Recent Articles

New Orleans parent allegedly kills child to avoid child support

Shannon Cavers
January 06, 2009 12:00

As a family law attorney, I have a thick skin, and not a lot gets to me. The story about Ja'Shawn Powell, however, raises my blood pressure.  I plan to keep an eye on this story through the AP and Houston Chronicle.

Jobless parent wants break on paying child support

Shannon Cavers
January 05, 2009 22:55

In light of the troubled economy, it follows that child support obligors will experience difficulties in staying current on child support obligations. In fact, this was the theme of an article in today’s Houston Chronicle in Lipman’s State your Case column.  The parent stated...

Divorce and Retirement - Some helpful tips

Shannon Cavers
December 27, 2008 17:12

In the present economic climate, singles and married couples alike are having difficulty with retirement.  Even diligent savers are astonished when they reviews their quarterly 401-k statements.  Now imagine, that you and your spouse are approaching retirement, and a divorce is on the...

Reconciliation Law (TM) - What is it?

Shannon Cavers
December 19, 2008 18:50

Houston attorney, Michael Hiller, is the creator of a new area of family law called Reconciliation Law (TM).  In early January 2009, Mr. Hiller, with other Houston area family attorneys, will create a new practice group trained in this philosophy of law.  To learn more about this...

Democratic sweep ushers change to Houston's 312th Family Court

Shannon Cavers
November 07, 2008 01:56

On November 4, 2008, Democrats won 23 of 27 trial judge positions on the ballot. Though the majority of changes affect the civil and criminal courthouses, the 312th Family District Court will have a new Presiding Judge in January 2009. Judge David Farr was appointed to the 312th in 2007 after...

Hurricane Ike and Houston Courts

Shannon Cavers
September 15, 2008 15:29

Folks who have business or jury duty in the Harris County District Courts Monday, September 15, 2008, should be advised that the courthouses are closed all day. As of the time of this posting, the District Clerk has not posted any information on activities for the rest of this week. I drove by...

Night Court Comes to Houston Family Law Center!

Shannon Cavers
August 20, 2008 12:00

Beginning on Tuesday, September 9. 2008, Harris County will have its first Family Law Evening Court session from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Evening Court is a unique opportunity for indigent litigants (working with a pro bono attorney or representing themselves pro se) to get before the court and...

Do-it-yourself on-line Divorce Kits - Buyer Beware!

Shannon Cavers
August 18, 2008 22:14

There is a reason the State Bar of Texas polices the unauthorized practice of law (UPL), and that is to protect the consumer. As a family law practitioner, I am aware that there are numerous internet sites selling divorce packages to consumers. In some instances these do-it-yourself forms...

Houston-area children's deaths were a preventable tragedy

Shannon Cavers
August 17, 2008 01:21

During the last week in Houston, two young children died after being left in hot cars by their caretakers. I can only imagine the agonizing guilt one would experience as a result. Busy lives, multi-tasking, and/or a change of routine can lead to accidentally leaving a little one in...

Houston's DePelchin Children's Center offers virtual parenting experience for pre-teens

Shannon Cavers
August 16, 2008 00:56

This summer DePelchin Children’s Center is offering a youth pregnancy prevention program for pre-teens called “Baby, Think it Over.” Compared to other states across the country, Texas has a high teen pregnancy rate. Federal statistics indicate that out of every 1,000...