FAQs
Where is The Opande Law Firm located?
We are located at 8300 Bissonnet Street, Suite 634, Houston, Texas 77074.
Back to the top.
If I am located outside of Texas, will our firm still be able to assist you?
Yes. Since immigration law is federal law we take cases from clients throughout the United States and around the world.
Back to the top.
What are the steps to get a Green Card through employment?
There are fundamentally three steps: Labor Certification, Petition and either Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing.
Back to the top.
How do I become a naturalized citizen?
If you are not a U.S. citizen by birth or did not acquire U.S. citizenship automatically after birth, you may still be eligible to become a citizen through the normal naturalization process. People who are 18 years and older use the "Application for Naturalization" (Form N-400) to become naturalized. Persons who acquired citizenship from parent(s) while under 18 years of age use the "Application for a Certificate of Citizenship" (Form N-600) to document their naturalization . Adopted children who acquired citizenship from parent(s) use the "Application for a Certificate of Citizenship on Behalf of an Adopted Child" (Form N-643) to document their naturalization.
Back to the top.
Divorce:
How long does it take to get a divorce?
If the parties are in agreement, a divorce proceeding can be finalized soon after the sixty-day waiting period is over. If the parties are not in agreement, the time it takes to complete the divorce will depend on the court's schedule and the complexity of the case. From start to finish, the divorce process may go through a number of phases, which might include temporary orders, exchange of financial information, psychological evaluations (in custody cases), alternative dispute resolution, trial, and appeal. A divorce in which the parties are not in agreement on some or all issues will usually take several months and up to eighteen (18) months if a trial is necessary.
Back to the top.
When am I divorced?
You are divorced when all the property- and child-related issues are resolved and the presiding judge signs an order, usually called a Decree of Divorce.
Back to the top.
How long must I wait to marry again?
In most cases, you must wait thirty (30) days, but the court can grant a waiver to permit you to marry sooner.
Back to the top.
Is a Name Change easier and cheaper in a divorce?
In divorce, the name change is properly called a "restoration of former name." If the name change is not at time of divorce, other rules apply, and is a separate lawsuit, with additional fees and costs. There is no additional petition for name change required.
Back to the top.
I don’t know where my spouse is; can I still get divorce?
Yes. The law makes provisions for those who cannot find their spouse. Simply call and talk with one of our attorneys, who will explain how it works and what we can do for you.
Back to the top.
My spouse lives outside state/ country. Can I still get divorce?
Yes. Simply call and talk with our experienced attorneys, who will explain how it works and what we can do for you.
Back to the top.
Child custody and Child support:
Who can file a request to modify an order regarding children?
Generally, any person who is affected by the court order can request a modification.
Back to the top.
Which terms in an order can be modified?
A court can modify provisions for custody, visitation and child support.
Back to the top.
For what reasons will a court modify custody of a child?
The grounds for a change of custody are complex and should be discussed with an attorney. Among other things, the court may consider whether there has been a significant change in the circumstances of the parties or of the child, or whether a person with visitation has been convicted of child abuse or family violence.
Back to the top.
Do I have to wait a certain amount of time before I can file a motion to modify custody?
Generally you do not have to wait a certain amount of time to file a motion to modify custody. However, if you are seeking to change custody less than one year after the original order was signed, then the court has special requirements that you must show in a sworn affidavit before the suit can go forward. In the case of an emergency, the timing of the suit is usually not an issue, but in other circumstances it might be preferable to wait at least one year before attempting to change custody.
Back to the top.
Can my child choose his/her own custody?
A child 12 years or older may file a document with the court naming the parent with whom the child wishes to live. However, this choice is not binding, as the court must consider what is in the child's best interests.
Back to the top.
For what reasons will a court modify child support?
Child support may be increased or decreased if there has been a substantial change in circumstances of the parties or the needs of the child. Child support can also be modified if it has been at least three years since the last child support order, and the new amount calculated under the child support guidelines differs by either 20% or $100.00 from the amount of support currently ordered.
Back to the top.
|