this is simply an overview of child custody laws in Texas. If you want to learn more about our child custody law services, contact us by calling (214) 546-5746. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you in your child custody case.

A Tarrant County Child Custody Lawyer is important. It is important to have an attorney that is well-versed in the local laws. It is important to have an attorney that is capable of doing what needs to be done to make the process smooth.

Tarrant County Divorce: Are you ready for a divorce?

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Is it time for a divorce?

Find a Tarrant County Divorce Attorney

Tarrant County Divorce

Tarrant County  Divorce Attorney Near Me

Finding a family attorney that is close to you is important. The Fetty Firm is your Colleyville, Tarrant County attorney. However, when you are wanting a divorce, you need to think, “Are you ready for a divorce?”

A few questions that are important to investigate when deciding if you’re ready for a divorce:

  • Have I voiced my concerns about our marriage to my spouse? Have we really tried to work on our problems?
  • Am I threatening divorce out of frustration, spite, anger, or as a warning?
  • Would I honestly be happier without my spouse?
  • What would my life look like without my spouse?
  • Am I ready to handle the negative consequence of divorce?
  • Do I still have feelings for my spouse?

Be true to yourself when answering these questions.

There’s a concept to explore called “divorce readiness” It’s essentially the idea of whether a person is emotionally ready to go through with a divorce. The questions above reveal the emotional toll that a divorce can take, and also highlight just how dramatic and life-changing divorce can be.

In divorce, each person involved typically has a differing level of divorce readiness. Many times, the person who is preparing to file for divorce has a higher degree of divorce readiness than the person who is about to be served with a petition. That stands to reason — if someone is making legal preparations to get divorced, that person is undergoing the emotional preparation to get there.

The other person in the relationship may have a sense his or her spouse wants a divorce, and may even want to get divorced also. But the feeling of wanting to get divorced and actually going through the divorce process are two very different things. It often takes time and energy to get both people on the same page.

Find the perfect Tarrant County Divorce Attorney for you.

If you are looking for a Tarrant County Divorce attorney then you need to come to The Fetty Firm. Contact The Fetty Firm, PC today to learn more about how our Texas Divorce Firm can help you.