Firm Overview

October 6th, 2010

Texas Family Lawyers — Collaborative Divorce Law Attorneys

Board Certified Family Law Specialists by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

The Texas Family lawyers at Woods, May & Matlock, P.C. deliver exceptional, personalized representation in different types of divorce and family law cases.

The Frisco family law lawyers provide honest advice, precise answers, and cost effective solutions that are customized to your particular situation including mediation, collaborative law and arbitration.

Valuable Service By Board Certified Specialists in Texas Family Law

As part of our commitment to deliver exceptional services, all of our lawyers are Board Certified Specialists in Family Law. Kay Woods, Marc May and Robert Matlock have met the rigorous standards set by the State of Texas Board of Legal Specialization, in order to achieve the certification. Some of these high standards include: getting through a tough examination, evaluations by fellow judges and attorneys, active participation in various legal educational programs, compliance with re-certification procedures every five years and active involvement and participation in a specific are of the law.

Avoiding Court To Save Costs

One way to save costs in a divorce is to avoid the courtroom. The Frisco divorce attorney who is handling your case will use methods such as collaborative law, arbitration and mediation to try and settle everything out of court. If it is absolutely necessary though, the Frisco family law lawyer will be ready to fight for you in the courtroom. They will ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the divorce proceedings. If you are ever confused by the proceedings, your Frisco family law attorney will be there to answer any questions that you may have.

At Woods, May & Matlock – Caring, Experienced Attorneys Are on Your Side

When you have a Frisco divorce attorney by your side, you will know that you are getting the best representation possible in your divorce case. You will be treated like an individual, with your feelings and needs always being taken into consideration. Your attorney will listen to your concerns and do his or her best to answer any questions you may have about the divorce.

AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

All of the Frisco divorce attorneys are AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the most prestigious rating that can be received from this organization. This rating recognizes the fact that the Frisco family law lawyers are highly professional and have strong ethics and integrity.

When you retain the services of a Frisco family law lawyer, your information will always remain confidential, and you will be treated with the utmost respect.

Call Woods, May & Matlock, P.C for a Free Consultation

If you and your spouse have decided that it is time for a divorce, you need to make sure that you have a good attorney on your side. If you would like to learn more about divorce proceedings, or other matters involving family law, you can call a Frisco family law lawyer to arrange a free consultation in Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Prosper, Allen, Carrollton, Richardson, and may other communities in Colin, Dallas and Rockwall counties.

Due to our professionalism, dedication and work ethics, most of our clients are referred to us by past satisfied clients and other lawyers.

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Practice Areas

October 6th, 2010

Caring Legal Counsel – Frisco Family Law Lawyer

Family law is an extremely complicated subject, and there are many different issues involved. The Frisco family law lawyers at Woods, May & Matlock are experienced in all areas of family law, including:

•    Annulment
•    Divorce
•    Child Support
•    Modification of Prior Child Support and Custody Orders
•    Child Custody
•    Alimony and Spousal Maintenance
•    Marital Property Agreements and Property Division
•    Enforcing Texas Court Orders, as well as Court Orders From Other States and Countries
•    Paternity Rights
•    Grandparents’ Rights
•    Domestic Violence
•    Collaborative Law
•    Mediation
•    Adoption

Because the Frisco attorneys at Woods, May & Matlock, P.C. only practice family law, we can give you personalized service and the assurance that we will focus all of our efforts on resolving your family law issues.  We will work with you to make sure that you understand all of the issues involved in your case and suggest the best and most practical solutions to the issues involved.

If you live in Dallas, Denton, Collin or Rockwell Counties and are going through a divorce, we at Woods, May & Matlock, P.C. will help you get the best results possible in any situation. You will be treated with respect, empathy and compassion. We have the knowledge and experience needed to handle all types of family law cases. If you need a competent Frisco family law lawyer to help you with your divorce, please do not hesitate to contact us as soon as possible.

We are here to answer all of your questions, and speaking to our experienced Frisco divorce attorneys can educate you on how the process works. The telephone consultation is at no cost.

Providing you with a wide array of legal services, the competent Frisco family law lawyers at Woods, May & Matlock, P.C. are here to serve you.

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Marital Property Division

October 6th, 2010

Frisco Family Law Lawyer & Property Division

When people are married, property is acquired by both parties. At the time of divorce, the division of that property is most often at the forefront of the proceedings.  A Frisco family law lawyer can help you with your rights. Your attorney will assist you in sorting through any confusion that may arise in determining what property each partner is entitled to receive when the marriage is dissolved.

Because Texas is a community property state, many people mistakenly believe that a judge is going to divide property equally between spouses in a divorce case. This is not always the case, as any judge is going to examine all of the facts and decide the best way to distribute any assets accumulated during the marriage. When this happens, there are many times when parties do not feel that they have been treated fairly.

How Property Division Is Determined

There are a number of factors involved in a judge’s decision as to how property is divided in a divorce. If there are children involved, the decision often will favor the parent who will have primary responsibility for caring for and raising the children. This decision will also depend on the earning potential of both parents, and, in some cases, a judge may order that there is more for one party than the other.

Most couples find it difficult to reach an agreement about how to divide their property. This is because of the complexities involved. It is crucial that you consult with a skilled and experienced family law lawyer for assistance if you believe that there may be a problem with property division during your divorce.

You can learn more about this on our “What to Expect with Property Division” page.

If you would like to arrange for a consultation with one of our Texas family law lawyers and specialists, you can call the Frisco office at 214-387-8501 or the McKinney office at 972-387-9955.

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Marital Property Agreements

October 6th, 2010

Frisco Family Law Lawyer – Offering Guidance with Martial Property Agreements

Texas is a community property state, therefore all assets that are acquired by a couple during their marriage are owned equally by both of them regardless of who actually bought the property or whose name is on the title of it. Separate property, on the other hand, can include property and assets that are acquired from gifts and from inheritances. These distinctions become very important in the event of a divorce or if a spouse dies.

Property Division During a Divorce

Despite being a community property state, it is not always an automatic half and half division of the marital property. There are many factors that determine which property is split and which must revert back to the sole owner. There is also property that might be out of the jurisdiction of the Texas Family court systems. Discussing your case with a Frisco family law lawyer can protect your rights as well as the property that you worked hard to acquire.

Property Ownership When a Spouse Dies

When a spouse dies, the ownership of community property reverts back to the surviving spouse. Ownership of the deceased spouse’s separate property will likely revert to the surviving spouse unless other provisions have been made for its dispensation.

Making a Marital Property Agreement

Most property agreements are made before the marriage takes place; however, it can also be made after the marriage begins. The primary purpose of this agreement is to define what property is a community property and what is a separate property during the course of the marriage.

Even if everyone is in complete agreement, it is important to refer to a Frisco family law attorney so that the property agreement is completely legal and can be considered binding.

Marital property agreement is an important document, and the attorneys at Woods, May & Matlock are available to help you. Qualified and skilled, a Frisco family law lawyer will ensure that your agreement is drafted as it is supposed to be. Contact us today.

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Paternity Court Order Attorney

October 6th, 2010

Frisco Family Law Lawyer Explains About Paternity

Most people are aware that the term “paternity” means identification of a child’s father. However, often people think that paternity is something that is automatic when one becomes a father. Actually, there are two ways to determine the paternity of a child, if the mother and father of the child are not married at the time the child is born:

1) sign and file an acknowledgment of paternity, or

2) entering paternity court orders.

A Frisco family law lawyer can help you with this.

Acknowledging Paternity

If a man does want to claim that he is the father of a child, he can execute an “acknowledgment of paternity.” This states that he is the legal father and is often done shortly after the baby is born, offered by staff at the hospital. Once both parents sign this document, it is then sent by hospital staff to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Austin, Texas. It is then filed in the proper birth and death records for the State of Texas.

Court Ordered Paternity

The mother or father of a child may set the legal wheels in motion and file suit asking that the court recognize a man as the father of a child. If this is an action brought about by a man, it is going to be assumed by the judge that this man is the father of the child, unless this is challenged by the mother, and DNA testing is requested to be sure. On the other hand, if the mother is the person filing the suit, the man has two choices: Acknowledge that he is the father of the child, or request DNA testing to be certain.

In the past, paternity could only be determined based on blood tests of the parents and child. Over the years, science has come a long way, and DNA testing of today takes the place of regular blood typing tests. This leaves little doubt as to whether or not a man is in fact the father of a child.

If either parent has requested DNA testing, this will be ordered by the court, and both parties as well as the child will be required to supply a blood sample, as well as photo ID, when they appear at the testing agency office. Once the testing has been done, there will be a file sent to the court. DNA testing is so accurate that a determination will be made, either that the man is or is not the father of the child, with no doubt.

Should DNA tests prove that the man is not the father of the child in question, than there is no longer a paternity suit, and the judge in the case is going to dismiss it. If the father still maintains that he is in fact the father of the child, then he will be required to pay child support, and requested visitation will also be ordered. In the case of a divorce after having a child, it is important to get the help of a Frisco divorce attorney.

What Is Retroactive Child Support?

There is no specified time-frame in Texas when such a lawsuit can be filed. And it is also possible that retroactive child support may be re-assessed, and it can go back as far as when the child was first born. If you think you are making payments that you do not need to be making, a Frisco divorce attorney can help you make sense of everything.

There are occasions where a mother will not bother to seek child support for many years, but when she finally does decide, if she has not been getting it for many years, the amount that could be owed may be far too much for the man to be able to afford all at once. Because this can get so expensive, the Family Code only allows retroactive child support to go back four years, in most cases.

In some instances, the mother of a child may elect not to seek paternity orders for many years. In recognition, the Family Code includes a presumption that retroactive child support orders reach back no more than 4 years.

Conclusion

A man who is a parent is obliged to take care of that child, at least financially. But if the man is paying child support, he is also entitled to visit his child and make certain decisions when it comes to the child’s well-being.

If you need assistance with a legal issue, a Frisco family law lawyer can assist you. Contact us for a free consultation today.

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Divorce Mediation & Arbitration

September 30th, 2010

Frisco Divorce Mediation

Divorce Mediation is the process of having arguments about a divorce settled out of the courtroom, which can save a lot of time and money.

Divorces are usually pretty complicated, and there are often many little details that cannot be easily agreed between the two parties involved. Divorces can become especially complicated when there are children involved and the issues of child custody and parental support come to the fore.

Texas judges usually will not allow a suit to be brought to trial unless divorce mediation has first been tried. Many cases do end up in the courtroom, however most of the time this is a last resort as many  In a divorce mediation you will need help from a skilled and experienced attorney, to act as representative for you.

Mediation Before Trial

With the help of your Frisco divorce attorney, divorce mediation can be a way to make sure that you receive more from your suit than you would if you were to take the matter to court. There are certain things that the court can and cannot do, and things that it must do in divorce proceedings. If this process does not take place, the settlement decided upon by a judge may not be favorable for you as one that was reached by divorce mediation through your Frisco divorce attorney.

If both parties do agree on settlements reached during the process, a Mediation Settlement Agreement will be drawn up. This agreement is binding, and cannot be altered once agreed upon. This is not the final court order on the divorce, but it does fix the settlement terms for both parties, who, along with the court, are locked into the agreement.

If you are considering divorce, and want to learn more about the mediation process, please call one a Frisco divorce attorney from Woods, May & Matlock.

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Grounds For Divorce in Texas

September 13th, 2010

Frisco Divorce Attorney Explains

In Texas there are “fault” grounds for divorce, and also“no-fault” grounds for divorce. When a divorce is filed on the basis of insupportability, it is called a no-fault divorce. This type of divorce is defined as a “conflict of personalities that destroys the marriage relationship”. The category of no-fault grounds for divorce in Texas was created to keep animosity and contention to a minimum.

While a majority of the divorces in Frisco Texas are filed on the basis of “insupportability”, other common reasons that are recognized by the Family Code include: abandonment, adultery, conviction of a felony, cruelty and living apart.

Fault grounds for divorce such as abandonment, cruel treatment and several others are still recognized as legal grounds for divorce by Texas law.

If your marriage is no longer a happy one, but you do not have a specific reason for getting a divorce, a Frisco divorce attorney from Woods, May and Matlock can help you. We will do our best to clear up any confusion that you may have, support you in your claims, and ensure that there is as little trouble during the proceedings as possible.

DIVORCE 101 – Free Consultation With A Frisco Divorce Attorney – Get the Facts without obligation.

Did you know that you can now learn more about a no-fault divorce at absolutely no cost to yourself? A Frisco divorce attorney from Woods., May and Matlock will listen to you, help you clarify your situation, and even educate you about Texas divorce law during a no-cost telephone consultation. You will have the opportunity to ask the questions you need answered before proceeding with a divorce.

Speaking with a Frisco family law attorney is a great way to learn the facts about no-fault divorces. It is also a good way to get to know us and develop a working relationship that will benefit you in your divorce.

Avoiding Going to Trial

The Frisco divorce attorneys at Woods May & Matlock will help you with your no-fault divorce, whether in mediation, settling everything amicably out of court, or by litigating.  Do remember that the longer the process goes on in the court system, the more it is going to cost in the long run. Our Frisco divorce attorneys work hard to ensure that your divorce costs as little as possible – in cash out of pocket, or in time.

As long as there are no complications, there is usually no need to have to go to trial, but in the event that your divorce does go to the courtroom, we will be at your side, working to ensure that you receive the best and fairest treatment the courts can offer. We will resolve issues with our experience and expertise in mediation, collaborative law and arbitration.

No divorce is ever easy, but when you file for a no-fault divorce, you will find that the process is quite simple, and with the help of a Woods, May and Matlock Frisco divorce attorney, you can be assured that the process is going to go as smoothly as possible.

Personalized Attention From Frisco Family Law Attorneys

If you are going in for a no-fault divorce, you should be fully aware and clear about your various options as the choice you make will affect you and your family.

The WMM Frisco divorce attorney who represents you will be sensitive to your situation, listen to all your concerns, sit with you and help you define your objectives, advice you in examining your various options and provide you practical legal advice that is specific to your unique situation. This attentive approach that our Frisco divorce attorneys adopt will help you make the right decisions.

If you live in Frisco Texas and need the help of a divorce attorney remember that our Frisco divorce attorneys serve clients in Frisco, Carrollton, Allen, Dallas, McKinney, Plano, Richardson, Garland, as well as in Collin, Denton, and Rockwall counties.

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Attorney Profiles

September 6th, 2010

“Family Law, Board Certified, Texas Board of Legal Specialization”

The attorneys at Woods, May and Matlock P.C. are specialists in all aspects of Texas family code, which can include pre-marital and post-marital property agreements, divorce suits, child support or child custody cases, grandparent matters, parental rights disputes, modification suits and cases, domestic violence issues and all other family law cases.

With over three quarters of a century of collective experience, the attorneys are focused on litigation, collaborative law, mediation and arbitration in much of northern Texas, including the counties of Dallas, Collin, Denton, Rockwall and Tarrant. They are also listed in Martindale-Hubbell’s Registry of Preeminent Lawyers.

The competent attorneys at Woods, May and Matlock are licensed to practice in all Texas trial courts, the Texas Court of Appeals, the Texas Supreme Court, the US Supreme Court, the US Tax Court, the US Courts of Appeals and many district courts.

To learn more about the attorneys in our practice, please select a name from below.

  • D. Kay Woods
  • Marc R. May
  • Robert J. Matlock

We would like to invite you to call us with any questions that you might have about an attorney or any of the services that we offer here.

We aggressively and creatively serve all our clients. Our well-researched and solid legal opinions help clients make well-informed decisions in the most time-efficient and affordable manner.

Any legal issue related to the family is stressful, but selecting a Frisco family law lawyer should not be. You want a Frisco family law lawyer who is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and that’s exactly what you will get with the attorneys at Woods, May & Matlock. With our attorneys on your team, you are assured of a Frisco family law lawyer who will negotiate when appropriate, and know which situations needs which approach.

Let the experienced Frisco family law lawyers help you achieve quick solutions to your legal problems.

Click here to contact us now.

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