Other Legal Figures of the University of Texas

As we know, Marshall Davis Brown, otherwise known as David Brown, graduated from the University of Texas at Permian Basin prior to attending the South Texas College of Law and pursing his career in family law. Aside from being one of the biggest public higher education systems in the country, though, the University of Texas System is also well-known for turning out so many renowned and respected legal figures.

Elizabeth Warren is arguably the most prominent legal figure to be associated with UT. She taught there for six years in the 1980's, and has also taught at the Harvard Law School. She has since accomplished many other feats. She's currently the head senator of Massachusetts, but she has also helped to establish the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. She was also a chairmember of the Congressional Oversight Panel which oversaw the Troubled Asset Relief Program during the 2008 financial crisis.

Then there was Laura Bush, who was the First Lady from 2001 to 2009. She got her Master's degree in Library Science at the University of Texas at Austin. She began to get involved politically when she married George W. Bush in 1977, implementing many health, education, and literacy initiatives during her husbands presidency. She also helped Geore W. in his campaign for presidency during his run.

Perhaps not surprisingly, Jeb Bush, the son of former president George Bush and George W. Bush's brother, also attended the University of Texas for Latin American Affairs. He was the governor of Florida for eight years, from 1999 to 2007. He was the only republican Floridian governor to serve two full terms.

Texas Divorce and What to Watch for

No one goes into a marriage expecting it to end in divorce, but unfortunately, a staggering percentage of marriages in the United States end prematurely. The situation is particularly vexing in a state like Texas, where the laws are a bit more specific and there are many more stipulations. Though you might feel the need to do whatever you have to in order to get things over quickly and "painlessly," it's important to do your due diligence and hire a local lawyer, like Marshall Davis Brown from TX, to make sure things get done properly.

The main thing you need to look out for in a Texas divorce case is which jurisdiction your case falls in. There are numerous different district courts in the state – to have a divorce in Texas, you need to have lived in the state for six months, at least, and the county for three.

Also, know about the period between the divorce being filed and finalized – this is called temporary orders. During this time, it will be established which spouse will stay in the shared home, who will pay for shared bills, and a visitation schedule if children are involved.

Most importantly, remember that it could take a year or more for a divorce to be finalized. For this reason, it's important to make use of a knowledgeable lawyer to make sure that your temporary orders agreements are satisfactory and that you're getting everything you deserve out of the separation. Furthermore, if there are children involved, you should want the best for them, and a lawyer can help ensure that they get the best support and custody agreement for the situation.

Domestic Abuse in Texas and its Effects on Child Custody

Lawyers like Marshall Davis Brown in TX have fought in cases of family law for years. It's always been an issue and, unfortunately, it probably always will be. Cases of family law are always complex, but even more so when domestic violence and children come into play. Because they're such sensitive issues, it can be difficult to gather up the courage to take the course in the first place, but if you find the right lawyer, you'll find that justice will be served.

The term "domestic violence" encompasses a vast range of situations and behaviors, always amongst residents of the same home, families, and people who share children. Physical abuse is most commonly attributed to the term, but it also includes (but isn't limited to): stalking, verbal harassment, sexual assault, intimidation, emotional abuse, and more.

A person who is charged with any count of domestic violence may be issued a restraining order – along with, of course, a number of different fines and potential jail time. But when children are involved, it also affects the custody of that child. A parent with a restraining order, he or she will be required to pay child support but not be granted any visitation rights. There are different extents and extremities of that punishment which is to be decided by the courts.

A restraining order isn't necessary to affect custody, however. Any charge of domestic violence will have an effect on visitation – it is likely that the time of visitation will be greatly reduced, and will probably need to be supervised.

If you or someone you know is in a case of domestic abuse, whether children are involved or not, don't be afraid to bring it in front of the courts. Safety and comfort comes first, and an abuser deserves the punishment that is coming for them. There are plenty of experienced lawyers in Texas that know the state doesn't take these cases lightly and who can get you or your loved one the deserved justice.

Texas and Domestic Assault: A Serious Matter

Although, for obvious reasons, no state takes the issue of domestic assault lightly, Texas especially cracks down on the matter. As a matter of fact, there's an entire chapter in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure that focuses on the pressing concerns of violence in the household and within the family. While it's great to have such protection, however, any matter that is taken so seriously in the state courts is bound to be difficult to deal with legally.

It's unfortunate, but there is an unacceptably high number of domestic violence cases in Texas. According to a study in 2011, 74% of Texans had either been involved in a case of domestic abuse or known someone personally who had. In other words, it's a matter that concerns everyone.

If you're experiencing domestic abuse, it's not a matter you should be afraid to bring in front of the courts – the punishments are hefty. Get a good family lawyer in Texas, like Marshall Davis Brown to ensure justice. The penalties, of course, depend on the case, but no one gets away clean. A first offense of domestic assault is typically considered a Class A misdemeanor, which could lead to up to one year in jail and/or up to $4,000 in fines. Remember – that's the lowest charge, it can only get worse from there.

If you're charged again, your punishment will worsen. A second offense can potentially be considered a felony in the third degree, earning you up to ten years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines.

Aggravated domestic assault can earn a person a sentence of five to life in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines.

In other words, justice will be served. Never keep quiet about your case – the law is on your side, especially in Texas.

The Field of Family Law

Many family law cases are related to one another. For example, cases involving paternity tests will likely also involve child support, the same way child custody will come up in a case of divorce. That's why family lawyers' specializations, like those of John C. Pavlas and Marshall Davis Brown, TX family attorneys, encompass many – if not all – of these roles. Here is the general scope of family law.

Divorce

Divorce requires a balance between being aggressive and being sensitive. It takes a special kind of lawyer to minimize conflict – and therefore, emotional trauma – while still standing firm. Lawyers can help with anything from divorce planning to prenups to property division.

Family Violence

This is another sensitive field of family law – it requires both an emotional understanding/support system as well as aggressive legal representation in order to be effective.

Paternity

Either a father or a mother can bring about a law suit demanding an establishment of paternity. A good lawyer would be able to represent either party and link the results to any further action, such as child support and visitation rights.

Modification

Some situations require that the previously administered child custody, support, or visitation orders be modified. This requires an expert counsel in order to establish that the modification is within reason for both parties. It's important to have a good lawyer who can seamlessly guide the client through the process and who is familiar with the stipulations of modification.

Mediation

Mediation is a great way for families to resolve issues without going to trial. However, effective mediation services require an in-depth knowledge of the various settlement options in divorce and mediation.