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Understanding Uncontested Process of Step-Parent Adoption inTexas

Ashley Green • February 28, 2025

Understanding Uncontested Process the Step-Parent Adoption

Adoption is a meaningful way to solidify familial bonds and provide legal rights to stepparents and relatives who play a parental role. Understanding the legal process ensures a smoother transition for both the child and adoptive family.

Legal Process for Adopting a Stepchild

Obtain Consent from the Biological Parent.

The non-custodial parent must voluntarily relinquish their parental rights, but if non-custodial parent refuses, then you will have to seek termination options with the court.

File a Petition for Adoption

Submit a formal adoption request with the family court.

Include relevant documentation, such as the marriage certificate and proof of relationship with the child.

Background Checks and Home Study

Texas require background checks to ensure the adoptive parent’s suitability and also a home study where someone appointed by the court visits the home.

Court Hearing and Finalization

Attend a court hearing where a judge reviews the case.
If approved, a final adoption decree is issued, granting full parental rights.

Stepparent and relative adoptions provide legal security and emotional stability for children. Understanding the process and seeking legal guidance can make the transition smoother and ensure the best outcome for all involved.

Please contact us today to determine your options legal options. 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 family, divorce, and child custody attorney who services clients in Houston, Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, and Matagorda County! Contact 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

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How Can Working With a Forensic Expert Help During Divorce?

By Ashley Green • May 9, 2025

A forensic accountant is a specially trained financial expert who investigates and analyzes financial records for legal purposes. In divorce cases, they help uncover the full financial picture—especially when one spouse may not be playing fair or the assets are more complex than just checking and savings accounts. 1. Uncover Hidden Assets If one spouse is hiding income, underreporting earnings, or transferring money to outside accounts or third parties, a forensic accountant can trace those movements and expose the truth. 2. Value a Business or Professional Practice If you or your spouse owns a business, it must be properly valued before it can be divided. Forensic accountants analyze profits, losses, assets, and debts to determine its real value—not just what’s reported on paper. 3. Analyze Lifestyle and Spending Habits They can review bank statements, credit cards, and other financial records to help determine the couple’s standard of living—critical for spousal support and child support decisions. 4. Trace Separate vs. Marital Property If either party had property or accounts before marriage, or received an inheritance, a forensic accountant can help separate what’s truly “yours,” “mine,” and “ours.” 5. Testify as an Expert Witness In court, having a neutral, qualified financial expert can strengthen your case. Their testimony can add credibility and clarity to your financial claims. Please contact us today to determine the best way to navigate your legal options. 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 family, 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

What are the Benefits of a Prenup?

By Ashley Green • May 7, 2025

A prenuptial agreement (or “prenup”) is a legal contract made before marriage that outlines how finances, property, and debts will be handled during the marriage—and in the event of divorce or death. It’s not just for the rich or famous. It’s for anyone who wants to be proactive, clear, and fair from the start. 1. Protects Both Parties’ Assets Whether one or both partners are bringing property, investments, or a business into the marriage, a prenup ensures those assets stay protected if the marriage ends. 2. Clarifies Financial Expectations A prenup encourages open and honest conversations about money before marriage—including how you’ll handle expenses, savings, debts, and more. That transparency can actually strengthen your relationship. 3. Protects You From the Other’s Debts If your partner is entering the marriage with loans, credit card debt, or other obligations, a prenup can ensure you don’t end up responsible for those debts if things go south and you are headed towards a divorce and things are comingled. 4. Makes Divorce Less Costly and Complicated If the marriage does end, a prenup can simplify the process by eliminating drawn-out court battles over finances and property. It saves time, money, and emotional energy. 5. Protects Inheritance and Family Property Have a family business? Inherited a home or trust fund? A prenup can protect generational wealth and make sure your family assets stay where they belong. 6. Provides Peace of Mind Even if you never need it (and hopefully you don’t!), a prenup can provide both partners with peace of mind—knowing you’ve planned for every possibility with care and respect. It’s About Planning, Not Distrust A prenup doesn’t mean you love your partner any less. It means you’re entering your marriage with clear eyes, open communication, and a plan to protect each other—no matter what the future holds. Please contact us today to determine the best way to navigate your legal options. 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 family, 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

How to Prove Cheating in a Divorce in Texas?

By Ashley Green • May 2, 2025

Texas is a fault-based divorce state, which means you can file for divorce on the grounds of adultery—but proving it takes more than just suspicion. So how do you prove your spouse cheated? And does it actually matter when it comes to the outcome? First: What Is Considered “Adultery” in Texas? Under Texas law, adultery means voluntary sexual intercourse with someone who is not your spouse. Emotional affairs, texting, or inappropriate messages may feel like betrayal, but they may not legally count as adultery unless there's evidence of a sexual relationship. What Kinds of Proof Are Accepted? You don’t need a confession or a photo of them in the act—but you do need convincing evidence that a sexual relationship likely occurred. Here’s what courts may consider: Text messages, emails, or DMs showing sexual or romantic intent Photos or videos of your spouse with the other person (especially in compromising situations) Hotel receipts, travel records, or gifts Eyewitness testimony from private investigators, friends, or family Dating app activity during the marriage Social media posts (people overshare!) Note: You can’t violate privacy laws to get your evidence—no hacking, hidden cameras, or tracking devices without consent. Illegally obtained info may be thrown out. Does Proving Adultery Affect the Outcome? It can—especially when it comes to: 1. Property Division Texas courts aim for a “just and right” division of marital assets. If one spouse cheated and wasted community money on the affair (e.g., expensive gifts, vacations, hotels), the judge may award a larger share of assets to the non-cheating spouse. 2. Spousal Support (Alimony) A spouse may be denied spousal maintenance if their adultery contributed to the breakup of the marriage. Please contact us today to determine the best way to navigate your legal options. 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 family, 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

How Can My Social Media Be Used in My Divorce Case?

By Ashley Green • April 30, 2025

Social media can play a big role in a divorce case—sometimes helping, but often hurting. Here's a breakdown of how it's used and why you need to be smart about what you post (or what you find): 1. Evidence in Court Social media posts, photos, messages, and even comments can be used as evidence in court. For example: A spouse claims they can’t afford child support—but posts photos of a luxury vacation. Someone denies drug/alcohol use—but is tagged at parties or posts themselves drinking excessively. A parent in a custody battle shares inappropriate content or badmouths the other parent online. 2. Proving Hidden Assets A seemingly innocent post like can contradict claims made during the discovery phase. If someone’s lifestyle doesn’t match what they report in financial disclosures, social media can help uncover undisclosed income or assets. 3. Third-Party Posts Count Too Even if you’re careful, friends or family tagging you in posts can work against you. A tag at a bar during your scheduled parenting time? That can be brought up in court. 4. Deleted Doesn't Mean Gone Deleting posts doesn’t guarantee they’re gone. Screenshots, metadata, or subpoenaed content can still be retrieved. It’s always best to assume everything is permanent. Please contact us today to determine the best way to navigate your legal options. 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 family, 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

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