Dallas Family Law Blog | The Shapiro Law Firm

High school students can face charges for bullying, even online

On behalf of Todd Shapiro of The Shapiro Law Firm on Tuesday, November 12, 2019.

Bullying was once treated as an unavoidable rite of passage for the average American student. However, both social attitudes and laws about bullying have changed drastically in recent decades.

With suicide now among the top causes of death for adolescents and teenagers in the United States, lawmakers and policymakers have good reason to crack down on bullying, which is often linked to depression and suicide in teenagers. Under Texas law, students that bully another student on school grounds can face both penalties at the school for their actions and legal consequences if their behavior violates state law.

Will your ex's affair have any impact on your Texas divorce?

On behalf of Todd Shapiro of The Shapiro Law Firm on Monday, October 28, 2019.

You promise to honor and love your spouse until death as part of your marriage vows. While you may have taken that promise seriously, not everyone does. It can be very difficult to learn that the person you committed to has violated the trust you placed in them. Quite a few marriages end because one spouse chooses to develop an intimate relationship with someone else.

Occasionally, people can work through infidelity, sometimes through the use of counseling or other times by signing a postnuptial agreement that creates penalties for the unfaithful spouse if they cheat again in the future. Regardless of what reaction you have and what attempts you make to save your marriage, sometimes it simply isn't possible to do so.

Dependence on pain pills can lead to serious legal trouble

On behalf of Todd Shapiro of The Shapiro Law Firm on Friday, October 11, 2019.

For many people dealing with addiction to opioid painkillers, the problems started innocently enough. Often, people struggling with addiction started out taking a medication as prescribed by their physician. However, when their symptoms began to get better, they found that transitioning off of their medication proved to be far more difficult than they originally anticipated.

These individuals may find themselves with a number of unpleasant options available to them. They may go to a prescription mill run by a physician who hands out painkillers like candy. They may also try to shop for a better doctor, going around and getting prescriptions from as many physicians as they can.

Things to consider when asking for a prenuptial agreement

On behalf of Todd Shapiro of The Shapiro Law Firm on Friday, September 13, 2019.

Even if you know that asking for a prenuptial agreement is a good idea, actually bringing this topic to light is a challenge. As you inch toward your wedding day, the last thing you want to do is give your partner the impression that you're already thinking about divorce.

There are a variety of steps you can take to ease the tension when asking for a prenuptial agreement, including the following:

Don't issue demands: If you feel strongly about a prenuptial agreement, it's natural for you to nudge your partner in this direction. You don't want to issue demands or come across as overbearing. You're best off having an open and honest conversation during which the both of you express your true feelings.
Talk about your fears: There's no point in keeping anything bottled up inside. For instance, if you're scared of divorce because your parents went through the process when you were young, explain this to your partner. Talking about your fears will help clear the air.
Don't let your emotions get the best of you: Asking for a prenuptial agreement is never easy, as it's hard to say how your partner will react. Control your emotions at all times, as becoming upset or angry will drive a wedge between the two of you.
Listen: Rather than do all the talking, take the time to really listen to your partner. Furthermore, if they have questions, do your best to provide an honest answer.
Don't cram it all into one session: You don't have to ask for a prenuptial agreement and work through the details all in one conversation. Once you have your feelings out in the open, take a step back so you both have time to process what comes next.

What to expect with second and third DWIs in Texas

On behalf of Todd Shapiro of The Shapiro Law Firm posted in DWI-DUI on Thursday, September 5, 2019.

If you're already been convicted of a DWI, you know there are a range of consequences. But did you know that with each conviction, the penalties get increasingly severe.?

Here is a summary of what you need to know about this, if you like to drink or know people who do.

Watch out for a spouse who gives away assets

On behalf of Todd Shapiro of The Shapiro Law Firm on Tuesday, August 13, 2019.

When your spouse asks for a divorce, it may be a good time to take a look at your electronic bank statements. In particular, you want to watch out for any unusual financial activity. It could be that your spouse planned to ask for the divorce for a while and decided to act dishonestly in advance to hide assets.

Giving them away

Can you move or travel with your kids after a Texas divorce?

On behalf of Todd Shapiro of The Shapiro Law Firm on Tuesday, July 30, 2019.

For most parents, protecting their relationship with their children is the most important issue in a contentious divorce. You want to make sure that you still play an important role in the lives of your children and protect your bond with them. Seeing your children regularly is an important part of protecting that relationship. The same is true for your ex, who will also continue to play a critical role in the lives of the children you created together.

While you may want to do what is best for your children as the custodial parent, you may also desire a fresh start. Many people start looking for ways to change their life after divorce. You might start applying for better jobs or consider going back to school or moving across the country to be closer to your family.

Is peer pressure going to lead to teen crime?

On behalf of Todd Shapiro of The Shapiro Law Firm on Friday, July 12, 2019.

Parents who get a call saying that their child has gotten arrested often express shock and surprise. For an outsider, it's easy enough to wonder how the parents possibly could have been in the dark regarding this behavior or these tendencies. For parents, though, the reality is that outside pressure can massively influence the way teens act, and they really may not see this in their daily life. It can happen at school, at work, during after-school activities or when children go out in the community with their friends.

Peer pressure can and does lead to criminal action. Teens desperately want to fit in. They want to impress their peers. They want to prove themselves. When others pressure them to do illegal activities -- shoplifting, theft, using illegal drugs, etc. -- they often do things they never would have done on their own.

Dealing with false accusations in a child custody battle

On behalf of Todd Shapiro of The Shapiro Law Firm on Thursday, June 20, 2019.

Child custody courts always place a priority on looking out for the child's best interests, and for good reason. But some parents who are determined to manipulate the course of justice try to disparage the other parent by making false or exaggerated claims. This can lead to the courts trying to protect a child from a risk that was never there to start with, and, ironically, this can lead to the child missing out on having a bond with both parents.

If the other parent of your child has made false or exaggerated claims against you to try and minimize your visitation rights, it is likely that you are feeling victimized and frustrated. It is important, however, that you take the moral high ground and work toward establishing the truth, rather than trying to gain revenge. It's important that you understand the law and that you know how to take action to gain the custody arrangement that you deserve.

Can I be charged with a DWI after taking legal drugs?

On behalf of Todd Shapiro of The Shapiro Law Firm on Thursday, June 20, 2019.

Many people assume that you can only be charged with a DWI if you are under the influence of alcohol, but this is not the case. Drivers have the responsibility to make sure that they do not have any chemicals or drugs in their systems that could affect their ability to operate a vehicle. If you are taking prescription drugs that could cause side effects of drowsiness or fatigue, it is important that you do not drive after taking them.

If you have been accused of driving under the influence of legal drugs in Texas, it is important that you take action to defend yourself effectively. It's also essential that you fully understand how evidence is gathered to convict a person of driving under the influence if you are concerned about this issue.