Family changes like divorce, child custody disputes, and support issues can turn daily life upside down. When you are trying to protect your children and your future, you should not have to figure out your family law case on your own. That is where The Law Office of Erica P. Rios can step in to help guide you.

As a family law attorney in El Paso County residents can turn to, our team focuses on helping parents and spouses work through difficult transitions with clarity and steady support. We understand how cases may move through the courts here, and we work to make the process easier to understand at every step.

Call us at (915) 255-3840 to schedule a time to talk with our El Paso County family law attorneys.

How Family Cases Work In El Paso County

While each case follows its own path, there is a general pattern that many Texas family law matters follow. The exact schedule depends on factors like the type of case, the assigned judicial officer, and how much the parties disagree. Having a family law lawyer El Paso County families can work with often helps you stay ahead of deadlines and requirements.

Here is a simple outline of how a typical case may move forward in this county:

• Initial filing of a petition or motion, which opens the case in the El Paso County Combined Courts.
• Service of papers on the other party and the first exchange of basic financial or parenting information.
• Temporary orders hearing, when appropriate, where the court can set short-term arrangements about parenting time, support, or use of the home.
• Mediation, which Texas courts commonly require before a final hearing, to encourage parents and spouses to reach their own agreements.
• Status conferences or review hearings, where the court checks in on progress and may address disputes or scheduling issues.
• Final hearing or trial, if the parties cannot settle, where the judge hears evidence and issues permanent orders.

Practical Guidance During Divorce & Custody

Our team talks with clients about both the legal and practical sides of divorce and custody. That includes how to document your involvement with your children, manage communication with the other parent, and keep your own stress from spilling into court filings or messages that may later be reviewed by a judge. As a family lawyer El Paso County parents can rely on, we work to offer grounded, realistic suggestions that fit daily life.

Some smart first steps you can take right now include:

• Gather recent financial information, such as pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and records of major debts.
• Keep a simple log of parenting time, school events, medical appointments, and activities you attend with your children.
• Be careful about what you post on social media, since messages and photos may later appear in court.
• Avoid making big moves, like changing schools or relocating children, without legal advice.
• Consider how your words in texts or emails might look if they were printed and shown to a judge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does child custody work in El Paso County?

In this county, judges look at the best interests of the child under Texas law. They may consider factors like each parent’s involvement, the child’s needs, and each home environment. Our team can explain how these factors may apply in your situation and help you prepare for parenting discussions.

How long will my divorce case take?

Texas has a minimum waiting period of 60 days before a divorce can be finalized, and total time often depends on how many issues you and your spouse can resolve. Contested cases with complex finances or parenting disputes usually take longer. We can walk through typical timelines based on your circumstances.

What should I bring to our first meeting?

For a first conversation, it helps to bring basic financial records, any existing court papers, and a short list of your main questions. You do not need everything perfectly organized. Our team can help you identify what matters most and what additional information to gather later.

How will your team keep me updated?

We work to keep you informed through regular emails or calls when there are developments in your case. You can expect clear explanations of upcoming deadlines, hearings, and paperwork. If you have questions in between, you can reach out and we will respond as promptly as we can.

Can you help if I feel unsafe at home?

If you feel unsafe, we can discuss options like protection orders and temporary parenting or support arrangements. Safety concerns are taken seriously in Texas family law cases. We can talk with you about immediate steps and how to raise these issues appropriately in court filings.

Talk With Our Family Lawyer Today

You do not have to navigate family court on your own. A conversation with a family law attorney El Paso County residents can meet with locally can give you a clearer picture of your options and next steps. Even one meeting can help you feel more informed and less alone in the process.

When you contact The Law Office of Erica P. Rios, we will talk with you about your goals, explain how Texas family law may apply, and outline what the first stages of a case typically look like in this county. You can ask questions, share your concerns, and decide whether working with our team feels right for you.

Call us at (915) 255-3840 to schedule a time to talk with our El Paso County family law team.