Protecting What Matters Most
The Hispanic community has a loyal friend when it comes to fighting for what is fair.
Jacinto Espinoza married Margarita Silva to form the home of their dreams. And from the fruit of this love, months later, their adored and beautiful Carolina was born. Everything was joyous up until Jacinto discovered the reality of it all. Margarita remained married to another man.
“When I found out about everything, all I wanted was a divorce. I felt deceived”, says Mr. Espinoza. “The divorce proceedings could have ended better but she [Margarita] took my daughter and left to the Valley of Texas without my consent. That’s when my real problems began. I wanted to be with my daughter but was unable to locate her. Since I was undocumented, I was afraid of going to look for her in fear of the checkpoints.
Cecilia Naylor also suffered a dilemma. Her child, Pedro, had spent the first years of his life without a father. It was there that Cecilia met David, a loving and honest man who took the role of a father to Pedro. “My son was very happy to have received the love and attention that he had missed. However, since David was not his biological father, he was unable to receive medical benefits from my husband’s insurance.
Sometimes the laws of this country go against the love and feelings of people. On one hand, immigration prevents a father from fighting for his daughters happiness, and on the other, the health insurance policies prevents the infant from receiving any benefits.
“I did not know what to do, I felt disoriented”, says Jacinto. “I was in distressed by the limitations that my son had”, argues Cecilia. But like the old saying says, nothing bad will last forever… for the solution for these parents will soon come.
“Through several referrals I met the lawyer James W. Evans, and after doing some research on the kind of work he did, I decided to hire him”, explains Jacinto. “I consulted another lawyer in the beginning, but he did not give the proper attention and dedication to my case. However, with the attorney Evans I always had positive results. Although the process was a little long, because my ex-wife was hiding making it difficult to be served for court, everything turned out to my favor.
Cecilia’s testimony is very particular: “We saw his advertising, then we made inquiries to several lawyers, but in the end, Evans gave us more confidence when we talked to him. That’s why we decided to give them case to him. The adoption process was a bit long, but the attorney Evans would always report back to us on the status of the case. In fact, he even gave us his personal phone number so that if we ever had doubts or questions we would be able to call him at any time. Time passed and everything returned back to normal in the lives of Jacinto and Cecilia. Both children now count on the legal support of their parents.
“Carolina, after I received parental rights, is in great health, with all checkups and vaccinations up to date. She is learning a lot in her new school. She is extremely happy just like me. I’m starting to live my life again”, excitingly concludes Jacinto. Cecilia concludes: “Peter is very happy. We no longer have to worry about anything.”
Our Austin family law attorneys handle a wide range of matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support (alimony), property division, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, adoption, and modifications of court orders. Whether your case is straightforward or highly contested, our team provides personalized legal guidance to protect your rights and your family’s future.
The timeline for a divorce varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether it’s contested or uncontested. Texas law requires a 60-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized, but contested cases involving disputes over property, custody, or support can take several months or even longer to resolve.
An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all major issues, such as property division, custody, and support. These cases are generally faster and less expensive.
A contested divorce, on the other hand, involves disagreements that require negotiation, mediation, or a court decision. Our attorneys are experienced in both types of cases and can guide you through either process efficiently.
In Texas, the court’s primary concern is always the best interest of the child. Factors considered include each parent’s ability to provide for the child, the stability of each home environment, the child’s relationship with each parent, and, in some cases, the child’s preferences. Our Austin family lawyers work hard to protect your parental rights and achieve an arrangement that supports your child’s well-being.
James W. Evans is a board-certified family law attorney and the founder of Evans Family Law Group. With over 25 years of experience, he has built a reputation as a trusted advocate for Texas families navigating divorce, custody, and complex family law matters.
Accolades & Distinctions
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney James Evans, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a family law attorney.
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