Family Law — Protecting Your Family and Your Future
Family law governs legal issues that affect your family relationships — from marriage and divorce to child custody, support, and property division. When emotions run high and the stakes are significant, having experienced legal guidance can protect your rights, your children, and your financial future. At Snodgrass Law Firm, we handle a full range of family law matters with compassion, strategy, and integrity.
Below is an overview of key family law topics and links to detailed resources on our website so you can get the information you need — and know we’re here to represent you.
Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage)
Divorce is more than ending a legal relationship — it affects your property, your financial future, and often your children. We guide clients through every step of the divorce process, including negotiation of settlements, representation in trial when necessary, and protecting your rights during contentious disputes.
In divorce cases, we address:
Property division and valuation of assets
Spousal maintenance (alimony)
Business interests and retirement accounts
Debts and financial disclosures
Temporary orders during the process
👉Learn more about Uncontested Divorce or Contested Divorce
Child Custody & Visitation
Determining custody and visitation isn’t just a legal decision — it’s about your child’s wellbeing and stability. Texas courts focus on what’s in the “best interest of the child,” which includes emotional, physical, and developmental needs.
We assist with:
Child Custody (Conservatorship) arrangements
Parenting Plans and schedules
Modification of existing custody orders
Relocation cases requiring court approval
👉Learn more about Child Custody & Visitation
Child Support
Child support ensures children receive financial support from both parents. Calculating support involves Texas guidelines that consider income, number of children, and possession schedules. Beyond initial orders, support may need modifications or enforcement when circumstances change.
We help with:
Establishing child support orders
Modifying support when incomes or needs change
Enforcement of unpaid support
👉Learn more about Child Support
Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
Spousal maintenance — sometimes called alimony — provides financial support to a spouse after divorce when there’s a significant need and eligibility meets Texas standards. Maintenance is not automatic; you must meet specific criteria.
We can help you understand:
Eligibility for spousal maintenance
How long maintenance lasts
How amounts are calculated
Defense against unwarranted maintenance claims
Property Division
Texas is a community property state, meaning most assets acquired during marriage are divided equitably (often 50/50) upon divorce. Certain assets may be separate property, and valuation disputes often arise — especially with businesses, real estate, retirement accounts, and complex investments.
We assist with:
Identifying separate vs. community property
Valuing complex assets
Negotiating equitable settlements
Litigation when fair division isn’t reached
Modifications & Enforcement
Family law judgments aren’t always final — life changes, and so can legal orders. If you need to change custody, support amounts, or enforce an existing order, we advocate effectively to protect your interests.
Common post-order issues we handle:
Modifying child custody or support due to changed circumstances
Enforcing support or visitation orders
Contempt proceedings when orders aren’t followed
Family law can feel overwhelming. To help you understand your options early, we’ve put together answers to common questions about divorce, custody, support, and more.
👉Learn more about Modification and Enforcement of Court Orders
Schedule a Consultation
Everyone’s situation is unique. If you’re facing a family law issue — from divorce to custody disputes — we are here to listen, explain your options, and build a strategy tailored to your goals.
👉 Contact Snodgrass Law Firm today to discuss your situation and next steps.
Schedule a consultation and learn how experienced legal representation can make a meaningful difference in your case. Please email us at info@snodlaw.com or call or text us at 361-239-8332 to set up a consultation at our office, by phone, or on Zoom.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce in Texas?
An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all issues, including property division, child custody, and support. A contested divorce happens when spouses cannot reach agreement, requiring negotiation, mediation, or court intervention.
👉Learn more about Uncontested Divorce or Contested Divorce
2. How is child custody determined in Texas?
Texas courts decide custody based on the best interest of the child, considering factors like the child’s emotional and physical needs, parental abilities, and stability. Custody may be joint or sole, and parenting plans establish visitation schedules.
👉Learn more about Child Custody & Visitation
3. What is the difference between legal and physical custody?
Legal custody refers to the right to make decisions about a child’s education, healthcare, and welfare.
Physical custody refers to where the child lives and who provides day-to-day care.
Both types of custody can be shared or sole.
4. How is child support calculated in Texas?
Child support is calculated using state guidelines that consider the noncustodial parent’s income, number of children, and the child’s needs. Additional factors include medical expenses, childcare costs, and existing support obligations.
👉Learn more about Child Support
5. Can child support or custody orders be modified?
Yes. Orders can be modified if circumstances change significantly, such as a change in income, relocation, or a child’s needs. Modification requires filing a petition with the court and showing the change is substantial.
👉Learn more about Modification and Enforcement of Court Orders
6. What qualifies someone for spousal maintenance (alimony) in Texas?
A spouse may qualify if they lack sufficient property or income to meet reasonable needs and:
The marriage lasted 10 years or longer, or
One spouse cannot support themselves due to disability, caring for a child, or other qualifying factors.
7. How is community property divided in a divorce?
Texas is a community property state, meaning most assets acquired during the marriage are divided fairly, not necessarily equally. Separate property (owned before marriage or received by gift/inheritance) is generally not divided.
8. Are debts divided in the same way as assets?
Yes. Debts incurred during the marriage are usually considered community debts and may be divided between spouses. Debts held in one spouse’s name may still be shared responsibility depending on the circumstances.
9. Can I enforce visitation if my ex is not following the court order?
Yes. The court can enforce visitation orders, including through contempt proceedings, make-up visitation, or other remedies to ensure the child spends the ordered time with the parent.
10. How long does a divorce take in Texas?
The timeline varies depending on complexity. Uncontested divorces can be finalized in about 60 days (the minimum waiting period), while contested divorces may take months or even over a year if trial is required.
👉Learn more about Uncontested Divorce or Contested Divorce
11. Do I need a lawyer for a family law case?
While not required, having an experienced family law attorney protects your rights, ensures paperwork is correct, and helps negotiate fair outcomes. Legal guidance is especially important in contested cases, complex property divisions, or custody disputes.
👉Schedule a Consultation
12. What should I do if I think my child’s safety is at risk?
If there is any concern about abuse or neglect, contact local authorities immediately. Family law attorneys can help you petition for custody modifications or protective measures to keep your child safe while addressing legal concerns.
