- DivorceWhen both you and your ex can agree on the terms of the divorce, you can avoid the expensive and emotionally taxing process of litigation. But who is eligible for an uncontested divorce, and how does it work? A Houston uncontested divorce lawyer at Slate & Associates can inform you of your options and guide you through the process.
- Child SupportEvery parent has an obligation to financially support their children, and that obligation doesn’t end with a divorce. But crafting a child support agreement can be one of the most difficult and sensitive aspects of the divorce process. A Houston child support lawyer at Slate & Associates can help you work out a fair plan that protects your child’s future.Â
- Child Custody and VisitationThe outcome of the psychological evaluation often leads the way to renewed efforts at settlement. Given the substantial cost of child custody litigation, parties facing an adverse recommendation from a psychological professional will usually try to agree on custody terms, rather than face a trial. There remains, however, that small percentage of cases where the parties, either unfazed by the cost of what could be a Pyrrhic victory, or unswerving in their belief of what is “right,†will not be deterred from litigation. Â
- AdoptionIf your spouse has a child from a previous marriage, stepparent adoption allows you to establish a legal relationship with your stepchild. In some cases, however, the other biological parent may fight the proceedings. A Houston adoption attorney can help you through any complications that arise.Â
- GuardianshipSo, just how do you go about terminating a parent’s parental rights? Texas law states explicit conditions under which a birth parent’s rights may be terminated. For instance, a proceeding may be initiated to have a child under the age of 18 declared free from the guardianship and control of either or both parents. More specifically, this can take place if the child has been left without the benefit of abandoning parent’s support or any communication, and he or she has done so with the intent to abandon the child. Symbolic attempts to support or communicate with the child or children are not enough to keep a court from deeming the child or children abandoned. Moreover, Texas courts have found that the Code should be liberally interpreted to best protect the health, welfare, and safety of a child.  Â
- Spousal SupportDetermining spousal support maintenance (alimony) can be a frustrating aspect of divorce negotiations. You may feel that the court is making you pay too much, or making your spouse pay too little. Whether you are seeking or contesting a spousal support order, a Houston spousal support lawyer at Slate & Associates can help you navigate this sensitive matter and reach a fair agreement.
- Restraining Order” “Dad filed emergency restraining order right during the holiday season and was given a court date the first week in January. I was in a lurch. I was recommended to Mr. Slate's office, by another well rated lawyer who said that he is the one she's lost to. I was able to get a consultation with an associate of Dennis, but was able to retain him. He has a great court presence and will speak up for you. I was an out of towner, but trusted that they could represent me in my absence where the judge allowed. He the go-to lawyer, before you do anything! The team is great and professional and understand the family court. I don't wish this on anyone, but if you have to, use this team!â€
- Business Disputes” “I first meet Dennis Slate as my professor for Business Law at San Jacinto College. I immediately knew if I ever needed him as a lawyer he was going to be my secret weapon in court. Years later my husband I decided to modify his court orders and get primary custody of his daughter. My husband chose to hire an attorney he found online who was absolutely a nightmare. We quickly felt like we were losing the battle before us so we decided to seek new counsel and Dennis immediately came to mind. He met with us the same day we decided to make the change, and seamlessly took over our case. Changing over to Dennis was the best decision we've ever made for our case, but for our daughter's future as well. Dennis is not only very knowledgeable, but he's also very straightforward and will not advise you to making poor choices that are not advantageous to your case. Mr. Slate and all of his office staff are great communicators and always respond back in a timely fashion. Comparing Dennis to the first attorney we hired was a night and day difference. Custody cases are often like going to battle, and I most certainly want Dennis Slate and his staff with me in the trenches. It's been four years since we won our case and we are still forever thankful for all of Mr. Slate and his staff's hard work. Without hesitation or question, I recommend Dennis to anyone who expresses the need of an attorney.â€
- Estate PlanningDeciding how to leave your legacy is one of the most important sets of decisions you will ever make, and our Houston estate planning attorney can ensure your desires are fulfilled. The Texas estate planning attorneys at Slate & Associates, Attorneys at Law P.C. have many years of experience drafting wills, trusts, and other documents that protect families from disagreements and confusion when a loved one passes away or is incapacitated.
- WillsA healthcare proxy allows you to designate a specific person to direct your medical care or end-of-life decisions if you are unable to make those decisions yourself. It is important to designate a trusted individual who fully understands your wishes. In Texas, there is no specific law governing living wills, but the document can still be used as evidence of your wishes and help guide the healthcare proxy’s decisions.
- Trusts is more flexible and often avoids or reduces many tax obligations. It is also important to note that a will only takes effect AFTER you die. A trust can be used to manage property and assets while you are still alive, when you die, or even months or years after your death. Wills and trusts can be used together to create a solid estate plan.
- Probate