As an Abilene family law attorney, we know that family law matters are very personal and often very controversial or disputed. Going through a divorce or other family matters like child custody, parental rights, or even premarital agreements can be confusing, and very stressful.

Those going through the process understand the importance of working with a qualified family law lawyer to guide them.

Compassionate Family Law Attorney

Matt’s passion for the law drives him to represent families in both straightforward and complex divorce cases. He handles each case with compassion and patience, fully aware of the challenges these situations can present.

Whether you are dealing with a simple divorce, a mostly amicable divorce with a few disputes, or a highly contentious situation where agreement seems impossible, Matt is here to help. He provides results oriented representation in cases involving divorce, child support, child custody,  property division, and other family law matters. Matt has been recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 for Family Law by the American Academy of Attorneys. He’s also been recognized as a Top 40 Under 40, by the National Association of Trial Lawyers.

Contact us today to schedule a one-on-one consultation. Matt’s family law services include:

• Divorce
• Common Law Marriage Divorce
• Child Support specific post-divorce issues, we do not handle, please contact the Texas Attorney General’s Office Child Support Enforcement division here for free help.
• Child Custody Enforcement
• Child Custody Modifications
• Child Visitation and Access
• Best Interest of the Child – Child Custody (Conservatorship)
• Co-Parenting
• Adoption
• Termination of Parental Rights
• Grandparent Rights
• Protective Orders
• Paternity Testing
• Collateral Witnesses
• Mental Health Testimony
• Paternity Rights
• Premarital Agreements
• Postmarital Agreements
• Postmarital Partition Agreements
• Separation Agreement
• Annulment
• Adult Name Change
• Postmarital Planning
• Wills, Trusts, Probate

Divorce

Every divorce case is different. Each case brings with it unique elements of legal considerations, stress, and uncertainty. Few are prepared for the questions that arise and the many different components of the divorce process that they will need to become familiar with.

You have questions, like:

• • What should I expect from the divorce process?
  • What should a property division look like?

Domestic Violence

It’s important for your divorce attorney to have experience in both family law and criminal law when dealing with a domestic violence situation. Matt understands how domestic violence issues may impact a divorce or custody case.

In some divorce cases, spouses are subject to abuse or there was a threat of violence present during the marriage. Or a threat erupted after divorce papers were filed.

Texas law understands that a threat of violence is also violence and that’s important to protect people from threatening statements.

A protective order can help ensure your safety and your children’s safety by keeping an abusive spouse away from you.

Matt also understands that domestic violence charges sometimes result from misunderstandings or even false accusations.

If you are being wrongly accused Matt and his staff work hard to see that the true facts are brought before the court.

Restraining Orders and Protective Orders

While many people use “restraining order” and “protective order” interchangeably, they serve different purposes in a separate court.

Restraining Orders:  The Court uses these to dictate what a person is legally allowed to do or not to do. Restraining orders often arise in civil cases. The most common use is when both parties in a divorce want to divide assets during the divorce proceedings.

Protective Orders: The Court uses these to protect family or domestic violence victims in criminal law cases. These protective orders require alleged abusers to cease all violence or threats of violence against the victim.

Family law matters are very personal and often very controversial or disputed. Going through a divorce can be confusing, and very stressful.

Those going through the process understand the importance of working with a qualified child custody & divorce lawyer to guide them through the process.

Child Custody Enforcement

Child custody is one of the most contentious areas of family law.

One of the things our lawyers will do is help you understand what evidence the court will look at when making a decision about custody. Factors the court will look at include:

• The age and health of the child
• The ability of each parent to provide for the child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs
• Which parent has been the primary caretaker up to that point
• The child’s preference (if the child is old enough to express a reasonable preference)
• Any evidence of family violence
• Any evidence of drug or alcohol abuse
• Any other factor relevant to the best interest of the child.

You need to be prepared to present evidence to the court that supports your position on these factors. Our lawyers can help you collect and organize this evidence so that you are ready to present your case in the best possible light.

Trust the experienced child custody lawyers in Texas from Blizzard and Zimmerman as they can help get the results you need in court by skillfully addressing all areas of concern.

Child Support Issues

In Texas, the Office of the Attorney General is responsible for child support enforcement, so any issues related to the enforcement of child support must be addressed through that office directly, their services are free. The Child Support Division there works to establish and enforce court orders for child support, as well as to collect and distribute child support payments. The division also provides various services to parents, such as locating absent parents, establishing paternity, and modifying child support orders. Here is a link to the Texas Attorney General’s Office Child Support in Texas webpage.

Resource Links –

Texas Family Code on Parent-Child Relationship and Custody