February 2002 - Law Firm The Law Office of Zoe Meigs, P.C. Attorneys Fort Worth, Texas

Note from Zoe

Are you tired of the Valentines Day hype yet? This is a particularly uncomfortable or down right painful time of the year for folks going through a divorce or the break up of a relationship. Know that you are not alone: there does not seem to be any decrease in the business coming through my office. Although a shiny, new, instant love life may be tempting, it is not a good idea. . . especially if you are going through a divorce or recently divorced. Try one of the many seminars and classes offered the divorcing or recently divorced. Churches can be a good source for finding out about these classes. You need time to heal.

National Adoption Day

This past weekend I helped with National Adoption Day here in Tarrant County by completing the legal work involved in the adoption of a sweet toddler. He was a child who had come through the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. His mother was not able to care for him. His foster family proudly adopted him on Saturday.

Adoption Day was celebrated with a stuffed bear for each adoptee and books for his siblings, all of which were donated by attorneys, their staff and other generous groups. If you are considering adoption, you may want to check into the foster family and adoption programs of the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. Their toll-free number is 1-800-228-8226 for information on becoming foster or adoptive parents.

Light Reading,
Or What You Might be Missing if You Don't Read Your Decree

I am often surprised that parents do not read their own decree. Maybe they never received a copy of the conformed decree from their spouse or their lawyer. The decree may not be light reading, but read it. Do you know who you need to notify when you change jobs or move to a new residence? It is in your decree. These notice requirements are taken very seriously by the courts.

Another important portion is the possession order regarding your kids. You need to know it and comply with it. For example, in the general provisions of the possession order of almost all decrees is a requirement that a parent must return with the child the items the child had with her when she came to visit or stay. That includes clothing.

Another provision in most decrees is that each parent is responsible for providing clothing to the child during the time that parent has the child. That means both parents should have some of the child's clothes. If you are appointed the conservator who has the right to decide where the child lives, you are not required to provide all the clothes the child would need for the visit at the other parent's home. Of course, the best situation is one where the parents cooperate with each other and are courteous when helping their child pack to go to the other parents. You might be surprised at how many parents have disagreements over this issue. When parents make clothing an issue, the child is the one who suffers.

Look also at the rights and responsibilities you are given in your decree. Are you given the right to consult with the other parent regarding education decisions? The decree gives both parents the right to be listed as an emergency contact on any form that is filled out regarding the child. Be sure you list the other parent as the second person to call in an emergency involving the child. The other parent should be listed before you list step-parents, grandparents or any other person.

Do you Have a Will?

If you have had any change in your family situation, such as a divorce, now is the time to get your will drafted or updated. My office-mate, Ken Stringer, limits his practice to wills and probate (including guardianships). His usual fees for preparing a will range from $300 to $500 per person. He can be reached at (817) 336-2850. Take a look at his web site at www.stringerlaw.com, or send an email to ken@stringerlaw.com.

I hope you find this newsletter helpful. Send me a message at zoemeigs@msn.com with your comments or questions.

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