David Rippel specializes in all aspects of family law relating to separation, divorce, children or finances. He offers an extensive range of services that covers pre-nuptial agreements, contact and residential disputes, mediation, child support applications and more. If you need help or advice, please get in touch. There is no charge for the initial interview.

	Child Protective Services Cases
	Divorce
	Child Custody
	Child Support
	Alimony
	Asset Distribution

Child Protective Services Cases
In terms of divorce, there are two types - Contested and Uncontested. A contested divorce means that the parties cannot agree about the issues, i.e. property, assets, debts, children, support etc.

Divorce
In terms of divorce, there are two types - Contested and Uncontested. A contested divorce means that the parties cannot agree about the issues, i.e. property, assets, debts, children, support etc. It resembles a standard lawsuit with a trial before a judge. However, these issues may be resolved at mediation. For a divorce to be uncontested there must not be any children under the age of 18 and there is an agreement about all of the other issues.

Child Custody
In Texas, it is most common that one parent is the primary residential parent meaning this is where the child(ren) will live and the other parent has reasonable, liberal visitation (if no abuse). Both parents have a shared parental responsibility which means that important decisions about the child(ren) are decided together.

Child Support
Both parents are responsible for the support of their children. Texas has child support guidelines. Child support is calculated by determining the net monthly income of both parents, number of children, daycare expenses if any and insurance for the children.

Alimony
Either party may be granted alimony. Alimony is either Rehabilitative Alimony or permanent in nature. The court may consider the adultery of either spouse and the circumstances thereof in determining the amount of alimony.

Asset Distribution
In Texas, the proceeding for a dissolution marriage includes the distribution of marital assets and liabilities between the parties. The court begins with the premise that these will be divided equally but if there is justification for an unequal distribution then it is considered equitable and not necessarily equal.