Family Law

The Law Offices of Andrea M. Kolski provides family law services in The Woodlands, Texas. Call 832-381-3430 to schedule a consultation.

Divorce, child custody, and domestic violence issues can wreak havoc on families. In times of crisis, it is vital to have an experienced, compassionate, and highly skilled family attorney on your side. Attorney Andrea M. Kolski has nearly 20 years of experience in family law, on both sides of each type of case.

Divorce

Divorce law in Texas is fairly complex. Although No Fault divorce is the easiest option, divorce for grounds can affect the distribution of property, as well as child custody, and both child and spousal support. Grounds for an At Fault divorce include:

• Cruelty
• Adultery
• Felony Conviction
• Abandonment
• Living Apart
• Confinement in Mental Hospital (3 or more years)

Although Texas is nominally a community property state, courts have a great deal of latitude in the division of property. Spousal agreements regarding property division, as well as custody and support, are often approved, but it can be tough to sit down with your soon to be ex and draft an agreement. A skilled attorney can ensure that your rights are protected throughout your divorce.

Child Custody

In Texas, child custody is divided into two categories. Conservatorship refers to the rights and duties of a parent to make decisions regarding the child, such as medical consent and educational choices. One parent might be given Sole Managing Conservatorship, or the parents might be expected to work together in a Joint Managing Conservatorship. Regardless, the parents are expected to create a written parenting plan.

Physical custody is known as possession and access. There are two codified schedules, standard and expanded standard, but courts are free to designate a different schedule if it is in the best interest of the child. In addition, parents are allowed to work out other arrangements as desired. It is best to make a written agreement to avoid later arguments. Child support typically goes to the parent who has primary possession and access, but this depends heavily on the circumstances of the case.

Child custody is decided based on a wide range of factors, including parental fitness and stability as well as the child’s wishes (if age 12 or above). It is you and your attorney’s responsibility to demonstrate that granting you physical custody is in your child’s best interest.

Visitation & Parental Relocation

When you are sharing custody of a child or multiple children, you don’t have complete freedom to move around as you please. Whether you’re the parent interested in relocating or the other parent who wishes to prevent it, you’ll need a family attorney.

The law offices of Andrea M. Kolski can assist you in your custody case to make sure you abide by Texas laws.

Domestic Violence

If you are charged with domestic violence, or are a victim of it, your life can change forever. Exactly what happens depends on the type of charge. If the victim suffered no lasting harm or physical pain, domestic violence is considered a Class C misdemeanor with a $500 fine. If the violence caused pain or lasting damage, it is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $4000 and up to a year in jail. It rises to a third-degree felony for a subsequent offense or if strangulation was involved, carrying a sentence of two to 10 years in a state penitentiary.

In addition, those who are convicted of domestic violence have additional consequences. You cannot own or possess firearms or obtain a hunting or fishing license. You may not be able to take certain jobs, such as government employment, healthcare work, or teaching. It could also affect you in the event of a divorce.

We will fight for your rights, whether you are the victim or the accused of domestic violence. We are experienced on both sides of the courtroom, and we have the skills you need to navigate the court process.

Family law can be complex and confusing. In addition, many people dealing with family law cases are understandably emotional and overwhelmed. You need an experienced, compassionate family law attorney who will maintain objectivity and fight for you.

Alimony & Spousal Support

Spousal support or alimony refers to money one spouse pays to the other during or after a divorce. It is often one of the biggest points of contention in divorce proceedings. The purpose of alimony is to relieve the financial burden the divorce may have on one spouse over the other. The amount of alimony or spousal support and which party it is paid to is largely based on income. 

Get Started With Andrea M. Kolski

If you need an experienced family lawyer in The Woodlands, call Andrea M. Kolski Attorney at Law at 832-381-3430 to schedule a consultation.