El Paso Family Law Attorney

Family legal matters can have a huge impact on your life. Whether you’re going through a divorce, navigating a child custody dispute, or dealing with a CPS investigation, the outcome will affect you and your family for years to come. Richard Deck, Attorney & Counselor at Law, PLLC, understands the gravity of these cases and treats them accordingly. Our firm has represented El Paso individuals and families across the full range of Texas family law with experience and dedication.

Call (915) 532-1122 to book a consultation with a family law attorney who puts your needs first.

Family Law Areas of Practice

Divorce

Texas divorce law determines how your property is divided, how child conservatorship is structured, whether spousal maintenance will be paid, and what child support will look like once a marriage ends. Every decision made during the divorce process has lasting financial and personal consequences. We help clients work through contested and uncontested divorces clearly and strategically, whether the case is resolved through negotiation or goes before a judge.

Spousal Support (Maintenance)

Texas law allows for spousal maintenance — commonly called alimony — in cases where the divorce leaves one spouse without sufficient income to meet basic needs while the other has the means to help. Maintenance is generally awarded for a defined period of time to allow the receiving spouse to work toward financial independence. We advise clients on both sides of these matters and help ensure any award is appropriate under Texas law.

Child Custody (Conservatorship)

Texas uses the term “conservatorship” rather than custody. Conservatorship determines who has the legal authority to make major decisions for your child. This includes where they go to school, their medical care, their religious upbringing, and their extracurricular activities. Such authority can be sole or joint, depending on the circumstances. Richard Deck, Attorney & Counselor at Law, PLLC, represents both custodial and non-custodial parents and works to secure arrangements that serve the child’s best interests.

Child Support

Child support in Texas is calculated based on the paying parent’s income and the number of children being supported, following state guidelines. While the formula provides a starting point, the details of your case, such as special needs, healthcare costs, and other factors, can affect the final order. Whether you are seeking support or defending against an unfair calculation, we help ensure the outcome is fair and properly enforced.

Adoption

Adopting a child is one of the most meaningful legal processes a family can go through, and having the right attorney ensures it’s handled correctly from start to finish. Texas adoption law involves a series of court filings, background checks, home studies, and hearings. Attorney Deck will guide you through every step of the process, working to finalize adoptions as smoothly and efficiently as possible so you can focus on your growing family.

Guardianship

When a minor child or an incapacitated adult cannot care for themselves and a parent or spouse is unable to provide that care, guardianship may be necessary. A Texas guardianship proceeding establishes a legal relationship in which a court-appointed guardian is authorized to make personal and/or financial decisions on behalf of the individual. Attorney Deck handles guardianship matters with the sensitivity they require, helping families put the right protections in place for their loved ones.

Child Protective Services

CPS cases are among the most serious matters in family law. A CPS investigation can put your parental rights, your children, and your family’s future at risk, and the process moves quickly. Attorney Deck is a Certified Child Welfare Law Specialist recognized by the American Bar Association and the National Association of Counsel for Children, with extensive experience representing parents and family members throughout every stage of a CPS case.

Enforcement of Court Orders

When a co-parent or former spouse fails to comply with a court order, it’s important to understand that you have legal options. We help clients enforce existing orders and, when circumstances have changed substantially, pursue modifications to those orders. Richard Deck, Attorney & Counselor at Law, PLLC, is happy to sit down with you and hear your story to offer the best course of action.

Domestic Violence & Child Abuse

When safety is at stake, prompt legal action is critical. We represent victims of domestic violence and child abuse in family court proceedings, including protective orders and custody matters where safety concerns are central to the case. We understand that advocating for yourself in these situations can be intimidating, but it all starts with a simple phone call to our office.

Why Choose Richard Deck for Your Family Law Case

Since being licensed in 1993, Attorney Deck has represented clients across every area of Texas family law. He knows the courts, the process, and the strategies that produce results here in El Paso. More importantly, he has dedicated his career to family law.

Attorney Deck is a Certified Child Welfare Law Specialist. This certification is recognized by the ABA and the National Association of Counsel for Children — a distinction that reflects deep, specialized knowledge in family law and child welfare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between conservatorship and custody in Texas?

Texas uses the term “conservatorship” where other states use “custody.” It refers to the legal rights and responsibilities a parent has regarding their child’s upbringing. Managing conservatorship includes decision-making authority over education, healthcare, and other major matters. Possession and access (what most people call visitation) is handled separately.

How is child support calculated in Texas?

Texas child support is based primarily on the paying parent’s net monthly income and the number of children covered by the order. State guidelines set specific percentages, but courts can deviate from the standard calculation in cases involving special circumstances, such as significant healthcare expenses or a child with special needs.

Can I modify a custody or support order after the divorce?

Yes. Texas courts can modify conservatorship, possession, and support orders when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Common reasons include a change in income, relocation, or a significant change in the child’s needs.

Does Texas require fault grounds for divorce?

No. Texas allows for no-fault divorce on the grounds of “insupportability,” meaning the marriage has become unsupportable due to conflict or discord with no reasonable expectation of reconciliation. Fault-based grounds, such as adultery, cruelty, or abandonment, are also available and can affect the division of property or support.

Do I need a lawyer for family court in Texas?

You are not legally required to have an attorney, but family law cases are complex and high-stakes, especially those involving children or significant assets. An experienced attorney protects your rights, ensures proper procedures are followed, and helps you avoid costly mistakes that can be difficult or impossible to correct later.

Contact an El Paso Family Law Attorney Today

If you have a family law matter in El Paso, don’t navigate it alone. Call (915) 532-1122 or contact us using the form below to schedule a consultation with Richard Deck, Attorney & Counselor at Law, PLLC.