Blended families are increasingly common in Central Texas. Whether it's a second marriage, stepchildren, or grandchildren from multiple family branches, one-size-fits-all estate planning doesn't work. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) may have raised the estate and gift tax exemption to $15 ...
In Texas, children 12 years or older can express a preference to the judge—but that doesn't mean they choose where to live. At Barina Law Group, we explain how the court weighs a child's opinion in custody disputes. The child may: Speak with the judge privately in chambers Share reasons for ...
When it comes to your children, nothing is more important than protecting your relationship with them. At Barina Law Group, we fight for your parental rights in child custody disputes across Temple and Central Texas. Texas family courts use the term “conservatorship” instead of custody, and their...
Military divorces come with unique challenges—from PCS orders to retirement benefits. At Barina Law Group, we help military families in Temple, Fort Cavazos, and Central Texas handle divorce with precision and respect. Texas courts follow state law, but military regulations and federal benefits a...
Divorce takes time—and a lot can happen while you wait for your final decree. That's why temporary orders are critical. At Barina Law Group, we help Temple clients request or defend temporary orders that provide structure and stability while your case is pending. Temporary orders can: Set chil...
If you're facing a felony charge, it's understandable to feel overwhelmed. Felony trials are serious business and carry the risk of significant penalties, including prison time, fines, and long-term consequences that could follow you for the rest of your life. But knowledge is power. Understandin...
Most divorce and custody cases in Bell County are required to go through mediation before trial. Mediation is a confidential meeting where both sides try to reach an agreement with the help of a neutral third party. At Barina Law Group, we prepare our clients thoroughly before mediation. We expla...
When a child's safety is at risk, Texas law allows for emergency custody orders. If you believe your child is in danger, we act quickly to protect them. At Barina Law Group in Temple, we help concerned parents and guardians seek emergency relief through the Bell County courts. Emergency custody i...
Divorce is never easy, especially when emotions are high and your future feels uncertain. If you're considering filing for divorce in Temple, Texas, it's crucial to understand your rights and options under Texas law. At Barina Law Group, we help individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confiden...
Life changes—and when it does, your child custody or support orders may need to change too. At Barina Law Group in Temple, Texas, we help parents request modifications that reflect their current reality. Under Texas law, child custody, visitation, and support orders can be modified if there has b...
When parents divorce, the biggest concern is often: “What happens to the kids?” At Barina Law Group, we help families in Temple and throughout Bell County create custody and visitation arrangements that work—and that hold up in court. Under Texas law, most parents are named Joint Managing Conserv...
In a Texas divorce, spousal maintenance (often called alimony) is not guaranteed—but it may be awarded under certain conditions. Whether you're seeking support or being asked to pay, understanding how spousal support works is essential. At Barina Law Group in Temple, we guide clients through ever...
Property division during a divorce is one of the most contested issues we see at Barina Law Group. Texas is a community property state, meaning most property acquired during the marriage is divided 50/50—unless there's a good legal reason not to. But what counts as community property? And what ca...
When a minor is arrested or accused of a crime in Temple, Texas, it can turn a family's world upside down. At Barina Law Group, we help families understand the Texas juvenile justice system and fight for second chances. Juvenile law in Texas treats minors differently than adults. The goal is reha...
Creating an estate plan is a smart move—but reviewing and updating it is just as important. At Barina Law Group, we recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3 to 5 years or after major life events. Update your plan if you: Move to or from Texas Get married, divorced, or remarried Have or...
If you or a loved one may need long-term nursing care, Medicaid planning is essential to protect your assets. Without a plan, Medicaid could seek repayment from your estate, including your home, after death. At Barina Law Group in Temple, we help families: Preserve the homestead with Lady Bird...
Your estate plan should cover more than just your house and bank account. Today's Temple residents also need to account for digital assets—email, social media, cryptocurrency, and more. At Barina Law Group, we help clients: List and organize online accounts and logins Appoint a digital execu...
In Texas, you can transfer real estate outside of probate using two powerful tools: the Lady Bird Deed and the Transfer on Death (TOD) Deed. At Barina Law Group in Temple, we help you choose the right one for your estate plan. Lady Bird Deed: Keeps full control during life Avoids probate A...
Probate is the legal process of settling a person's estate after they die. If your loved one died with or without a will in Temple, Texas, probate is how the court oversees asset distribution and debt payment. At Barina Law Group, we guide families in Bell County through every stage of probate, i...
Helping your aging parents plan their estate is one of the most loving—and necessary—things you can do. At Barina Law Group in Temple, we walk families through conversations and legal documents that protect assets, health, and dignity. Key documents for aging parents: Will and trust Power of...
Many Temple-area families ask us: “Can we avoid probate?” The answer is yes—if you plan ahead. At Barina Law Group, we help clients use legal tools to pass assets directly to loved ones without going through probate court. Strategies include: Transfer on Death (TOD) deeds for real estate Pay...
A will plans for death, but what about disability, illness, or incapacity? That's where powers of attorney (POA) come in. At Barina Law Group in Temple, Texas, we prepare durable and medical POAs that let someone you trust act on your behalf when you can't. Without a POA: Your family may have ...
When someone dies without a will in Texas, the law takes over. It's called “intestate succession,” and it can lead to results that the deceased never intended. If you live in Temple or the surrounding Bell County area, understanding what happens without a will is essential. Without a will: The...
If you live in Temple, Texas and don't have a will, you're not alone—but you are at risk. Dying without a will in Texas means the state decides who gets your assets, who takes care of your children, and how your estate is handled. It's called dying “intestate,” and it often causes confusion and f...
If you've been charged with a crime in Temple or Bell County, hiring a local attorney gives you a serious advantage. At Barina Law Group, we live and work in the same community where your case is being handled—and that matters. Local criminal lawyers understand: How local judges rule The pre...
