Comanche Family Law And Criminal Defense Blog

How much does a Texas DWI raise your auto insurance rates?

On behalf of Woodley & Dudley on Friday, February 8, 2019.

As someone currently dealing with the aftermath of receiving a driving while intoxicated charge, you may try to determine just how much of an impact your action may have on your life, should a judge or jury convict you. You may, for example, face substance abuse requirements, steep fines and even time behind bars, among other possible penalties. Those are just the ones that may come directly from the justice system.

In addition to the criminal penalties associated with a Texas DWI, Insure.com reports that your conviction will also undoubtedly have a significant impact on how much you must pay for auto insurance coverage once you get your license back. While any increase in insurance rates can prove tough to manage, an insurance rate hike can prove particularly troubling after a DWI conviction because you also have to worry about how to pay for fines and similar expenses related to your charge. So, just how much may your auto insurance obligations change in the wake of a Texas DWI?

Tips for relocating your children during your divorce

On behalf of Woodley & Dudley posted in child custody on Sunday, February 3, 2019.

When you are getting divorced and realize that the end of your marriage is going to require you to relocate with your children, it can be unsettling to think about the future and how to help your children adjust to such a sudden and drastic change. At Woodley & Dudley Lawyers, we have helped many people in Texas who are dealing with the consequences of divorce.

Your children will already be shaken when they discover that you and your spouse will no longer be living together or parenting together. Regardless of the ages of your children, the news you share will be difficult to process. Your children will each respond differently based off of their relationships with their parents, their ages and their personalities. Managing their emotions and helping them to cope with such dramatic changes will require patience and determination.

How can I help my family adjust to adoption?

On behalf of Woodley & Dudley posted in adoption on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

Adopting an older child in Texas is a very serious decision to make, and once the adoption is approved challenges still remain. For instance, some families have difficulty integrating a new child into their home, which can be a sensitive process for all involved. In this case, Live About offers the following advice to help families and kids adjust.

Establish the same rules for all

Can a felony conviction prevent you from adopting in Texas?

On behalf of Woodley & Dudley posted in adoption on Friday, January 11, 2019.

If you hope to adopt a child in Texas, you must meet several eligibility requirements. One such requirement is the passage of a criminal background check. According to ChildWellfare.gov, a prospective adoptive or foster parent and all others who plan to reside in the home with an adoptive or foster child must submit to and clear a background check.

The site details what the background check may entail. At the most basic level, the check will include a name-based criminal history check of you and other applicants. The purpose of this is to uncover any criminal convictions you may have in Texas. The check will also involve a fingerprint-based criminal history check, a central registry check and an out-of-state central registry check. The purpose of the latter is to see if you or other applicants have any convictions outside of the state.

What are the tax benefits of adoption?

On behalf of Woodley & Dudley posted in adoption on Monday, December 24, 2018.

When you adopt in Texas, your mind is probably on the new addition to your family. You may prepare a room and prepare your family to welcome a new member. One thing you may not think about is how the adoption impacts your taxes. However, the IRS explains there are actually some tax benefits to adopting a child.

You may qualify for credits for expenses related to the adoption. If you get assistance from your employer, that money may also be exempt from taxation. Of course, the adoption and the child must qualify under IRS rules. For example, if you adopt a stepchild, it does not qualify, but if you have a same-sex domestic partnership, adopting your partner's child does qualify.

Prepare an asset list when you are facing property division

On behalf of Woodley & Dudley on Sunday, December 23, 2018.

If you are filing for divorce, you will want to be well-prepared for the property division phase of the proceedings.

You and your spouse should be clear about what is “mine, yours and ours,” and making a list is a good way to begin sorting it all out.

What is the Compassionate Use Act?

On behalf of Woodley & Dudley posted in drug possession on Tuesday, December 11, 2018.

When it comes to marijuana legalization in Texas, the laws are very strict. Medical marijuana is legal but only for very limited situations. Lawmakers have even created special laws to ensure doctors prescribe medical marijuana safely and legally. According to the Department of Public Safety, the Compassionate Use Act is one such law.

This act sets up the state's medical marijuana program. It limits legal marijuana use to only those with intractable epilepsy. It also establishes a registry of physicians who can prescribe low-THC cannabis, which is cannabis composed up less than 10 percent of cannabidiol and less than 0.5 percent of tetrahydrocannabinols. If you are an approved patient, you may not grow your own medicine. You can only get it from a licensed dispensary. In addition, the act stipulates that you cannot smoke it.

What should you know before pursuing international adoption?

On behalf of Woodley & Dudley posted in adoption on Sunday, November 25, 2018.

If you are considering adopting internationally and bringing a child from overseas into your home in Texas, you will undoubtedly need to prepare your home and family for the drastic change that will take place. Your efforts to mentally prepare for the emotions that will come from raising a child who has been born in an entirely different environment and culture is imperative to giving you the confidence to provide your new child with love, compassion and a stable home environment.

According to Adoption.org, selecting a reputable adoption agency that you are comfortable working with is a critical part of having a successful adoption. Examine and compare agencies to find one that has the values you desire, as well as one that you feel comfortable communicating with during a long-term relationship. From a financial standpoint, you will need to have budgeted a significant amount to be prepared to take on the commitment that will be required to bring a child from overseas to America.

How can I prevent drunk driving over the holidays?

On behalf of Woodley & Dudley posted in dwi on Sunday, November 18, 2018.

If you’re hosting a gathering over the holidays, chances are you’ll be serving some form of alcoholic beverages. In this case, it’s important to make sure your friends and family don’t drink and drive, which can lead to devastating injuries and run-ins with law enforcement. 21 Century Insurance offers the following tips, which will help you keep your loved ones safe and sound this holiday season.

Designate a driver

How can I navigate the holidays after getting divorced?

On behalf of Woodley & Dudley posted in divorce on Monday, November 5, 2018.

The holidays can be especially tough for divorced parents in Texas. While you want to present a unified front for the sake of your kids, doing is often easier said than done. To help you get along this holiday season, CNN offers the following tips.

Plan ahead

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