Sisemore Law Firm, P.C.’s Blog

Key Takeaways: Rule 11 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure allows parties in a lawsuit to document agreements in writing so they’re clear, trackable and enforceable. In Texas divorce and custody cases, Rule 11 agreements help clarify temporary or practical issues—like releasing funds, paying bills, or adjusting visitation—without repeated court hearings. A Rule 11 agreement must be in writing, signed, and filed (or stated...Read More

On September 1, 2025, several changes to the Texas Family Code went into effect. The changes will affect many aspects of divorce and child custody cases, including child support, who has standing to file a family lawsuit, protective orders, new requirements parties need to meet when filing suit (certified birth certificates, affidavits) and more. We cover some of the Texas Family Code changes here but...Read More

Spousal maintenance is complex and often misunderstood in Texas divorce cases. While Texas does not recognize traditional alimony, courts may award limited spousal maintenance to help a spouse meet their minimum basic needs. This blog explains the difference between court-ordered maintenance and contractual alimony, who may qualify and the key factors courts consider when deciding if and how much support must be paid. Whether you’re...Read More

Table of Contents: The push for no-fault divorce began in the early 20th century. In 1969, California was the first state to legalize no-fault divorce under the helm of then governor Ronald Reagan. The law went into effect January 1, 1970. Texas legalized no-fault divorce in 1970 but still allows couples to use at-fault grounds to sue for divorce. Texas family courts can decide to...Read More

Key Takeaways: If a parent goes to jail do they lose custody automatically? Do incarcerated parents have any parental rights? When can you terminate an incarcerated parent’s rights? How do the courts approach child custody when one parent is in jail? What happens to a child when a parent goes to jail who has sole custody? What are a grandparent’s rights when a parent is...Read More

Table of contents: What is the difference between sole custody and full custody in Texas? Why people get confused about sole custody vs. full custody Is sole or full custody the same as terminating parental rights? What is joint custody vs. sole custody in Texas? Factors Texas courts consider when determining joint custody vs. sole custody In Texas, people often get confused by the terms...Read More