Texas Family Law Orders – Modification and Enforcement

Court orders made in family law cases are initially made according to circumstances at the time of court hearings to decide those cases.

Whether they pertain to divorce orders, child support orders, or some other order, clients of family law attorneys are required to abide by those court orders to the best of their ability and work together with ex-spouses or co-parents to resolve developing issues. 

What Are Some Common Modification of Order Requests?

Two concerns that family law lawyers sometimes deal with are requests from their clients for modification of orders and complaints about issues relating to the enforcement of court orders.

It is understandable that after some time, issued court orders may become challenging to adhere to and modifications might be requested, but these are not always granted by the court.

When spouses take order concerns into their own hands without agreeing on changes and fail to adhere to the court-ordered document or even agreed changes, legal enforcement may be necessary. 

When Is A Modification Change Needed?

Considering that family law courts in Texas are usually reluctant to issue modifications to orders, family law attorneys are a valuable asset for helping their clients come up with workable solutions to problems that can arise over time.

Still, there are always cases where order modification is warranted and can be sought from the court using the required process.

To have the requested modifications granted, individuals and their family law lawyers must be able to show why the modification is necessary and prove that there is no other solution. 

What If A Modification Is Ignored By an Involved Spouse?

In cases where modifications are granted by the family law court, some might find that regardless of the legal decision their ex-spouse or co-parent does not abide by the new modifications.

When this happens, family law attorneys and their clients may then need to petition for legal enforcement of those modifications.

Since motions for enforcement may be civil, criminal, or otherwise, and involve the issuance of punishments, it is essential for clients to work with their family law attorney to discuss the motion and what punishment to seek from the court.

Enforcement order requests can arise from failure to pay child support and other custody-related order violations, divorce property division enforcement issues, and others. 

What Does All This Mean?

Court orders may be assigned by the Texas family court for a number of reasons.

When problems arise with regard to adherence to those orders, requested modifications may sometimes be granted by the court.

If one spouse or parent fails to adhere to court orders or modifications, motions for enforcement can be filed to force them to do so.

In any of these family law cases, clients should always involve their family law attorney to ensure their best chance at success.

Does it Matter If A Family Law Attorney is Board Certified?

When choosing a family law attorney to help with a divorce, child custody, or any other family matter, finding the right one can be challenging.

It can involve a lengthy interview process to find the right match.

Hiring an attorney can also be expensive, especially when choosing a board-certified family law attorney, but there are many reasons why this is the better option.

Before choosing any attorney, it is critical to understand what makes board-certified family law lawyers a worthwhile investment in a client’s family law case. 

How Do Board-Certified Family Law Attorneys Differ?

What makes board-certified family law attorneys different?

It is all about experience and the ability to provide the right advice for clients while recognizing what is within the legal system.

To become a board-certified family law lawyer, one must do much more than simply pass a board exam. 

Legal Family Law Experience

Family law attorneys must first be qualified to even take the exam, which begins with having a minimum of five years of experience as a lawyer with a minimum of three years focused on their practice specialty of family law.

They must have been involved with a wide variety of family law cases such as divorces, property dispersal cases, child custody, and child support cases, adoptions, paternity cases, and others to illustrate their broad knowledge in the area of family law.  

Continuing Education

Becoming board-certified also requires a family law attorney to attend continuing education classes so they stay up to date with current laws and legal training.

An attorney must then be evaluated by judges and fellow lawyers, essentially receiving a positive recommendation from them for their eligibility to be considered.

Lastly, they must pass a difficult 6-hour examination. 

Board Certification is Voluntary

One other important factor to consider to understand why board-certified family law lawyers are the best option is that becoming board-certified is completely voluntary.

There is no requirement that any family law attorney does so, which is why only 1% of all lawyers in Texas are board-certified family law attorneys.

The ones that are have chosen to achieve this additional qualification due to their desire to provide the best legal advice for families in the variety of settings in which it is needed. 

The Value of Board Certification

Board-certified family law lawyers are committed to providing the best service possible to couples and families to help them through their challenging legal circumstances.

Regardless of what the issue is, choosing an experienced, compassionate, and qualified board-certified family law attorney will provide a more favorable solution to any family legal matter.

Do You Need To Hire An Attorney? You Must Read This!

When you are in search of a lawyer, you must know what you're looking for

It's important that you learn about the different tips and tricks to help you secure the right one for your case.

Keep reading to find out what you can do to help you make the right choice. 

Seek A Free Consultation

Many lawyers will offer a free consultation so you can have your questions answered no matter what type of problem you are facing.

During the consultation, you can also see if you are comfortable with that lawyer.

Always go to more than one free consultation so you have a good mix of lawyers to choose from.

Family Law Issues

If something involved in Family Law is your concern, the thing you must do is ask a lawyer for help.

Be sure that you're not trying to take on the case yourself because you could end up losing child custody as part of a divorce.

Attorneys have the necessary experience to handle any issue that may arise. 

Prepare a List of Question To Ask

A good tip to keep in mind when thinking about hiring a lawyer is to write down several questions that you wish to ask him or her.

You want to find out what their philosophy is and asking questions will help give you a clear idea about them.

Consider A Retainer

You may wish to have the lawyer on retainer already, in case of the worst happening.

You won't feel pressured and can take the necessary amount of time.

Getting a lawyer who is on a retainer will also allow you to know that you're able to get expert legal advice should you require it. 

Now You're Ready To Look For A Good Lawyer

You are now ready to find the lawyer that is going to bring your case a "win."

Use the tips and advice you've learned from this article as you move forward with the selection process.

You will be satisfied with the results as you feel like you have the best lawyer on your side.