Pflugerville Family Law Attorney

Family Lawyer in Pflugerville, TX

Going through family court is never easy, whether you’re pursuing a divorce, child custody order, modification to a spousal support order, or child support. These cases are almost always stressful and emotionally tolling. You shouldn’t have to go through the legal process on your own. A Pflugerville family law attorney from the Law Office of Ben Carrasco, PLLC can give you the support you need to navigate Texas’s family court system.

Hire a Family Law Attorney

At the Law Office of Ben Carrasco, PLLC, we understand how difficult it can be to go through family court. These matters are obviously deeply personal, and that’s why we give every client the respect and compassion they deserve. When it comes to protecting your rights, we don’t back down. We’re always ready to go to trial, even though we constantly work towards a settlement. This helps prevent you from accepting a deal that’s against your interests and shows the other side we’re serious.

Family laws can be difficult to understand, and that’s why we take the time to explain the relevant state laws and how they can impact your case. Our Pflugerville family lawyer can be your trusted ally throughout your case, giving you the guidance you need and never shying away from telling you the difficult truths.

Types of Family Law Cases We Handle

Family law covers a wide range of cases. At the Law Office of Ben Carrasco, PLLC, we handle many kinds of family law cases, including:

• Divorce. From simple uncontested divorces to high-net-worth contested separations, we can help you protect your rights and pursue a fair marriage agreement.

• Spousal support. Oftentimes, when a couple separates, one spouse needs financial assistance to maintain their standard of living.

• Child custody. We help clients create parenting agreements that serve the best interests of their children.

• Child support. When a custodial parent needs help supporting their child, our team can help them pursue financial support from the other parent.

• Custody and support order modifications. If an existing support agreement no longer adequately serves the needs of a child or ex-spouse, we can petition the court for a modification.

• Paternity. For unmarried fathers who want rights to their children, we can petition the court to establish paternity.

• Grandparents’ rights. In rare circumstances, grandparents can petition the court for custody or access to their grandchildren.

With 223,883 new family law cases filed in 2024, it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side, helping you navigate the legal system.

The Family Law Process

Whether you’re filing for divorce or custody, the family law process follows a similar path. First, you’ll start by filing the petition with the court. With this document, you’ll explain the legal issue and the relief that you’re seeking. As the petitioner, you must formally notify the respondent through the service of process.

If necessary, you may also request temporary orders from the court to address urgent issues. Depending on the type of case, you can request a temporary order for custody, visitation, support, and no-contact. These orders typically remain in effect until they’re challenged or the case is resolved.

Before a trial is set, parties will engage in evidence gathering and discovery. Discovery is simply the exchange of evidence by both sides so that everyone is on a level playing field for negotiations and court arguments. Parties may also have to submit interrogatories or go in for depositions as part of this process.

At this point, the case will move toward negotiations and a possible settlement. This is where most cases end, as parents, couples, and other involved parties often reach amicable agreements by this point. If not, the case will proceed to trial. In 2024, only 25% of family law cases went to a bench trial, while only 0.05% went to a jury trial.

FAQs

How Much Does a Family Law Attorney Cost in Texas?

The costs associated with hiring a family law attorney will vary based on several factors. Influences on the costs of a lawyer include the complexities of the case, the experience of your lawyer, and the potential that your case is litigated in court as opposed to alternative dispute resolution methods. When you meet with your attorney, you can discuss their fee structure and learn how much you could expect to pay.

What Do Judges Look at When Deciding Custody in Texas?

When deciding custody, judges look at each parent’s relationship with the child, their history, any allegations of abuse, their ability to provide a safe environment for the child, the needs of the child, and the child’s wishes. Ultimately, the goal is to create a custody agreement that is in the child’s best interests.

What Is the 3-Strike Rule in Texas Family Law?

The 3-strike rule in Texas family law relates to SB 2794, which imposes severe penalties for parents who interfere with court-ordered possession and visitation times. Applying to both custodial and non-custodial parents, this law imposes escalating punishments when one parent limits the other’s parenting time. The first two strikes are charged as misdemeanors that carry fines, while the third is charged as a felony with the potential of jail time.

Is It Hard for a Dad to Get 50/50 Custody in Texas?

It can be difficult for a dad or a mom to get 50/50 custody in Texas. The law does not discriminate based on gender and therefore provides opportunities for both parents to receive custody. However, the state doesn’t begin with the presumption that such an arrangement is in the child’s best interests. Rather, the state favors an expanded standard possession schedule, providing one parent slightly more responsibility than the other.

Pflugerville Family Law Attorney

When you’re going through family court in Pflugerville, you want an experienced attorney on your side helping you through the emotionally and mentally tolling process. Hire a family law attorney from the Law Office of Ben Carrasco, PLLC, to give you the support you need. Contact us today to schedule a case review. We’ll discuss your goals and legal options, working with you to create a plan that serves you and your family’s needs.

The Law Office of Ben Carrasco, located in Austin, Texas, provides divorce and family law services to clients throughout Texas, including Round Rock and West Lake Hills.