How “Sign Here” Became “Click Here”: Electronic Signatures and Texas Mediated Settlement Agreements
Most of my mediations now close with an electronic signature, in person or on Zoom. The law behind that is older than most people realize, and one question still has no squarely-on-point Texas appellate answer. Here is where things stand and how to protect the agreement.
The Fable of the Shrinking Pie
In a contested divorce, the marital estate is not waiting on a shelf. Duplicate households, accruing debt, market swings, and the cost of the fight itself shrink it month by month. A bigger percentage of a smaller number is not always a win.
The OAG is Not Accepting Direct Payment Affidavits Anymore… (Or Are They?)
A lawyer told me in mediation that the OAG no longer accepts affidavits of direct payment. That isn’t quite right, but the reality matters more: the form is now a certification, and credit for payments made outside the State Disbursement Unit is discretionary, not guaranteed.
Spousal Maintenance Gets Real: Why Mehta Is Your New Go-To Case
The Texas Supreme Court’s June 2025 decision in Mehta v. Mehta (No. 23-0507) is a game-changer for family lawyers and mediators. It grounds spousal maintenance in real-world family realities, not just in spreadsheets. If you’re navigating support for a stay-at-home caregiver or challenging maintenance claims, this case is your new toolkit essential. The Court didn’t rewrite Texas Family […]
What Are the Rules for Texas Child Support?
Under Texas law, all parents have a legal duty to support their children. In a divorce or custody scenario, a court can order the non-custodial parent to pay money each month to the custodial parent for the support of the children. The court can also order the non-custodial parent to provide additional support in the […]
The Stages of a Texas Divorce or Custody Case
While each divorce or custody case is unique, most cases flow from start to finish according to six distinct “Stages.” Of course, not all cases fit perfectly into each stage. It’s not uncommon for the stages to overlap and run concurrently with others. But in general, the following should provide a good understanding of the […]
Former Family Law Judges Open Mediation & Arbitration Firm
On January 1, 2023, Armatys Millard, PLLC, will open the doors of a new law firm in Richmond, Texas, specializing in Mediation and Arbitration of family law disputes. The firm consists of Walter Armatys and John Millard, two seasoned family law attorneys who served as State District Family Court Judges in Fort Bend County, Texas, […]
It’s Official! Announcing Armatys Millard!
It’s Official! Announcing MediationJudges.com! Former Family District Court Judges Walter Armatys and John Millard are pleased to announce the opening of Armatys Millard, PLLC, specializing in Mediation and Arbitration of Family Law disputes. 200 S. 10th Street, Richmond, Texas 77469 (281) 313-6800