Houston Women’s Rights Lawyer
The rights of men and women in family law disputes, including child support, relocation, child custody, possession and access, and division of assets, are considered neutral under Texas law. This means no Texas courtroom will use gender bias in their decisions.
However, there are unique issues facing women in these cases, and this may mean that you need a law firm that takes the time to listen to your needs. One that strives to secure the best possible future for you and your family.
If you are facing a divorce or family law dispute and are concerned that you are not being treated fairly, you should speak to an experienced family law lawyer at Skillern Firm.
Contact Skillern Firm to Protect your Rights
Skillern Firm is a family law firm based in Houston. Our women’s rights lawyers have a wealth of experience dealing with a broad range of cases involving family and divorce law.
Whatever your situation, we will fight to provide the best possible outcome for you and your children if you have them.
To schedule an initial consultation regarding your case, contact our Houston office today at 936-213-8479.
Issues That Affect Women’s Rights in Family Law
While women and men face equal rights under Texas family law, some issues will be experienced differently by different genders.
At Skillern Firm, we work with both male and female clients and whenever we take on a new client, we work tirelessly to ensure that we meet their needs and respond to the circumstances of their case.
Divorcing Your Husband
Deciding to divorce your husband is often a difficult decision. As a result, women can endure years of unhappiness before proceeding with a separation. When they eventually do make the decision, they are often emotionally exhausted before the proceedings even begin.
Some common experiences women face before finally filing a divorce could include:
- Domestic abuse (emotional/physical).
- Infidelity (cheating husband).
- Not being respected, heard, or treated as an equal.
- Parenting disputes regarding step-children.
- Substance misuse, such as frequent alcohol consumption.
- Controlling husband.
- Difficult in-laws that have authority or influence over marital issues.
Child Custody
If you have children, the stress of your divorce may be compounded by the concerns for your children. There may be questions regarding how the divorce will affect them, where they will live, where they will attend school, and how you can provide for them as a single woman.
At Skillern Firm, we understand these concerns and we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for the children involved. We have experience helping women with all issues that are important to them as mothers, including but not limited to:
- Child support.
- Financial stability after divorce.
- Relocation.
- Child custody.
- Spousal support.
Dividing Assets
Texas is one of nine states that operates under a community property system, which means that when dividing assets upon divorce, they will be characterized as either community or separate.
In states that operate under a community property system, assets earned during the marriage generally belong to both parties and are therefore usually divided equally between both individuals.
Dividing assets is rarely simple. There may be important assets that belonged to individuals before they married. There could also be inheritances or gifts that were given to one person but were obtained during the marriage. Stocks, bonds and pensions are also often challenging to divide.
In most circumstances, the division of assets will need to be decided in a court of law, especially property division, which is one of the most contested aspects of a divorce case.
Property Division
Property division is often an important aspect of divorce. Generally, if it was acquired during the marriage, then it is presumed to be community property and subject to division by the court.
Although the preference is for parties to reach an agreement regarding the division of assets and liabilities outside of court, sometimes polarizing opinions about how the community estate should be distributed make this impossible.
In these cases, it becomes necessary for the court to apply Texas state law and divide the estate in a just and right manner, according to the regulations of the state.
Domestic Violence
Unfortunately, we see many cases every year that involve domestic violence. In these types of cases, it is essential to have an experienced lawyer handling your case. Law firms that are not adept in family law may not have the experience necessary to handle your case with the consideration and compassion it needs.
At Skillern Firm, we will get to work immediately to protect you and your family.
We understand how difficult these situations can be and that you may be afraid to take such an action. At Skillern Firm, we never judge, and we always take the time to listen to your concerns. We will handle your case with the utmost care and consideration.
Skillern Firm Women Attorneys
At Skillern Firm, we understand that some people want to work with women attorneys. Whether you have had traumatic experiences with men or you just feel more comfortable confiding in another woman, our team includes seven skilled women attorneys who have the skills and experience necessary for your case.
Here is a quick introduction to three of our female attorneys:
Robin Klein – Senior Council
Robin W. Klein graduated from South Texas College of law in 2004. She went on to become Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, something that just 1% of the family lawyers in Texas have accomplished. She has worked for over 13 years specializing in family law exclusively.
As a single mom, she understands the difficulties facing women regarding divorce, children, and financial struggles. She has a passion for helping her clients get through the legal process in a friction-free manner so that they can continue with the next chapter of their life.
Caitlin Thorpe – Senior Associate Attorney
Caitlin attended South Texas College of Law, where she committed most of her time to issues that affect our clients, including family law, estates, marital property, and family trial advocacy.
Caitlin has been a member of Skillern Firm for over seven years and has practiced family law exclusively. She is well equipped to handle all types of family law matters and guide you through the process.
Tina Floridia – Associate Attorney
Tina is passionate about advocacy, and her approach is responsive and client-focused. Tina has a degree from the South Texas College of Law and a mediator’s certificate from the Frank Evans Center for Dispute Resolution. She strives to help families foster healthy co-parenting relationships.
Laws That Apply to Family Law
Family law is a body of law that falls primarily under state jurisdiction. While there are some exceptions, such as child welfare-related acts, for the most part, family law varies from state to state. In Texas, the statutory rules that apply fall under the Texas Family Code.
The Texas Family Code is constantly evolving to progress with the growing issues that families face. It is filled with lengthy and difficult to read text that is frequently being revised and amended. While this may seem overwhelming to someone untrained in the law, an experienced attorney will be able to help you navigate the legal system and ensure your rights are protected.
The biggest mistake that women often make in a divorce case is accepting an offer from a partner without a lawyer. Even if you would like to reach an agreement informally, having a lawyer review the proposed offer is essential. What seems like a fair offer from your spouse may not be ‘just and right’ according to the Texas Family Code.
How to Choose an Attorney in Texas
When hiring an attorney in Texas, there are many law firms to choose from, which can make it feel like an overwhelming choice. Especially when choosing the right attorney is of the utmost importance to you and your family.
At Skillern Firm, our team is experienced and dedicated. Our skilled team is committed to securing the best possible outcome for your case while protecting your rights and interests. We are not only concerned with winning your case but also ensuring that you are in the best position possible for a bright new future.
During your initial consultation, you can ask questions and make an informed choice yourself. Some questions you should always ask potential attorneys include:
- What is your level of experience?
- Can you show me testimonials from previous clients?
- Have you handled similar cases to mine, both in and out of court?
- When can I expect communication?
- Who is your typical client?
Contact a Family Law Attorney in Houston Today
At Skillern Firm, we are committed to women’s rights in Houston. We work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that the outcome of your case is fair.
We ensure that we take the time to find out what is unique about your case. We listen to your concerns and adapt to meet your needs. We strive for negotiation and mediation in a civil manner, as we believe that where possible, this is often what is best for our clients and their families. However, if needed, we will be prepared to take your case to court.
When you agree to seek legal advice and representation from an attorney from Skillern Firm, you will secure representation from the very best. We value our attorney-client relationship and will fight to preserve the legal rights of any woman.
Skillern Firm offers an initial consultation so that you can get the information you need and ask any questions you may have before you agree to representation. At the very least, this consultation will mean you are armed with more knowledge and a greater understanding than you had before.
Our goal is to guide and support you through this difficult time and help you transition into your new life as quickly as possible. Contact us or give our experienced team a call today at 936-213-8479.