Texas Family Law Re: Pregnant Minors

Recent changes regarding Texas family law re: pregnant minors may affect determination of dependents and calculation of disposable income in Chapter 13 cases. The payment required from debtors is based upon "disposable income" which is derived from a National Standards test which incorporates the total number of dependents upon the debtor. When a minor child, who is a dependent, becomes pregnant, disposable income in Chapter 13 cases decreases upon the birth of the child. A motion to modify payments is the proper means of reducing payments to the trustee. Remaining balances owed to creditors should be discharged upon completion of the plan.

Consumer bankruptcy specialists are known for liberal use of legal assistance and paralegals. Legal assistants and paralegals may only assist lawyers when providing legal advice. They may not practice law or represent individuals in court. Legal assistants and paralegals generally provide a valuable service and reduces attorney fees, costs, and expenses by performing legal tasks for an attorney who remains responsible for all work product produced. As professionals, all states require attorneys to pass a state bar examination, and as a condition of remaining in good standing, must insure all work performed by paralegals achieves the same quality result as would be produced by an attorney.

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