4-hour parenting classes

There are several 4-hour parenting classes offerred and their prices vary.

www.parentsforever.org
In English and Spanish
Cost is approximately $40
Classes are online

The Children's Center for Self Esteem, Inc.
P O Box 11595
spring, Texa 77391-1595
281-894-7333
www.childrenscenter.com
cost approx. $60

Putting Kids First
P O Box 1265
mount pleasant, TX 75456-1265
888-777-2298
www.puttingkidsfirst.org
cost approx. $70

Parent's Apart
1120 NASA Parkway, Suite 220
Houston, TX 77058
281-333-5866
www.familysolutionsweb.com
Approx. $125
They offer the class in Spanish
For non-internet classes, the cost is approx. $50

www.Parentsforever.org
Approx. $40 for the 4-hour class
Approx $18 for for the Impact onDivorce on Adults Class (2 hours)

Children inthe Middle
Memorial Drive united Methodist Church
12955 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77079-7399
713-468-8356 extesion 115


Children Cope
5868 A-1 Westheimer #625
Houston, TX 77057
713-952-2673

Depelchin Children's Center
4950 Memorial Drive
Hoston, TX 77007
713-730-2335
www.delpelchin.org

Escape Family Resource Center
3210 Eastside
Houston, TX 77008
713-942-9500

Family Education Institute
P O Box 40541
Houston, TX 77240-541
713-896-8841
www.familyeducationinstitute.com

Family Services of Greater Houston
aka Family Service Center
4625 Lillian
Houston, TX 70007
713-861-4849

Parents Apart
A for Kids' Sake Pogarm
Sponsored by Family Solutions, Inc.
1120 NASA Road One #220
Houston, Texas 77058
281-333-5866

Consider the Children
Ellen Herrick
832-526-9909

Map of Harris County Courts in Downtown Houston, Texas

http://www.justex.net/DowntownMap.aspx

Link to Harris County, Texas Family Law Courts

As of today, this link is working. No promises how long it will work.

http://www.justex.net/Courts/Family/FamilyCourts.aspx

Harris County Local Family Law Rules

As of today, this link is working.

http://www.justex.net/Courts/Family/LocalRules.aspx

When is the Best Time to Consult with an Attorney?

When do you need to consult with an attorney?

Answer: The best time to consult with an attorney is when you don’t need one.
Whenever you have concerns about a potential problem, that the time to talk to a lawyer.

Here are a few of the reasons to consult with an attorney:

1. Get the facts. Talk to a currently licensed attorney in your state that practices in the area of the law where you have questions.

Get current knowledge. What was the law 20 years ago, might not be the law today.
It reduces stress and is empowering. Most people are scared and don’t know what to do next. Being paralyzed and ignoring problems usually makes the situation worst.

2. You need to talk to someone that will consider all possible outcomes in your case. Someone that can see the pros and cons of both sides of the case.

3. It can save you money. Many people try to do it themselves in an attempt to save money. For example, probating an estate in Texas is inexpensive and easy if done properly. If done wrong, it’s a slow, expensive process.

4. Most of the form kits or available on the internet are not worth the money – especially the ones that claim they work in all 50 states.

I practice what I preach. Whenever I have a legal question, I go to an attorney that practices in that area of the law and pay for an hour of their time. When I leave their office I know the following: (a) the current laws and how courts are interpreting them; (b) if there is a time limit for either side to act; (c) if there is anything I can do to protect myself, and (d) strategies in the event litigation becomes necessary. When I’m personally involved in a lawsuit, I hire an attorney to represent me then I listen to their advice.

The best time to consult with an attorney is BEFORE any life cycle event or possible crisis.
Such as BEFORE:

1. Opening or closing a business, forming a partnership or corporation
2. Signing a contract – such as an apartment lease, promissory note, car loan, employment contract, leasing equipment, etc.
3. Contemplating marriage, separation or having a child (including adoption)
4. Buying or selling a major asset - such as real estate
5. Having any surgical procedure – to make sure that your wishes are carried out in case you are unable to speak for yourself (such as being in a coma) & making sure your family will be ok
6. Considering retirement
7. Helping your aging parents – before they are mentally incompetent or need to move into a nursing home
8. Considering pleading guilty (or no contest) to a traffic ticket, criminal charge or you are a possible suspect in a criminal investigation
9. Conflicts with neighbors, relatives, friends, employers get out of control.

What sort of attorney do I need?

An attorney that practices primarily in your area of concern. For example, if you have a divorce case in Texas, don’t call a corporate attorney in Oklahoma.
An attorney listens to you, seems interested in your case and speaks so that you can understand legal terms and concepts.
An attorney that explains the pros and cons of your case.
An attorney that you trust. You need an attorneys on your side and working with you.
An attorney that insists on both of you signing a Legal Services Agreement – it should clearly state that the attorney is going to do, how much they are going to charge and how much you are going to pay.

What sort of attorney should I avoid?

An attorney that makes guarantees or promises. An attorney that claims they win 100% of their cases. I once had a potential client ask me how many cases I had won. I told him I could not answer that question since I felt the only winners in a divorce lawsuit are the attorneys.

An attorney that will represent both parties in a lawsuit.

An attorney that practices in all areas of the law. It is almost impossible today to stay up-to-date on all legal subjects.

An attorney you cannot afford. If the attorney’s hourly rate is $600/hour and you make minimum wage, there is no way you can afford to hire this attorney for a prolonged child custody battle. Be realistic.

An attorney that never sends you copies of correspondence in your case and never returns your calls.

How do I find an attorney?

Ask your friends and attorneys who they recommend. If your friend says the opposing counsel was much better than their lawyer, get the opposing counsel’s name!

The American Bar Association has a comprehensive list of pro bono organizations throughout the U.S. if you qualify for free services.

If there is an attorney in your neighborhood, stop by their office and see if you like them.

Check your local TV guide, free newspapers, yellow pages, the internet, etc. Be aware that all advertisements have been paid for by the attorney. The bigger the ad, the more money spent. The biggest ad does NOT mean the best lawyers. Also, many “featured lawyers” or “top 10 lists” are merely expensive advertising.

Be a savvy consumer. Example: My own mother paid $5,000 to a prestigious attorney for a will. Years later she asked me to review her will. I was shocked at the typos and errors. I convinced her to use a small law firm and for under $1,500 she got an attorney that truly listened and prepared the documents to reflect her wishes.

What to Wear to Court

What to Wear to Court or “You only get once chance to make a first impression”.

It is important to look your best in court.

You don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed.

Recognize that most judges are middle-class and have been practicing law for many years. The Judge will usually wear a black robe when they are on the bench. You need to dress conservatively, dignified, and discreetly as a sign of respect for the judicial system.

Here are some basic ideas of appropriate courtroom attire & behavior:

What NOT to wear to court:

Clothing --
Sleeveless or muscle shirt
Exercise outfit
Nothing sexy or too dressy – tight tops, short skirts, sequins, slinky top, revealing tops – nothing you’d wear out on a Saturday night!
Sundress or strapless dress
Crop tops – cover your belly button
Any top with spaghetti straps
T-shirts (especially ones with beer, drug or sexual references)
Anything you’d wear to the zoo or to do yardwork
Athletic attire – especially baseball caps
Jeans – unless they are the only long pants you own
Clothing that is too small or too large
Clothing that reveals your underwear
Shorts or cut-offs (Most Courts will NOT allow you to enter the courtroom if you are wearing shorts.)
Hats
Footwear:
Flip-flop sandals
Athletic shoes
High heel spikes
Open-toed shoes
Anything you’d wear at the beach
Sunglasses – unless medically prescribed
Lots of jewelry – especially if it makes noise when you move
Hair
Wet & messy
Dirty
Unnatural dye job
Hairnet and/or curlers
Weird or unusual haircut

Hygiene:
Look dirty or unshaven
Cologne and perfume – use very little – too much and everyone will wonder what you are trying to cover up!
Smelling like cigarette smoke
Smelling like pot – that’s a totally different problem!
Smelling of alcohol – again that’s a totally different problem!
Nails – extremely long nails on both men & women, neon or bright nail polish
Tattoos & Piercings
· Hide the tattoos
· Remove the jewelry BEFORE entering the courtroom
Bare legs or shoulders showing

Ideas of what to wear to the courthouse:

Conservative dress – something you would wear to church, work or a nice social function. (If you wear a uniform to work, it is usually ok to wear to court – unless you wear shorts to work.)
Wear clothes that fit – if you have gained or lost a lost of weight, please buy something new for your courtroom appearance.

Men:
· Suit with tie
· Sports coat
· Long-sleeve button-down shirt with a collar and long pants
· Wear a belt or suspenders to keep up your pants

Women:
· A nice dress or woman’s business suit
· A conservative pants suit
· Conservative top and long slacks

Jewelry – less is more – remove all piercings
(If you claim you have no money, then wearing lots of jewelry is unwise)

Nails – neat and clean. Neutral nail polish.
Shoes – closed toe & conservative.
Hair – Schedule a haircut 2 weeks before the court appearance. Look neatly groomed. If long, tie it back. No hairnets, rollers or combs.
Hygiene
Brush your teeth & use mouthwash.
Men – shave before court & trim your mustache/beard.
Women – wear very conservative make-up.
Use soap & water liberally before coming to court .
Deodorant – you will be nervous so be prepared.
If you perspire a lot, bring a handkerchief or whatever to look “cool and confident”.
Cover tattoos

Courtroom Etiquette

Turn off your cell phone and/or pager!
When sitting in family law court do not rest your elbows on the tables at any given time. Sit up straight. Slouching is a signal that you don't care about what is going on and you'd rather be home or doing something else.
Pay attention. Look interested. Take notes.
If there is a court reporter is being used, be sure to be sure he/she can hear your answers.
When addressing the Judge use the term “Your Honor”.
Speak slowly and clearly.
Look the Judge in the eye.
Don’t “doodle” – you can write notes (keep them small so opposing counsel and the Judge can’t read them).
Don’t talk while court is in session.
Don’t roll your eyes or make faces.
Don’t speak when someone else is talking.
Do not chew gum or smack on candy.

Language

Don’t mutter under your breath.
Don’t make threats.
Don’t say “To tell you the truth…” – makes you sound like a liar
No slang or expletives.
No hysterical outburst or screaming -- anywhere in the courthouse.
No snide comments.
No snippy or sarcastic answers – If you are asked if you do drugs and you answer “yes” the transcription of the hearing will be “yes” even though you did not mean it!
Don’t sigh and make noises.
Do speak slowly and clearly Give concise answers – don’t ramble.
Think before you talk.
Be prepared to explain to the Judge why you want what you want. You can make notes to stay organized. Be prepared to have your notes entered into evidence if you use them when you testify – so don’t write anything on them that you don’t want the Judge to read.
If the Judge instructed you to stop talking – stop talking!
If you don’t understand, ask the Judge to explain it to you.
If you need an interpreter, ask at the beginning of the hearing!

Additional Courtroom Etiquette

Be punctual - or better yet, be early.
Don't bring books or magazines to read.
Remain in attendance in the courtroom until excused.
Stand when the judge (or jury) enters or leaves the courtroom.
When the Judge calls your case, stand up and announce “present”.
The Judge can only talk to you when all parties are present. Don’t attempt to talk to the Judge unless all sides are present in the courtroom.
Address others only by their titles and surnames, including lawyers, witnesses, and court personnel.
Bring a note pad and pen to take notes.
Breathe.
If you are thirsty, ask for a drink of water or bring a bottle of water with you.
If you might need something, bring it to court with you. If you left your paperwork at home the Judge won’t wait for you to go home to get it.
Only people with first-hand knowledge (they personally heard, saw, smelled, etc.) can testify – if you have witnesses, bring them. A notarized statement won’t work!
You will go through a metal detector before you can enter the courthouse – so no guns, knives, or mace.

Free booklets from the Houston Bar Association

The Houston Bar Association h(www.hba.org) as several free booklets for the public.

The booklets are in several languages.

The booklets are:

1. Family Law
2. Elder Law
3. Consumer Law

I believe that the Family Law book is an excellent resource for anyone with a possible family law problem.