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Top Divorce Attorney for Single Parents in Galveston TX

Top Divorce Attorney for Single Parents in Galveston TX

  • Galveston TX Divorce Attorney

Divorce is never an easy process, but for single parents, the challenges can be even greater. Beyond the emotional strain of ending a marriage, single parents must navigate custody agreements, child support, financial planning, and the legal complexities of divorce while ensuring their children’s well-being remains the top priority. If you are a single parent in Galveston, TX, going through a divorce, choosing the right attorney is crucial to protecting your parental rights, securing fair custody arrangements, and achieving financial stability.

At The Renken Law Firm, we understand the unique needs of single parents and are committed to providing expert legal guidance. Our Galveston divorce attorneys help clients navigate every step of the process, ensuring that they are fully prepared for their new life after divorce. Whether you need assistance with custody disputes, child support, or property division, our team is here to advocate for your best interests and those of your children.

Understanding Divorce for Single Parents in Texas

Texas law provides a legal framework for divorce that ensures both parents have the opportunity to maintain a meaningful relationship with their children, while also ensuring that assets and financial responsibilities are fairly divided. However, single parents often face additional hurdles, particularly when it comes to:

  • Child custody and visitation
  • Child support obligations and enforcement
  • Dividing assets while ensuring financial stability for their children
  • Handling co-parenting disputes
  • Modifying custody or support agreements in the future

Divorces in Texas fall into two main categories:

  • Uncontested divorce – Both parties agree on all major aspects, including custody, child support, and property division. These divorces are typically faster and less expensive.
  • Contested divorce – Spouses cannot reach an agreement, requiring court intervention. Contested divorces may involve mediation, negotiations, and even trial proceedings, making legal representation essential.

Regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, our team at The Renken Law Firm ensures that your rights as a single parent are protected throughout the process.

Child Custody Considerations for Single Parents

One of the most critical issues in any divorce involving children is child custody. Texas courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child, taking several factors into account, such as:

  • Each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment
  • The child’s emotional and physical needs
  • Each parent’s involvement in the child’s daily life
  • Any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect
  • The willingness of each parent to cooperate and facilitate a relationship with the other parent

In Texas, joint managing conservatorship (JMC) is the preferred arrangement, meaning both parents share in decision-making responsibilities for their child. However, one parent may be awarded primary custody while the other receives visitation rights. In some cases, a sole managing conservatorship (SMC) may be granted if one parent is deemed unfit to have joint custody.

At The Renken Law Firm, we work to ensure that single parents receive fair custody arrangements that allow them to continue playing an active role in their child’s life. Whether you are seeking joint custody, sole custody, or modifications to an existing custody order, we provide expert legal representation to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Child Support and Financial Stability After Divorce

Child support is a key factor in any divorce involving single parents. Texas law requires that child support be calculated based on the noncustodial parent’s income, with guidelines determining a percentage of their earnings based on the number of children being supported. The current Texas child support guidelines are:

  • 20% of net income for one child
  • 25% of net income for two children
  • 30% of net income for three children
  • 35% of net income for four children
  • 40% of net income for five or more children

In addition to standard child support, courts may also require additional financial support for medical expenses, extracurricular activities, or educational costs.

Single parents often rely on child support to maintain financial stability, which is why enforcement of child support orders is crucial. If a noncustodial parent fails to pay child support, legal action may be necessary. Our attorneys at The Renken Law Firm assist with:

  • Filing child support orders
  • Modifying child support agreements when financial circumstances change
  • Enforcing child support payments through wage garnishment, liens, or legal action

We work tirelessly to ensure that single parents in Galveston receive the financial support they are entitled to, protecting their child’s future.

Property Division and Protecting Your Assets

Dividing property in a divorce can be complex, particularly for single parents who need financial security. Texas follows community property laws, meaning that most assets acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned and must be equitably divided. This includes:

  • Homes, rental properties, and real estate
  • Retirement accounts and savings
  • Businesses and investments
  • Debt accumulated during the marriage

While courts aim for a fair division of assets, the needs of a single parent and their children can influence decisions regarding property division. For example, a parent with primary custody may be awarded the family home to provide stability for the child. Our Galveston divorce attorneys work to ensure that single parents receive a fair share of assets and are not left struggling financially after the divorce.

Co-Parenting and Parenting Plan Development

Successful co-parenting requires clear parenting plans that outline:

  • Custody schedules and exchange arrangements
  • Decision-making responsibilities for the child
  • Communication guidelines between co-parents
  • How holidays, vacations, and special events will be handled

A well-crafted parenting plan can prevent future conflicts and ensure that both parents remain actively involved in their child’s life. Our legal team helps single parents develop strong parenting agreements that set clear expectations and provide stability for the child.

Modifications and Enforcement of Custody or Support Orders

Life circumstances can change after divorce, requiring modifications to custody or child support orders. If one parent relocates, loses a job, or experiences a major change in their financial situation, a legal modification may be necessary.

Additionally, if a parent fails to comply with a custody or support order, enforcement actions may be required. Our attorneys assist with:

  • Modifications to custody or visitation schedules
  • Adjustments to child support based on changes in income
  • Enforcing court-ordered child support and visitation rights

If you are struggling with a custody or child support issue post-divorce, The Renken Law Firm can help you navigate the legal system to protect your rights and your child’s well-being.

Why Choose The Renken Law Firm for Your Divorce?

Single parents face unique challenges during a divorce, and having the right legal team by your side can make all the difference. At The Renken Law Firm, we understand that single parents must balance legal complexities with the emotional and financial realities of raising a child. Our approach goes beyond standard legal representation—we provide comprehensive guidance designed to help you navigate both the divorce process and the new chapter ahead.

Some of the ways we support single parents include:

  • Experienced legal guidance tailored to single parents – The laws surrounding child custody, child support, and parental rights can be complicated. We ensure that you fully understand your legal options and help you make informed decisions that protect your rights and the best interests of your children. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, we provide strategic representation that aligns with your goals.
  • Strong advocacy for child custody and support issues – Custody battles can be stressful and emotionally draining. We fight to secure fair custody arrangements, ensuring that you can continue to play an active and meaningful role in your child’s life. If child support payments need to be established, modified, or enforced, we work tirelessly to ensure that your child receives the financial support they deserve.
  • Comprehensive financial planning and asset protection – Divorce significantly impacts financial stability, particularly for single parents. We help protect your assets, ensure fair property division, and create a plan that sets you up for long-term financial security. If you need assistance modifying financial arrangements post-divorce, we are here to help.
  • Compassionate support during a challenging time – Divorce is one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through, and it is even more challenging when children are involved. We take a client-centered approach, offering both legal guidance and emotional support. Our goal is to reduce stress and empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to make the best decisions for yourself and your family.

At The Renken Law Firm, we prioritize efficiency and clarity, working to resolve your divorce as quickly and smoothly as possible. Whether through mediation, negotiation, or litigation, we provide the personalized representation you need to move forward with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Divorce is never easy, but single parents should not have to go through it alone. The process involves difficult decisions regarding child custody, financial security, and future stability, and without the right legal guidance, the outcomes can be uncertain. Having an experienced Galveston divorce attorney on your side ensures that your rights are protected, your children’s needs are prioritized, and your financial future remains secure.

At The Renken Law Firm, we recognize the sacrifices single parents make and are committed to ensuring that they receive fair and just outcomes in divorce proceedings. We take the time to understand your unique situation, tailoring our legal strategy to fit your specific needs and concerns. Whether you are facing a contentious custody battle, struggling to secure financial support, or need help navigating post-divorce modifications, we are here to support you every step of the way.

If you are considering divorce in Galveston, TX, we invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss your case. Let us help you regain control of your future, create a stable foundation for your children, and transition into the next phase of life with security and peace of mind. Contact The Renken Law Firm today, and let us guide you toward a resolution that protects what matters most—your family, your future, and your peace of mind.

Renken Law Firm, PLLC
11500 Northwest Fwy #586
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 956-6767
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Renken Law Firm knows how difficult and painful dealing with these issues can be. We will take your case, and all the turmoil that comes with it, very seriously. You can trust us to not only be relentless in our pursuit of the best possible solution for you, but we will also take into consideration how much this process is both emotionally and financially impacting you. Renken Law Firm can be relentless, but you can always trust us to listen.

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Parents are also obligated to provide health and dental insurance for their children in Texas.The court can order either parent to enroll a child on an existing health insurance policy but customarily orders the child support obligor to do so or to reimburse the cost of the health and dental care premium to the primary custodian of the child.While the terms alimony and spousal maintenance are often used interchangeably, they are very different things under Texas law.They both achieve the same goal during a divorce, however.They both allow one spouse to receive financial support from the other.Renken Law Firm understands the distinction between alimony and spousal maintenance.Our understanding of the difference between these two means of financial support allows us to pursue an outcome that best meets your needs.Along with her ability to aggressively litigate Family Law matters, Dawn Renken is a Licensed Mediator through ADR Services International Inc, since 2014. Traditionally, mediation has been shown to be an excellent option for couples seeking an amicable divorce who ultimately have compatible goals for property settlements and custody disputes.Mediation promotes a compromise that works well for both parties, while making it possible to avoid court appearances and additional attorney’s fees.What is Divorce Mediation?Divorce mediation is a private process in which a neutral third person (a mediator) helps divorcing couples reach a mutually satisfactory settlement of the issues in their case, including child support, custody and visitation, alimony, and property division.A mediator does not act as a judge, arbitrator, or counselor, but assists the spouses in reaching a voluntary agreement.Along with her ability to aggressively litigate Family Law matters, Dawn Renken is a Licensed Mediator through ADR Services International Inc, since 2014. Traditionally, mediation has been shown to be an excellent option for couples seeking an amicable divorce who ultimately have compatible goals for property settlements and custody disputes. Mediation promotes a compromise that works well for both parties, while making it possible to avoid court appearances and additional attorney’s feesDivorce mediation is an affordable and private divorce option, mediation also has a proven history for helping families resolve disputes without the need for a trial. Taking your case to trial typically will increase the amount of time, money, and stress involved in your divorce.While no divorce method is completely stress free, divorce mediation allows both parties to have their needs represented. The divorcing couple will be given the chance to work together to reach an amicable resolution in their case, instead of allowing a judge to have the final say.Dawn Renken, became a licensed mediator through ADR Services International Inc. in 2014. Since this time, Attorney Renken has been working as a Cypress divorce mediation expert with couples to help them work together to reach divorce agreements that are mutually beneficial for their long term needs.The role of the mediator is to simply ensure all important matters are discussed and dealt with, as well as ensure neither party is using bully tactics in order to get the other party to agree to the terms they desire for their divorce. Your divorce agreement is only finalized when both parties agree to the terms of the divorce and sign off on it. If you are unable to work together to reach an amicable divorce agreement, mediation will not be a viable method for divorce. If you and your spouse are actively looking to work through your divorce together, Renken Law Firm can help by offering affordable divorce mediation in Houston, TX.In addition to traditional divorce methods, we excel in providing the best divorce mediation services in Houston, TX. Divorce mediation offers a more cost-effective and private approach, allowing the divorcing parties to determine the final terms of their divorce. To explore this option further, we encourage you to contact our office and learn more about our mediation services.Renken Law Firm understands that many individuals hesitate to initiate the divorce process due to uncertainty and concerns about excessive legal fees. We assure you that our Houston, TX team is dedicated to your success and has a proven track record of achieving client satisfaction.We recognize the emotional toll that divorce takes on families, and we strive to make the process as smooth as possible. Whether your case involves mediated or contested divorce, our attorneys will provide unwavering support every step of the way until your divorce is finalized. Take the first steps toward filing for divorce in the state of Texas by scheduling a consultation with our legal team at Renken Law Firm today.Is Texas an At-Fault State?In the state of Texas, divorce proceedings do not require spouses to provide a specific reason or cause for seeking the divorce, making it a “no-fault” state. However, it is important to note that if one spouse is at fault for the breakdown of the marriage, it may be considered by the court when dividing property. This means that the at-fault party may be responsible for providing more to the other spouse. Although fault grounds are not mandatory, it is advisable for spouses to include them in their divorce petition.At Renken Law Firm, our mission is to advocate for families and help them make the best decisions for their unique circumstances. Our top priority is protecting the best interests of any children involved in the divorce. Our dedicated legal team is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for you and your family. Whether you are contemplating filing for divorce or currently going through the process, contact Renken Law Firm for assistance. We will guide you through this challenging time and ensure that you consider all significant factors that may impact your finances or family dynamics. Reach out to us today to learn more about our comprehensive family law services and how we can support you.The Renken Law Firm has worked hard to earn a reputation for efficiently practicing diligent and focused legal services. During the course of our representation, you can expect expert legal advice in the areas of divorce, separation planning, custody disputes, child support cases, grandparents rights, prenuptial agreements, attorney general cases and enforcement actions.Receive prompt service and protect your rights by contacting us to schedule an appointment. In times of personal crisis we understand that you want answers. As your legal counsel, this firm will provide you with answers and options. Additionally, we will guide you through what you can expect during the process and help you to understand your options and rights as mandated by Texas Law. Our knowledge and experience has provided us with a strong base of strategies and methods to assist you to reach a successful resolution. Once retained, we invite you to demand and expect your case to be handled in an organized, timely, effective and cost-efficient manner. Step 1: Consult Contact Renken Law Firm to schedule your no obligation one hour consultation to evaluate your case. Step 2: Prepare You’ve never been through this. We understand that. We are here for you. Step 3: Negotiate Whether informal negotiation or mediation, you can trust Renken Law Firm’s decades of experience. Step 4: Litigate When negotiation fails, Renken Law Firm is prepared to fight for you at trial with experienced litigators. Your family law case may be the most important legal issue you ever face in your life. It can also be the most emotionally and financially challenging life event you experience. Renken Law Firm knows how difficult and painful dealing with these issues can be. We will take your case, and all the turmoil that comes with it, very seriously. You can trust us to not only be relentless in our pursuit of the best possible solution for you, but we will also take into consideration how much this process is both emotionally and financially impacting you. Renken Law Firm can be relentless, but you can always trust us to listen. © 2023 The Renken Law Firm. All rights reserved. Our comprehensive family law services include the resolution of divorces through litigation, divorce mediation or collaborative law, depending on the specific details of your case. We can take on all matters related to Divorce Practice or dissolution of a common law marriage, including: We are committed to aggressively and efficiently advocating for your rights . We customize our representation to the needs of your case. Throughout the process, we will keep you involved. We will provide honest information about the progress of your case and strive to achieve the best possible outcome. Enforcing Texas Orders Renken Law Firm, PLLC represent clients seeking to enforce the terms of a divorce decree or custody order. You may need to seek to enforce an order when the other parent has failed to pay their court ordered child support or if you have been denied visitation with your child. We have extensive experience with both seeking relief for these types of issues and also defending against these types of cases. Having an experienced lawyer who has handled both sides of the issue provides you a unique attorney who can reasonably anticipate what the other side may attempt to do. If the non-custodial parent refuses to pay court ordered child support or you have been denied visitation, contact us. If you have been accused of nonpayment or denying the opposing party visitation, a possible contempt outcome is jail time. Do not go to court alone, contact Renken Law Firm, PLLC. Enforcement for Delinquent Child Support Child support arrearages not only can lead to wage garnishment, property liens and loss of tax refunds, they can also result in loss of your license to drive, fish, hunt, sell real estate, teach or practice medicine. Whether your problem involves modification or enforcement of family law rights, our lawyers can advise and represent you. Enforcement / Contempt of Court Actions When a parent refuses to honor visitation orders, fails to pay child support or fails to comply with other court orders, the parent is in contempt of court. In most circumstances, it is important that a child is supported by and has meaningful relationships with both parents. That is why it is so important to follow custody, visitation and support arrangements. Failure to do so can jeopardize the child’s well being. If a parent willfully and recklessly avoided complying with orders when it was feasible to do so, the parent may be charged criminally with contempt and could face potential jail time, fines and other consequences. Our attorneys help clients pursue court orders of enforcement. We also defend against actions where enforcement or contempt cases are brought against you unjustly or for spite. Child Support Enforcement Actions If you are facing a child support enforcement action initiated by the Attorney General, Renken Law Firm, PLLC can answer the complaint and try to transfer your case to family court, where your options for a realistic payment plan will be somewhat broader. If you are the parent trying to enforce the terms of a divorce or paternity child support order, we can help ensure that your right to payment is brought current as quickly as possible.