Houston, Texas, Divorce Lawyer
Harris County and Surrounding Counties: (713) 622-1600
Solutions for Divorce and Custody
For strong but sensitive advocacy in a difficult time, and alternatives to costly and bitter divorce battles, contact Liza A. Greene Her Houston, Texas, family law practice offers workable solutions that protect clients' interests while allowing divorcing couples to move on.
Division of Property
Custody (Conservatorship) and Placement
Child Support and Spousal Support
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Post-Judgment Modifications
Liza A. Greene is Board-Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She has practiced since 1981, serving clients in the greater Harris County area. Clients receive personal and professional support for the complex and emotional issues in divorce and custody, and all family law matters.
Ms. Greene believes that calm and reasoned negotiation is best for all involved. To minimize the time, expense, and emotional wear, she emphasizes mediation, collaborative law and other Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods. However, when disputes cannot be settled out of court, she is a capable and experienced litigator.
Division of Property in Divorce
Liza A. Greene ensures clients receive their fair share of assets in the property settlement. She has experience dividing complex marital assets by consulting with appraisers and evaluators to determine the value of:
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medical practices, law firms, and other closely held business interests
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executive compensation: 401(k)s, pensions, stock options
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investments: IRAs, stocks, bonds
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trusts, life insurance trusts, and family limited partnerships
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homes and other real estate
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vehicles and valuables
Whether the couple has few assets or a considerable estate, she sorts out jointly held and separate assets to arrive at an equitable distribution.
Custody (Conservatorship) and Placement
Whether the parents are married or unmarried, Texas courts apply a "best interests of the child" standard in determining child custody and parenting time. Custody, called conservatorship in Texas, refers to decision-making responsibility for a child. In sole managing conservatorship, one parent provides most of the care and makes major decisions regarding the child. In joint managing conservatorship, both parents share child-raising decisions.
Litigation of these issues is often expensive and drawn-out, and mediation is required before a trial can commence. When conservatorship is at issue, Ms. Greene fully prepares the client for the hearings, home visits, psychological evaluations, and other parts of the process. Courts set a high burden for proving the child will be better off in such an arrangement.
Child Support and Spousal Maintenance
Court-ordered child support is determined by state formulas based on income and child-rearing expenses. Disputes arise when the other parent is not forthcoming about income (as with overtime pay or self-employment), or exaggerates child care expenses. Ms. Greene will secure tax returns, bank statements, or other evidence to discover hidden assets and income.
CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES
BASED ON THE MONTHLY NET RESOURCES OF THE OBLIGOR
| 1 child
2 children
3 children
4 children
5 children
6+ children | 20% of Obligor's Net Resources
25% of Obligor's Net Resources
30% of Obligor's Net Resources
35% of Obligor's Net Resources
40% of Obligor's Net Resources
Not less than the amount for 5 children |
Spousal support, or alimony, is rarely awarded in Texas divorces. The couple must have been married at least 10 years, and maintenance cannot exceed the greater of $2,500 a month or 20 percent of the other spouse's gross income. Courts can award alimony for up to three years, but typically grant it for the shortest period possible.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Liza A. Greene offers clients many ADR options to resolve divorce and related issues without resorting to litigation:
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Traditional negotiation
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Mediation — Ms. Greene is experienced as a neutral, third-party mediator to help people come to agreement on property settlements, custody agreements, parenting time, and visitation. She also counsels clients who are meeting with another mediation attorney on how to protect their own interests while finding solutions.
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Collaborative Law — Liza A. Greene is also trained in collaborate divorce and family law. Parties retain their own legal counsel, but agree not to litigate. Without the threat of a courtroom battle, collaborative law participants can focus on coming to agreement.
Experienced, Knowledgeable, Accessible
Contact Houston divorce attorney Liza A. Greene for a reduced-rate initial consultation to discuss your divorce or family law issue. Ms. Greene is approachable and compassionate, but a tough trial lawyer and strong advocate for her clients.
Liza A. Greene serves clients in the greater Houston, Texas, and Harris County area, including Sugar Land, Katy, Hempstead, Spring, and surrounding communities in Fort Bend and Waller counties, and throughout the state of Texas.
Liza A. Greene
Myres Dale & Associates
1717 St. James Place
Suite 450
Houston, Texas 77056
Telephone (713) 622-1600
Fax (713) 622-1610
E-mail Liza A. Greene
