Cook Law Firm Legal Blog

Like any contract, prenuptial agreements (prenups) can be challenged, modified, and even overturned by Texas courts under certain circumstances. This often occurs if the contract is declared invalid due to specific procedural flaws or appears extremely unfair, indicating potential duress. It is challenging to overturn a prenuptial agreement in Texas,...

How long it takes to get a divorce in Texas depends on numerous factors, including the type of divorce sought. With legal help from the experienced divorce lawyers at Cook Law Firm in San Antonio, TX, you can finalize an uncontested divorce in as little as 61 days. Discuss your...

Child support is not based on gender or joint managing conservatorship (shared custody) in Texas. Whether one party must pay child support to the other depends on numerous factors, including both parties’ income levels and your children’s individual needs. You can still have to pay child support even if you...

Divorce can be complicated, but when you add a high net worth into the mix, things can become even more difficult. You may have multiple properties, a range of investments, or even a business that needs protection. Each of these factors demands careful handling during a divorce. At The Cook...

Becoming a stepparent in Texas can be a rewarding journey. You get to shape a child’s life and watch them grow. However, when it comes to legal rights and responsibilities, things can get complicated. If you’re helping raise a child who isn’t biologically yours, it’s important to understand what you...

When you file for divorce, hopefully you and your spouse will be able to hash out all your legal issues without need for litigation. But the reality is that your negotiations might not prove as fruitful as you hope, which forces you to address the matter in open court. When...

When couples in Texas end their marriage, one of the biggest questions they sometimes face is: who gets to keep the beloved family pet? While many people see their dog, cat, or other animal companions as members of the family, the state of Texas views pets quite differently in divorce...

Child support orders in Texas are meant to help cover the expenses of raising a child, from everyday costs like food and clothing to bigger expenses like health care and education. But life rarely stays the same. Parents can lose or change jobs, children can develop special needs, and the...

Divorce is never easy. The thought of dividing assets, handling child custody, and deciding who keeps the house can feel overwhelming. One of the most common questions people have is: “How long does a Texas divorce really take?” The answer depends on a few key factors, like whether the divorce...

Contrary to what people sometimes believe, military divorces are not subject to military law. Instead, the same laws applied to military divorces as to civilian divorces. The specific laws that guide the divorce process for military personnel and their spouses depend on the current location of the family. The base...

Military service can create unique challenges for families, especially when it comes to child custody arrangements. If one parent is called away on deployment, how does that affect custody, visitation, or child support orders? The good news is that Texas law has special rules to help families deal with these...

Adopting a child is a special moment for any family. If you are an active member of the military or a military spouse, you might worry about extra challenges—like being stationed far away, traveling often, or needing to prove that military life will still offer a stable home. Fortunately, Texas...

Running a family business can be an exciting part of building a life together. But when a marriage ends, one big question arises: What happens to the family business? Under Texas law, many factors go into deciding how to split your shared property. If you own a business, it can...

Going through a divorce often raises many questions, and one of the most stressful can be: What happens to the credit card debt in our names? In Texas, spouses often share financial obligations, including credit card balances accumulated over the course of a marriage. When you decide to end your...

Child support orders are not always set in stone. As life changes, the amount of money a parent pays—or receives—to support their child might need to be adjusted. But how do you go about changing a child support order in Bexar County? And what does Texas law say about when...

Grandparents play a special role in many children’s lives. They often provide extra love, support, and guidance. However, what happens when family issues make it hard for grandparents to see their grandkids? In Texas, grandparents have certain legal rights to ask a court for visits or custody. This can become...

Filing for divorce is a life-changing decision that often comes with many questions. If you live in San Antonio, Texas, you might wonder what you should do before you ever file anything with the court. Planning ahead can help you feel more prepared and secure during this difficult process. Below,...

Traffic-related legal violations may not seem as serious to people as crimes involving violence or even theft. However, traffic violations are among the most common legal infractions recorded, and they can have major consequences. Some motorists receive tickets because they speed or roll through a stop sign. Others are at...

When a family law case begins in Texas, whether it involves divorce, child custody, or other important matters, courts sometimes issue something called “temporary orders.” These orders help families manage daily responsibilities and protect children’s well-being while the case moves forward. At The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, we...

When people think about divorce, they often imagine splitting a house, cars, or a bank account. But in today’s world, couples also have online businesses, social media channels that earn ad revenue, and digital currencies like Bitcoin. In Texas, these “digital assets” are treated much like any other type of...

Running a business can be both exciting and stressful. When you put your heart and soul into building a successful company, the last thing you want to worry about is how a divorce might affect it. In Texas, divorce can be especially complicated if you own a business. At The...

Divorce can bring many changes to your family life. One question that comes up for many parents is whether they can move their child to a different school district after the divorce is final. The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, wants you to know how these moves are handled...

If you are facing criminal charges in Texas, you may be wondering whether it is worth your effort to fight them. The legal process can be stressful, time-consuming and expensive, leading some defendants to consider pleading guilty just to put a matter behind them (or, they try to, at least)....

Divorce can be a challenging time, especially when it comes to decisions about your home. If you are considering moving out during the process, you might wonder how it affects your rights to the property. Understanding how Texas law handles these situations can help you make informed choices. Understanding property...

When a marriage ends, it can feel confusing and stressful. The way the law treats your home, your car, your savings, and even your debts can shape your future. Many couples in Texas worry about how to divide what they own when their marriage comes to a close. By knowing...

Every divorce is different. People decide to end their marriages for a variety of unique reasons. Some married couples have minor children, while others might have an adult child with special needs or no dependents at all. Every married couple has a unique assortment of property and debts to divide...

When you welcome a child into your life, you feel an immediate sense of care and responsibility. Yet, when parents are not married or if there is any question about a child’s biological father, serious legal questions can arise. Understanding paternity rights and responsibilities helps ensure that children have the...

For unmarried fathers in Bexar County, establishing paternity rights is a key step in building a legal and emotional bond with their child. Paternity establishment grants fathers the right to be involved in their child’s life, including the ability to seek custody, visitation, and decision-making responsibilities. It also ensures that...

Divorce is a life-changing event that requires people to reassess and update different aspects of their lives, including their estate plans. In Texas, it’s important for recently divorced individuals to review and revise their estate planning documents to make sure that their wishes are carried out and their assets are...

If you’re in a long-term relationship and living with your partner in Texas, you might be wondering if you’re in a common law marriage. Justin D. Cook, the experienced family law attorney at The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, understands common law marriage and is dedicated to helping you...

Introduction San Antonio, known as “Military City USA,” is home to several military installations and thousands of military families. When these families face legal issues such as divorce, child custody, or property division, they must go through a system that involves both state and federal laws. Military family law cases...

As a parent going through a divorce in Texas, you may be wondering how your child’s future college expenses will be handled. While Texas law does not automatically include college expenses in child support obligations, there are still ways to ensure that your child’s educational needs are met. If you’re...

As Texas family lawyers, we often guide stepparents through the adoption process, helping them legally solidify their relationship with their stepchildren. Stepparent adoption can be a beautiful way to unite a family, but it’s a process that requires careful navigation of Texas family law. If you’re considering stepparent adoption, don’t...

For divorced or separated parents in San Antonio, handling holiday visitation schedules can be a challenging and emotionally charged process. Holidays are a time for family, celebration, and creating lasting memories, but when parents are no longer together, it can be difficult to make sure that everyone’s needs are met....

As San Antonio family lawyers, we understand that dealing with child support can be confusing and stressful. Whether you’re going through a divorce or you’re an unmarried parent, understanding child support laws is important for taking care of your children. In this blog, we’ll break down the key points of...

Assault is perhaps the least serious of all violent criminal offenses regularly prosecuted in Texas. Assault charges vary in severity and simple assault is the least serious. Individuals accused of simple assault may question whether their situation justifies criminal prosecution. After all, they may already know that the other person...

Receiving divorce papers can feel overwhelming. Whether you expected it or not, taking quick and thoughtful action is essential. Here is what to do next. Review the divorce papers Read every word of the papers. These documents explain your spouse’s requests, including property division, child custody, and support. Pay attention...

As Texas family lawyers, we often receive questions about modifying child custody orders. Life changes, and sometimes, these changes necessitate adjustments to existing custody arrangements. If you’re considering modifying a child custody order in Texas, it’s important to understand the process and requirements. Reach out to our experienced Texas family...

As Texas family lawyers, we understand the often emotional nature of grandparents’ rights cases. Whether you’re seeking visitation or custody of your grandchild, understanding Texas family law can be challenging. In this blog, we’ll break down the key aspects of grandparents’ rights in Texas to help you understand your options....

When you’re facing problems like divorce or child custody, it’s normal to feel stressed and unsure about what to do next. In Bexar County, there’s a helpful option called family law mediation that many people don’t know about. This blog will explain what mediation is, how it works in Bexar...

When parents end a marriage, the changes may feel overwhelming. Children often need guidance, structure, and security. This is where co-parenting can make a difference. It is a way for parents to work together after divorce to give children a life that feels stable and kind. Though it may seem...

As Texas criminal defense lawyers, we often get questions about the differences between DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) charges in Texas. Understanding these distinctions is important if you or a loved one is facing such charges. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences...

If you’re going through a divorce in San Antonio, you might not realize the potential impact of your social media presence on your case. In today’s digital age, it’s important to understand how your online activity can influence divorce proceedings. Our San Antonio divorce lawyers at The Cook Law Firm...

Going through a divorce can be emotionally and financially draining. However, there’s a method that can make this process smoother and less costly: divorce mediation. As San Antonio divorce mediation lawyers, we’ve helped many couples navigate this challenging time with less stress and conflict. If you’re considering divorce in San...

As your Texas divorce lawyers, we understand the issues involved with asset division in Texas and are committed to protecting your interests throughout the process. If you’re facing a divorce in Texas, it’s important to understand the state’s community property laws and employ strategic measures to protect your financial future....

At The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, we regularly hear questions about alimony in Texas. It’s important to understand that in Texas, what many people refer to as “alimony” is actually called “spousal maintenance.” Maintenance can have a significant impact on the quality of your life after a divorce,...

Going through family law court can be a daunting experience, mainly if you are dealing with divorce or child custody issues. But what can you expect from this process, and what should you know to be more prepared beforehand? District court Family law cases are heard at the district court...

Texas criminalizes inappropriate and aggressive physical contact. State assault statutes also make it a crime to put someone in fear of imminent injury. One person can face assault charges over aggressive language, frightening actions or even threatening text messages in some cases. Assault charges in Texas do not necessarily require...

As Texas family lawyers at The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, we understand that questions about the duration and termination of spousal maintenance are common among our clients. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of how long spousal maintenance typically lasts in Texas and under what circumstances...

As experienced Texas spousal maintenance attorneys at The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, we often encounter clients dealing with the concept of “minimum reasonable needs” and “lack of sufficient property” in spousal maintenance cases. These terms are important in determining eligibility for spousal support in Texas, yet they can...

As the new school year approaches, divorced or separated parents in Texas may face unique challenges when it comes to child custody arrangements. These issues can complicate things, but with the right legal guidance, parents can make sure that their children’s best interests are protected and that their rights as...

Some spouses preparing for divorce can cooperate with each other. They may have already signed a contract talking about property division and other crucial divorce terms. In such cases, spouses can move forward with a straightforward uncontested divorce. Other times, spouses do not agree on terms and may find themselves...

As experienced Texas family lawyers at The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, we often field questions about spousal maintenance, particularly regarding how the amount is calculated. Here, we will look into the factors and considerations that go into determining the amount of spousal maintenance in Texas, providing you with...

At The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, we understand that families with disabled children face unique challenges, particularly when it comes to family law matters. Texas law recognizes these challenges and provides specific provisions to address the needs of disabled children in various family law contexts. Here, our Texas...

As Texas family lawyers at The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, we often encounter clients seeking information about spousal maintenance, particularly when they’ve been married for a long time and are facing challenges in earning sufficient income. Here, we will explore the statutory basis for spousal maintenance in Texas,...

When married couples divorce, finding ways to divide their assets can be a real challenge. Sometimes, one spouse is so angry about the idea of sharing marital property or income with the other that they intentionally waste or destroy marital property. The dissipation of marital resources is a common form...

At The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, we understand that family violence is a serious issue that affects many households in Texas. As experienced Texas family law attorneys, we believe it’s important for our clients to understand the legal framework surrounding family violence in our state. Here, will explore...

At The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, we understand that disability can significantly impact family law matters in Texas. Whether you’re dealing with divorce, child custody, or spousal maintenance issues, it’s important to understand how Texas law addresses disability. Here, our Texas family lawyers will explore the statutory basis...

When you’re facing criminal charges in Texas, it can feel like the whole world is against you. But remember, you have rights, and those rights need to be protected. That’s where The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC comes in. Our San Antonio criminal defense lawyers are here to stand...

Texas law generally considers property acquired during the marriage as community property subject to division during divorce. This can include any business interests developed or sustained during the marriage. This point is extremely important for business owners going through divorce as a failure to move forward with care can have...

Going through a divorce or child custody dispute can be one of the most challenging experiences in life. At The Cook Law Firm & Associates, PLLC, we understand the emotional and legal issues you’re facing. As experienced San Antonio divorce lawyers and child custody attorneys, we’re here to guide you...

Going through a divorce can be tough. It’s a big change in your life, and there’s a lot to think about. If you’re considering a divorce in Texas or are already in the process, it’s important to understand how things work here. At The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC,...

The home is both a substantial financial asset and the space where families have built many memories. This can place couples in a difficult position when determining what to do with their home during the divorce process. What should you know about the advantages and disadvantages of each option? Option...

After a divorce, parents decide the custody of their children. Whether by mutual agreement or through court intervention, custody arrangements are important. They determine where the children will live and who will have custody. Parents also agree on their children’s education, health care and stability. They decide who will make...

Going through a child custody battle can be one of the hardest things a parent ever faces. If you’re in San Antonio and fighting for custody of your kids, you’re not alone. At The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, our San Antonio child custody lawyers understand how important your...

Some divorces are messy and take months to complete. When spouses cannot agree on the terms of a divorce, they may need to litigate and ask a judge to apply state law to custody, property division and financial support matters. Many people prefer to keep their marital disputes out of...

An amicable divorce, while generally more peaceful than a contentious one, still involves significant emotional and logistical challenges. Both spouses need to communicate openly and honestly, setting aside personal grievances for the greater good. The effort, however, is well worth it. By working together, couples can ensure a smoother transition...

Military servicemembers may find themselves preparing for divorce while stationed in Texas. They could be unsure of what to expect. Both servicemembers and their spouses recognize that their unique circumstances could lead to more complicated divorce proceedings. One of the many challenges couples may have to overcome is the need...

Moving your case through the legal system can be challenging, especially when it comes to family law cases. Fortunately, Bexar County has made it easier for people to stay informed about their cases through the Odyssey Portal. This online tool allows you to track your divorce or custody case progression...

Contemplating divorce when you have kids requires putting their interests above everything else. By setting your priorities right, you can have an easier time deciding the most suitable path for ending the marriage. On the one hand, an amicable divorce can minimize the chaos your kids would have to experience...

You’re likely aware that the end of a marriage is rarely an easy process. If you’re divorcing, even if there are no contentions between you and your soon-to-be ex, your emotions can run high and complicate the process. However, despite the challenges, you don’t necessarily have to resign to a...

As a parent considering a move across state lines, dealing with interstate child custody issues can be overwhelming. When one parent wants to relocate with a child, it can have a serious impact on the child’s relationship with the other parent and their overall well-being. If you find yourself in...

Did you know that over 1/2 a million people ask Google what is DWI, every single month! This article explains what DWI is. It also offers comparisons of what DWI is in Texas as opposed to 4 other States of the U.S. “DWI” stands for the crime of Driving While...

Texas, like all other states in this great country, has the Beyond a Reasonable Doubt law. The way that I explain this concept to jurors is by telling them my own story dealing with this legal concept. In law school I had to sit as a juror during a mock...

If you are wondering what will happen with your child support obligation if you quit your job, the following article should answer your question. Take the example of Larry and Dawn. Larry married Dawn and had a baby, Sara. Larry and Dawn got divorced, and Sara stayed with Larry. Now,...