Family Law Attorneys in Houston, Texas
Over 70 Years of Combined Legal Experience in Trial Litigation
At Stepp & Sullivan, P.C., our skilled Houston family law lawyer understand that when our clients need a family lawyer, they may be under significant stress and have more questions than answers.
After all, divorce, child custody, and financial support matters are integral to their livelihoods. And the sooner the details of the marriage dissolution or other family law needs are settled, the quicker they can move on with their new lives with confidence.
Our Harris County and Houston family law firm focus on providing real-time solutions for our clients, so they can resolve their legal issues while pursuing the best outcome available for their unique circumstances. We are here to help, beginning with a confidential consultation.
Stepp & Sullivan, P.C. Houston Family Law Attorney Practice Areas
At Stepp & Sullivan, P.C., our family law attorneys in Houston focus on providing complete solutions for our client’s overall legal needs.
That often requires combining one or more practice areas when divorcing couples have children, are eligible for spousal support, or have domestic violence circumstances that must be factored into their safety, divorce, or emergency custody decisions.
Our compassionate family law attorneys provide complete representation for all your family law needs.
Experienced Family Attorneys in Houston
In the State of Texas, there are two types of divorce: Fault and No-Fault.
In a fault-based divorce, four categories apply to your marriage dissolution, each of which states that one spouse is at fault for the divorce petition.
They include:
- Abandonment
- Adultery
- Cruelty
- Felony Conviction
A no-fault divorce is when the marriage is dissolved and neither spouse is solely responsible for the decision.
Each type of divorce will affect the way your case is viewed by the court, which is why it is so important to partner with an experienced divorce attorney in Houston to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process and that you are pursuing the best outcome available for your unique case.
Spousal Support
Spousal Support is not as easily obtained in Texas as it once was, as the family courts often require that the financial need of one spouse is clearly outlined to show he or she is unable to provide for themselves during the divorce before awarding alimony.
The court will consider many factors when determining whether spousal support will be awarded, including:
- The length of the marriage
- Which parent will have custody of the children, when applicable
- Each spouse’s earning power
- The financial standing of each party
- The division of assets and debts
While there is no specific formula for determining how alimony is decided in Texas, our spousal support attorneys in Houston will outline your unique needs and pursue the alimony you are entitled to from your unique divorce and personal circumstances.
Child Custody
Child Custody matters are often accompanied by strong emotional arguments on each side. After all, this is your children we are talking about, and you and your spouse want what is best for them.
The court is going to ensure that is true when determining who gets primary custody of the children and who receives visitation rights.
The court will consider many factors during child custody decisions, including where each parent lives, their home environments, their financial standing, overall stability, and in some cases, who the child would rather live with.
At Stepp & Sullivan, P.C., our child custody attorneys in Houston will go over the exhaustive list of the court’s considerations to provide each of our clients with a realistic approach to achieving child custody or visitation options that meet their unique parental needs.
Child Support: We Seek to Maintain the Children’s Quality of Life
When spouses with children divorce, it should not affect the child’s financial well-being going forward. While dividing their time between two households will take some adjustment, their ability to remain in the school they are accustomed to while participating in extra-curricular activities they love should not be jeopardized by the marriage’s dissolution.
There are seemingly innumerable factors that dictate child support amounts in Houston, including the number of children involved in the divorce and their ages, the time of possession each parent has with the children, and each parent’s financial resources, to name just a few.
At Stepp & Sullivan, P.C., our child support lawyers in Houston will outline the details of how your child custody agreement affects your financial requirements whether you are the parent paying child support or the one receiving it.
Knowledgeable Family Law Mediation Attorneys in Houston
Family Law Mediation is not required by Texas state laws. However, most judges will require both spouses to participate in mediation before granting access to a trial.
When spouses can solve their marital differences through mediation and negotiate the details of their divorce behind closed doors without the court’s involvement then an agreed decree or order is submitted, and a trial is not necessary.
At Stepp & Sullivan, P.C., our Houston family law attorneys have considerable experience negotiating the details of divorces outside of the courtroom, which typically supplies our clients with an expedited and less expensive approach to dissolving their marriages.
Protection and Restraining Order Lawyers in Houston
There are three different types of protection and restraining orders in the State of Texas, and each has significant requirements to successfully pursue.
If you are being threatened or harmed by a loved one, our family law attorneys in Houston may seek one of many solutions that will pursue protective orders on their behalf.
Depending on your unique circumstances, they include:
- Temporary Ex-Parte Protective Orders
- Final or Permanent Protective Orders
- Magistrate’s Order of Emergency Protection
No matter your family law needs, our experienced Houston family law attorneys at Stepp & Sullivan, P.C., can help you outline solutions for your unique circumstances, so you can move forward with your personal needs today by scheduling a consultation with our experienced Houston family law lawyers by calling (713) 336-7200. We are here to help provide solutions for each of your family law needs, so you may begin focusing on your future.
Our Areas of Practice – Family Law in Houston
- Divorce: The decision to seek a divorce marks a turning point in your life. You want divorce lawyers on your side who will clearly explain every step, option, and legal avenue available.
- Child Custody & Visitation: At Stepp & Sullivan, we work hard to ensure that both sides remember that the child is the real focus in any custody dispute.
- Child Support: If you want to have your marriage annulled, it is vital to speak to a knowledgeable family law attorney as soon as possible.
- Spousal Support: Texas family courts assume that alimony or spousal maintenance is not needed. However, if a party can demonstrate that they are making an effort to earn an income or to learn a new skill, the court might grant support.
- Alternatives to Legal Separation in Texas: While Texas does not recognize legal separation, there are options that provide similar outcomes.
- Mediation: Save time and money by settling your divorce through a neutral third party.
Contact Our Family Law Attorneys in Houston for a Private Consultation Today
At Stepp & Sullivan, our dedicated Houston family law attorneys are available today to discuss your family law cases by providing answers to all your questions during a private and confidential consultation.
Simply contact us online or call our Houston office today at (713) 336-7200 to schedule a consultation.
Related Links:
- Common-Law Marriage is Recognized by the State of Texas Family Courts
- Who Pays Attorney Fees in a Texas Divorce?
- 5 Tips for Finding the Right Houston Divorce Lawyer
- No-Fault vs. Fault Divorce in Texas
- Common Reasons to Modify a Child Custody Agreement in Texas
- How Can I Establish Paternity After the Birth of a Child in Texas?
