Visit my old Blog for more information

http://www.directlex.com/fran/

This was a great blog until it decided not to allow me to post anymore.

Please visit it for many other posts that contain lots of interesting family law information.

I found the divorce forms -- now what?

After locating forms, you need to fill them out.

The clerks at the courthouse and the Judge do NOT do this.

Why should you hire an attorney?

Because we know what paragraphs to select.

The clerks cannot fill out the forms because they are NOT attorneys and it is illegal for them to give legal advice.

Basic divorce paperwork

There are some documents that EVERY divorce needs in the State of Texas:

1. Original Petition for Divorce (usually just called the Petition).

2. Either a WAIVER OF SERVICE or proof of service on the other spouse.

3. A Final Decree of Divorce.

YOU (or your attorney) need to prepare these documents. They do NOT pass them out at the courthouse. They do not "magically" appear.

Am I divorced after 60 days?

Many people coming to the Houston Volunteer Lawyers booth have heard that if they file a divorce that they are "magically" divorced after 60 days.

WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!

After a divorce has been on file at the courthouse for 60 days, one of the parties needs to come to court and stand in front of the Judge. Under oath, the person reads a statement to verify everything in their petition and decree. Then the Judge reviews the paperwork and either approves or disapproves the divorce.

The divorce is NOT final for 30 days. Therefore, you should not marry for 30 days AFTER the Judge signs the final decree of divorce.

Am I divorced after 60 days?

Many people coming to the Houston Volunteer Lawyers booth have heard that if they file a divorce that they are "magically" divorced after 60 days.



WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!



After a divorce has been on file at the courthouse for 60 days, one of the parties needs to come to court and stand in front of the Judge. Under oath, the person reads a statement to verify everything in their petition and decree. Then the Judge reviews the paperwork and either approves or disapproves the divorce.



The divorce is NOT final for 30 days. Therefore, you should not marry for 30 days AFTER the Judge signs the final decree of divorce.

Do It Yourself Kits on-line

I have been filling in at the Houston Volunteer Lawyer booth in the basement of the Family Law Center for the past two weeks while their normal attorney is on vacation.

I've seen horrible kits purchased on-line from $30 - over $400.

DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!

These kits are from New York, California and Washington. Even the legal site entitled something like "Texas divorce law" is from New York!

I strongly urge you to hire a professional to help you.

PLEASE DON'T USE A NOTARY OR PARALEGAL.

There are apparently several notaries doing legal forms for people. I don't know who these people are but what they are doing is illegal in the State of Texas. It is called barrarity and it is a criminal offense. When caught, they are actively prosecuted. Why? Because they are doing things wrong and basically stealing people's hard earned money.

A notary can be a high school drop-out. There is NO training of any kind for a notary.

I've had so many people crying at the booth when they learn they have wasted time and money.

When my plumbing breaks, I hire a plumber. It's funny that everyone can find the money when their toilet backs up! However, many people say they don't have money for an attorney.

2007 Pro Bono and Legal Services Award -- Frank J. Scurlock Award

Lan T. Nguyen received the 2007 Frank J. Scurlock Award.

She was recommended for the award by the Houston Bar Assocation's Executive Director, Kay Sim.

I've known Lan for many years and I can't say enough good things about her. She is an outstanding attorney. She is an extremely hard worker. She does many pro bono cases through Houston Volunteer Lawyers and other Houston area charities.

In one case, I represented a Vietnamese grandmother though Houston Volunteer Lawyers Progam, when I asked for an interpreter -- I was referred to Lan. Unfortunately, she was already one of the attorneys on the case! It was a very complex and difficult case, but even though Lan was a strong advocate for her client, she was a person that was pleasant to deal with and to easily respect. Her word is like gold! When the situation gets stressful, she is able to maintain her cool and her sense of humor.

Congratulations to Lan T. Nguyen for her work in the Houston community and the Houston Vietnamese community!

She is inspiring! She is an outstanding person!