Amicus Attorney
Houston Amicus Attorney
Houston Amicus Attorney
Our firm takes appointments for both Amicus Attorney and Ad Litem Attorney roles in adoption, custody, and child protective services cases. Please feel free to contact us if you would like us to serve in either role in your private case.
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*Available for some cases.
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*Available for some cases.
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Amicus Attorney
An amicus attorney is an attorney appointed by the court in family law case to be the eyes and ears of the court, and conduct a private investigation to determine what is in the child's best interest. An amicus attorney cannot be appointed in a suit filed by CPS or any other governmental entity. An amicus attorney investigation duties can include: interviewing the child in an appropriate manner depending on the child's age, interview the individuals involved in the case, obtain and review all relevant records, including but not limited to school and medical records. After the amicus attorney completes their investigation, then they will provide their recommendations to the court.
Ad Litem Attorney
An ad litem attorney is an attorney that provides legal services to a person, including a child. An ad litem attorney owes the person they represent a duty of confidentiality, loyalty, and competent representation. An ad litem attorney's duties can include: obtaining copies of all court documents, participating in all hearings, depositions, negotiations, discovery, and pretrial conferences, counseling the child about their rights, the court proceeding, and what to expect in the legal process, identifying family and professional resources that will be appropriate for the child, and etc. Although an ad litem attorney will inform a court of a child's wishes, an ad litem ultimately make a recommendation to the court that is in the best interest of the child.
Dual Role
An attorney who acts in a dual role means that the attorney is appointed to act as both the ad litem attorney and the guardian ad litem attorney. A dual role is mostly used in cases filed by CPS or another governmental entity. A guardian ad litem is a person appointed to represent the child's interest, but a guardian ad litem is not bound by the chid's expressed preferences.
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In today's fast-paced world, finding quality time to spend with our children can feel like an uphill battle. Between work commitments, household responsibilities, and other obligations, it's easy for meaningful moments to slip through the cracks. However, prioritizing time with our children is essential for building strong relationships and creating lasting memories. In this blog, we'll explore practical strategies for maximizing quality time with your child, even in the midst of a busy schedule and balancing a child custody case. 1. Establishing Priorities Reflecting on the importance of spending time with your child and the impact it has on their development and well-being. 2. Setting realistic goals for increasing the amount of time spent with your child and committing to making it a priority. 3. Exploring the benefits of establishing daily, weekly, or monthly rituals that provide opportunities for bonding and connection. 4. Emphasizing the importance of consistency and reliability in building trust and strengthening your relationship with your child. 5. Highlighting the value of seizing spontaneous opportunities for connection, such as car rides, meal preparation, or walks in the neighborhood. 6. Encouraging mindful presence and active listening during everyday interactions with your child, regardless of the activity or setting. 7. Prioritize unplugged activities that promote face-to-face interaction and meaningful conversation. Spending quality time with our children is not only a privilege but also a responsibility that shapes their growth, happiness, and well-being. By prioritizing meaningful moments, establishing rituals and routines, and embracing flexibility, parents can maximize the time they have with their children and create lasting memories that will endure for a lifetime, especially during a child custody case. Remember, it's not about the quantity of time but the quality of the moments shared together that truly matters. Please contact us today to determine how we can be of service to you with your child custody case and ensure the best interest of your children is at the center. Book your consultation today to start the process by clicking here or give us a call at 832-844-1677. Attorney, Ashley Nicole Green is a divorce and child custody attorney who services clients in Houston, Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, and Matagorda County! C ontact the Law Office of A. Green today to schedule consultation! You can always connect with us via phone 832-844-1677 or via email at agreenteam@lawofficegreen.com
Divorce and child custody cases can be emotionally challenging, especially when children are involved. To prioritize the well-being of your children during these proceedings, it's essential to be mindful of your actions and behaviors. In this blog, I explore behaviors to avoid as they can negatively impact your children in Texas child custody cases. 1. Conflict and Hostility Constant conflict and hostility between parents create a stressful and emotionally turbulent environment for children. Engaging in heated arguments or openly displaying animosity can have lasting emotional effects on your children. 2. Using Children as Pawns Using children as tools to gain leverage or control in the divorce process is highly detrimental. Avoid involving them in disputes, manipulating their emotions, or pressuring them to take sides. Children need a supportive and neutral space during divorce proceedings. 3. Negative Talk About the Other Parent Speaking negatively about the other parent in the presence of your children can be harmful. Avoid making derogatory remarks or attempting to alienate the other parent. Children benefit from positive relationships with both parents. 4. Failure to Maintain Consistency Inconsistency in parenting practices and schedules can contribute to confusion and insecurity for children. Strive to maintain a consistent routine and structure, minimizing disruptions to their daily lives during the divorce process. 5. Ignoring Children's Emotions Divorce is a significant life event for children, and their emotions should be acknowledged and addressed. Dismissing or ignoring their feelings may lead to increased anxiety, resentment, or feelings of isolation. 6. Unreliable Financial Support Failing to fulfill financial responsibilities, such as child support payments, can impact the well-being of your children. Consistent financial support is crucial for providing stability and meeting their essential needs. 7. Involving Children in Adult Matters Shield your children from adult matters, legal discussions, or financial details. Exposing them to complex issues beyond their understanding can burden them with unnecessary stress and anxiety. 8. Neglecting Communication with Co-Parent Open communication with the co-parent is vital for the well-being of your children. Avoiding communication or refusing to collaborate on parenting decisions can create an environment of tension and instability. 9. Introducing New Relationships Prematurely Introducing new romantic relationships too soon can be unsettling for children. Give them time to adjust to the changes brought about by divorce before introducing them to new partners. 10. Ignoring Court Orders Disregarding court orders or attempting to circumvent legal decisions can have serious consequences. Adhering to court orders demonstrates respect for the legal process and stability for your children. Negotiating a divorce and child custody arrangement is challenging, but prioritizing the well-being of your children is paramount. Avoiding conflict, negative talk, using children as pawns, and neglecting their emotional needs fosters a healthier environment during the divorce process. Consistency, communication, and respect for legal processes contribute to a more stable and supportive atmosphere for your children as they navigate the changes brought about by divorce. Please contact us today to determine how can be of service to you with your child custody case and ensure the best interest of your children is at the center. Book your consultation today to start the process by clicking here or give us a call at 832-844-1677. Attorney, Ashley Nicole Green is a divorce and child custody attorney who services clients in Houston, Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, and Matagorda County! C ontact the Law Office of A. Green today to schedule consultation! You can always connect with us via phone 832-844-1677 or via email at agreenteam@lawofficegreen.com
Child custody cases in Texas are governed by the principle of promoting the best interests of the child. Hiding the child from the other parent during custody disputes not only undermines the court's commitment to transparency but can also have serious legal consequences. In this blog, I explore the reasons why it is crucial not to hide the child from the other parent in Texas child custody cases. 1. Legal Consequences Concealing the child from the other parent can result in serious legal consequences. Courts view this action as a violation of custody orders and may take enforcement measures against the parent hiding the child, such as fines, modifications of custody orders, or even contempt of court charges. 2. Promoting Co-Parenting Relationships Texas family law emphasizes the importance of co-parenting relationships for the child's well-being. Hiding the child disrupts the opportunity for both parents to maintain a meaningful relationship with their child, hindering the child's ability to form a strong bond with each parent. 3. Court Consideration of Parental Conduct The conduct of each parent is a significant factor considered by the court when determining custody arrangements. Deliberately hiding the child from the other parent can reflect negatively on a parent's willingness to cooperate and foster a healthy co-parenting environment. 4. Maintaining Trust with the Court Trust is crucial in family court proceedings. Deliberate attempts to hide the child erode the court's trust in a parent's commitment to following court orders and promoting the child's best interests. Trust is a cornerstone of successful co-parenting arrangements. 5. Child's Emotional Well-Being Children often experience stress and confusion when one parent is hidden from them. It can lead to emotional distress and a sense of insecurity. Courts prioritize the emotional well-being of the child, and actions that cause emotional harm may influence custody decisions. 6. Communication and Conflict Resolution Hiding the child hampers effective communication and conflict resolution between parents. Open communication is vital in co-parenting relationships, and resorting to hiding the child instead of addressing concerns through legal channels can exacerbate conflicts. 7. Addressing Concerns through Legal Means If a parent has legitimate concerns about the child's safety or well-being with the other parent, it is essential to address these concerns through legal means. Courts provide mechanisms for addressing concerns, such as seeking modifications to custody orders or requesting court intervention. 8. Ensuring Stability for the Child Stability is crucial for a child's healthy development. Hiding the child disrupts established routines, school attendance, and social connections, potentially impacting the child's overall stability. Courts prioritize the child's need for a stable and consistent environment. In Texas child custody cases, transparency, cooperation, and adherence to court orders are paramount. Deliberately hiding the child from the other parent not only has legal consequences but also undermines the principles of co-parenting and the best interests of the child. Addressing concerns through legal channels, maintaining open communication, and promoting stability are essential for fostering a healthy co-parenting environment and ensuring that the child's well-being remains a top priority throughout custody proceedings. Please contact us today to determine how can be of service to you with your child custody case and ensure the best interest of your children is at the center. Book your consultation today to start the process by clicking here or give us a call at 832-844-1677. Attorney, Ashley Nicole Green is a child custody attorney who services clients in Houston, Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, and Matagorda County! C ontact the Law Office of A. Green today to schedule consultation! You can always connect with us via phone 832-844-1677 or via email at agreenteam@lawofficegreen.com
Child custody cases in Texas prioritize the safety and well-being of the child. When issues of drugs or domestic violence arise, they can significantly influence court decisions regarding custody arrangements. In this blog, I explore how drugs and domestic violence can negatively impact a child custody case in the Lone Star State. 1. Primary Focus on the Best Interests of the Child Texas family courts prioritize the best interests of the child when making custody determinations. Any factors that pose a threat to the child's safety or well-being, such as drugs or domestic violence, are taken seriously and can significantly influence the court's decision. 2. Impact of Substance Abuse Substance abuse, including drug addiction, raises serious concerns about a parent's ability to provide a safe and stable environment for the child. Courts assess the impact of substance abuse on parenting abilities, reliability, and overall fitness to determine custody arrangements. 3. Safety Concerns with Domestic Violence Domestic violence, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, poses a direct threat to the safety of the child and the custodial parent. Courts recognize the potential harm that exposure to domestic violence can have on children and may take measures to protect their well-being. 4. Documentation and Evidence Courts rely on documentation and evidence to substantiate claims of drugs or domestic violence. Providing clear and compelling evidence, such as police reports, medical records, or eyewitness testimonies, strengthens the case against a parent engaging in unsafe behaviors. 5. Custodial Parent's Responsibility The custodial parent has a responsibility to ensure the child's safety. If the custodial parent is involved in drugs or is a victim of domestic violence, the court may question their ability to create a secure and nurturing environment, potentially impacting their custodial rights. 6. Protective Orders and Legal Actions Protective orders, restraining orders, or other legal actions taken against a parent involved in domestic violence may influence the court's decision. These legal measures demonstrate the gravity of the situation and the need for protective measures. 7. Substance Abuse Treatment Programs Parents struggling with substance abuse may have the opportunity to address their issues through rehabilitation programs. Participation in such programs can be considered by the court, but successful completion is often a prerequisite for favorable custody decisions. 8. Supervised Visitation or Restricted Custody In cases where concerns about drugs or domestic violence exist, the court may opt for supervised visitation or restrict custody to ensure the child's safety. These measures aim to balance the child's right to maintain a relationship with both parents while prioritizing their well-being. Drugs and domestic violence can have profound and lasting effects on child custody cases in Texas. The court's primary focus on the best interests of the child means that any factors posing a threat to the child's safety will be carefully examined and addressed. Substance abuse or involvement in domestic violence may lead to supervised visitation, restricted custody, or other protective measures to ensure the child's safety and well-being. Seeking legal advice and presenting clear evidence is crucial when addressing these complex and sensitive issues in child custody proceedings. Please contact us today to determine how can be of service to you with your child custody case and ensure the best interest of your children is at the center. Book your consultation today to start the process by clicking here or give us a call at 832-844-1677. Attorney, Ashley Nicole Green is a child custody attorney who services clients in Houston, Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, and Matagorda County! C ontact the Law Office of A. Green today to schedule consultation! You can always connect with us via phone 832-844-1677 or via email at agreenteam@lawofficegreen.com
Principal Office Location | Bellaire, Texas
6300 West Loop South, Suite 610
Bellaire, Texas 77401
By Appointment Only | Sugar Land, Texas
14090 Southwest Freeway, Suite 300
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
By Appointment Only | Bay City, Texas
1400 8th Street Suite 6B-1
Bay City, Texas 77414
Tel: 832-844-1677
Fax: 832-787-1167
Monday-Thursday 8:00A.M.-5:30P.M.
Friday 8:00A.M.-1:00P.M.
The Law Office of A. Green is dedicated to proudly serving clients in Harris, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, and Matagorda County, in the practice of family law, divorce, adoptions, child custody, and child support cases.