DIVORCE
Each divorce is as unique as each marriage, and each divorce deserves to be approached with empathy.DIVORCE
Each divorce is as unique as each marriage, and each divorce deserves to be approached with empathy. A wide range of issues can arise in the divorce process, such as asset division and issues related to children. Options for all issues need to be carefully considered to arrive at the best possible outcome for you and your family’s future.
The lawyers at Maples | Jones are known for their creative approaches and successful solutions.
ASSET DIVISION
As part of every divorce the marital assets must be divided.ASSET DIVISION
As part of every divorce the marital assets must be divided. Marital estates include all property owned by the parties at the time of divorce, which includes personal items, houses, bank accounts, cars, etc. Before property can be divided, it must be identified and a determination must be made regarding whether the property belongs to one or both of the spouses. Asset division may require the use of the discovery process, business and property valuations, and financial experts.
At Maples | Jones, our expertise and attention to detail ensures that our clients maintain the assets to which they are entitled following their divorce, regardless of the complexity of their estate.
CHILD CUSTODY
In Texas, the best interest of the child is always the number one priority of the courtsCHILD CUSTODY
In Texas, the best interest of the child is always the number one priority of the courts. A parenting plan should promote a healthy and frequent relationship with each parent, so long as there is no risk to the child. Parenting plans will define who makes decisions for the child, the primary residence of the child, the visitation schedule, and child support among other things. The goal of a parenting plan is to create a workable solution for parents to successfully and cooperatively raise their children after separation.
At Maples | Jones, we are committed to ensuring the best interests of your children are carefully considered and protected.
MODIFICATION OF COURT ORDERS
When court orders are made as a result of an agreement or a judge’s ruling, it is considered a final judgment.MODIFICATION OF COURT ORDERS
When court orders are made as a result of an agreement or a judge’s ruling, it is considered a final judgment. However, sometimes circumstances related to custody, child support or other matters change and an existing final judgment needs to be modified. If the circumstances materially and substantially impact the lives of the children or the parties, then certain terms of a final judgment may necessitate revisions.
The team at Maples | Jones can help you assess the effect that certain changes have had on your family and guide you about whether your situation warrants a modification of an existing court order. If a court order has become unworkable, we are here to provide options for creating a new situation that is workable for your family.
SAME SEX FAMILY LAW MATTERS
In 2015, the Supreme Court decided that same-sex marriage is a legal, fundamental right everywhere in the country.SAME SEX FAMILY LAW MATTERS
In 2015, the Supreme Court decided that same-sex marriage is a legal, fundamental right everywhere in the country (Obergefell v. Hodges).While the State of Texas has historically opposed the right for same-sex couples to marry, Travis County has aggressively and progressively rallied in support of our LGBTQ community. However, even with the granting of this fundamental right to marry, same-sex couples are still met with challenges in family law matters related to divorce, child custody, adoption, and assisted reproduction. Every individual, regardless of gender or marital title, has legal rights in family law.
The team at Maples | Jones is committed to educating its clients on their rights and offering guidance to the complexities that arise in same-sex family law matters.
UNMARRIED COUPLES AND PROPERTY
Oftentimes, couples decide not to get married, but they share a life together and accumulate property as committed life partners.UNMARRIED COUPLES AND PROPERTY
Oftentimes, couples decide not to get married, but they share a life together and accumulate property as committed life partners. When that relationship ends, the parties are left with the challenging task of dividing property they have acquired during the relationship. This process is usually very emotional as individuals are worried about the financial outcome of dividing their property.
The team at Maples | Jones assists their clients with creating an inventory of the assets and determining the value of those assets. You can count on us to educate you about your legal rights and provide options for ensuring a fair division of the property and assets acquired during the relationship.
ENFORCEMENT OF COURT ORDERS
Unfortunately, not everyone follows court orders, which may require legal action to enforce the terms of a court order.ENFORCEMENT OF COURT ORDERS
Unfortunately, not everyone follows court orders, which may require legal action to enforce the terms of a court order. When a person violates a court order related to property division, child support, custody or visitation, it usually results in a negative impact.
If you need help enforcing a court order or if you have been accused of violating a court order, the team at Maples | Jones is available to assess the situation and provide options for enforcing a court order or defending against an allegation of a violation.
BUSINESS DISPUTES AMONG SPOUSES
Oftentimes, spouses create business interests during the marriage.BUSINESS DISPUTES AMONG SPOUSES
Oftentimes, spouses create business interests during the marriage. During the divorce process, the business interests must be explored to determine the rights held by each spouse. If it is determined that the business is an asset of the marital estate, then the business must be valued in order to fairly and equitably divide the value of those business interests. Business disputes that arise as part of a divorce case can, at times, be an extremely complicated process.
The team at Maples | Jones frequently deals with business disputes among spouses and they are prepared to navigate their clients through the dispute as well as advocate aggressively to preserve the business interests or the value resulting from the business.
HIGH NET WORTH ESTATES
Spouses inevitably acquire assets during marriage, which need to be divided fairly and equitably during the divorce process.HIGH NET WORTH ESTATES
Spouses inevitably acquire assets during marriage, which need to be divided fairly and equitably during the divorce process. Some assets may hold significant value or financial opportunities, while other assets hold emotional value. The process of dividing marital assets requires an inventory of the marital estate and determining values for certain assets, which can be an overwhelming process. High net worth estates often include complex issues related to real property, business interests, intellectual property, brokerage investments, trusts, etc.
The team at Maples | Jones is experienced in dividing high net worth estates. We are committed to advocating for your economic interests to help preserve your investments and build a stable future for life after divorce.
LITIGATION
Whether your case is a divorce case, custody case or a case modifying an existing order, the end result is resolution.LITIGATION
Whether your case is a divorce case, custody case or a case modifying an existing order, the end result is resolution. A resolution to your case can happen by reaching agreements on disputed issues through negotiation, including the mediation process. However, sometimes an agreement cannot be reached, in which case, spouses or parties must turn to the Court for guidance and litigate disputed matters.
While the lawyers at Maples | Jones are fierce litigators and they love to shine in the courtroom, they also understand that litigation comes at an emotional and economic cost to all parties involved. The team at Maples | Jones is prepared to educate you on all aspects and options for reaching the best possible resolution for your case.
SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE
In some situations, one spouse may require additional financial support for a limited, but determined, period of time following divorce.SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE
In some situations, one spouse may require additional financial support for a limited, but determined, period of time following divorce. The State of Texas has defined a set of factors to help our courts determine the duration and amount of spousal maintenance necessary to help a spouse maintain their minimum reasonable needs.
Our team at Maples| Jones is well versed in the factors used to determine whether spousal maintenance should be a consideration in your divorce.
MEDIATION
The goal of mediation is to settle the disputes in your case as an alternative to go to court.MEDIATION
The goal of mediation is to settle the disputes in your case as an alternative to go to court. Mediation also allows the parties the opportunity to negotiate and craft an agreement that is tailored to your needs and the needs of your family. A mediator is a neutral third-party, typically another experienced family law attorney. The mediator will listen to the both parties and attempt to facilitate an agreement. Mediation is a confidential process and is a requirement before final trial in most counties in Central Texas. If a Mediated Settlement Agreement is reached, the agreement is binding. Most, but not all, family law matters are settled in mediation.
Our lawyers at Maples | Jones are highly skilled in advocating for your interests in this resolution-oriented forum.
CHILD SUPPORT
Every child deserves to be supported emotionally and financially by both parents.CHILD SUPPORT
Every child deserves to be supported emotionally and financially by both parents. The State of Texas has formulated guidelines that are used to define how child support is determined However, courts recognize that unique circumstances may necessitate the need for support that does not strictly follow the guidelines.
At Maples | Jones, our team will work to ensure that you have a clear understanding of how the child support guidelines apply to your family and take into account any circumstances that relate to your child’s needs.
PREMARITAL & POSTMARITAL AGREEMENTS
Colloquially referred to as the “Prenup,” a premarital or postmarital agreement can help you protect your assets during a marriage or outline the division of assets in the event of a divorce.PREMARITAL & POSTMARITAL AGREEMENTS
Colloquially referred to as the “Prenup,” a premarital or postmarital agreement can help you protect your assets during a marriage or outline the division of assets in the event of a divorce. Regardless of the intent of the parties, without a premarital or postmarital agreement, Texas law will define how the assets you acquire during your marriage will be divided at the time of divorce. Parties enter into these agreements for various reasons, including wealth protection and to limit future disputes.
The attorneys at Maples | Jones are experienced in drafting, reviewing, defending, and challenging premarital and postmarital agreements.
ADOPTIONS
We have the pleasure of helping families through the traditional adoption process; however, there are several other types of adoptions, including step-parent adoptions.ADOBTIONS
We have the pleasure of helping families through the traditional adoption process; however, there are several other types of adoptions, including step-parent adoptions. Step-parent adoption is a common type of adoption in which the spouse of a biological parent adopts the child. Step-parent adoptions are unique from other adoption proceedings. Step-parent adoptions may require the termination of the other biological parent’s rights before the step-parent may adopt the child. Step-parent adoptions also require a professional home study, background checks, and extensive historical information to ensure the safety and welfare of the child. Once a step-parent adoption is finalized, it becomes a permanent and legal parent-child relationship.
The team at Maples | Jones can help guide you through the adoption process from beginning to end, to ensure your family can enjoy this new exciting chapter in your lives.
What Our Client’s Say About Us
“In an hour, Nikki Maples discerned the danger and gave me the courage and words to address the situation. She listened intently and articulated with enough authority. She saved a 5 year old’s life!”
“Nikki represented me a year ago when I went through my divorce. She was a tremendous asset as she guided me through the complexities of the divorce process with strong commitment and compassion. She truly cared about my family, and worked tirelessly for great results. Today I consider her my friend.”
“I needed last minute attorney in moving out of state with children case. Even it was Christmas holiday time, Mrs. Jones was there for me and gave the best advice. I cannot thank her enough for helping me in one of the most stressful times in my life. She worked in a timely manner and was able to take on my case and got the job done. I would recommend her to anyone.”
“I hired Meagan to represent me in attempting to mediate for my son to attend a highly rated school upon my move to San Antonio. She was very upfront with my options and provided a lot of feedback on how to tackle this issue considering his father was not cooperating. She was a very hands on attorney and always kept me abreast of my case. She was always very encouraging and fought to the very end. She never gave up on me nor my case……”
“I worked with Nikki and Meagan on a custody issue. They were professional, thoughtful and kind. I would recommend them to anyone in need of a good lawyer.”
“A custody situation is no fun, but Meagan was a complete pro. She calmed me down when I was completely stressed out and she helped me come to a good outcome (in a very tough situation).”
“Meagan is an excellent attorney! She is professional and very knowledgeable with legal matters. I appreciate her truthfulness and diligence with solving my legal situation. Thank you Meagan!!”
“I came to Nikki with a very difficult case and in a situation where a prior attorney had mishandled my divorce for months. It was an uphill battle from the beginning and she did not shy away from the challenge. Nikki understood my priorities, and she focused on them throughout my case keeping me engaged and informed at each turn. She managed my expectations and when necessary she managed me.”
Thank you, John! It was great working with you. You communicated clearly and patiently walked me through all the options along the way. Appreciate you!