One of the most common misunderstandings in Texas divorces is this: “My spouse owned the house before our marriage. Later, they refinanced and added me to the deed of trust. That means I now own part of the home, right?” The answer is no . Signing a deed of trust does not make you a property owner in Texas. To understand why, you need to know how Texas marital property laws work. Community Property vs. Separate Property in Texas Texas is a community property state. By default

Understanding Property Rights in Texas Family Law Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions a couple can make. But what happens if you and your partner purchase a house before you’re legally married? In Texas, how that property is classified has major implications if you later marry—or if your relationship ends in divorce. As licensed Texas family lawyers practicing in Harris County and surrounding counties (Houston, Fort Bend, Montgomery,Brazoria, and Galveston

The Texas Standard Possession Order, often referred to as the SPO, is one of the most common schedules used in custody and visitation cases. For many parents, understanding how the schedule works is essential for planning, stability, and reducing conflict. The schedule changes depending on the distance between the parents’ homes, so knowing the difference between the less-than-100-mile version and the less-than-50-mile version is critical. This blog breaks down both schedules

Congratulations on your engagement! While getting married is an exciting time in your life, it's important to remember that it's also a big decision that requires careful planning and consideration. Here are a few legal things that couples should consider before getting married: Prenuptial agreements: Prenuptial agreements, or prenups, are becoming increasingly common. While prenups are often thought of as a tool to protect the assets of one partner, they can also be used to

Mediation can be an effective method for resolving disputes, but it's important to properly prepare in order to make the most of the process. Here are some tips and tools to help you prepare for mediation: Gather and organize relevant documents: Mediation often involves discussing and exchanging information, so it's important to have all relevant documents on hand. This might include financial documents, legal documents, and any other documents that pertain to the dispute. St

Divorce is rarely an easy journey, and the process becomes even more challenging when one spouse refuses to cooperate. But don’t worry—Texas law provides clear paths to move forward with your divorce, even if your spouse won’t agree to sign the papers or participate in the process. At DeRouen & Lewis Law Firm, we help individuals navigate difficult divorces with confidence and clarity. Let’s break down how you can proceed when faced with an uncooperative spouse. Your Right to

Divorce can be a challenging and emotional process, but when it involves significant wealth and assets, it becomes even more complex. Navigating a luxury divorce requires specialized knowledge and expertise. This is where DeRouen & Lewis come into play. They provide tailored legal services that cater specifically to high-net-worth individuals, ensuring that their clients' interests are protected throughout the divorce process. Understanding High Asset Divorce High asset divor

Divorce is often a challenging and emotional process, filled with uncertainty and stress. When navigating this complex journey, the choice of legal representation can significantly impact the outcome. While large law firms may seem appealing due to their resources, boutique family law firms offer unique advantages that can make a substantial difference in your divorce proceedings. In this post, we will explore the reasons why choosing a boutique family law firm for your divor