In courtroom dramas, attorneys are constantly leaping from their chairs to shout, “Objection, hearsay!” But in a real Texas courtroom, trial strategy is far more nuanced. Just because a piece of evidence technically qualifies as hearsay doesn’t necessarily mean you should object to it. Deciding when to force opposing counsel to lay the proper legal […]
Category: Litigation
How to Get Evidence Admitted in Court
If you are heading to trial, you might assume that presenting a crucial document like a signed lease or a business contract is as simple as handing it to the judge and pointing out the important clauses. However, the courtroom is bound by strict procedural rules. You cannot simply start reading from a piece of […]
When Can You Get Expelled From Texas Private Schools?
If you are a parent of a student in a Texas private school, you likely appreciate the academic rigor and the unique community these institutions offer. However, there is a legal reality that often catches families by surprise: private schools also known as independent schools are not governed by the Texas Education Code. While public […]
How to Serve Someone Who is Avoiding Service
When you file a lawsuit, the law requires that the defendant be formally notified through a process called “service of process.” In most cases, this involves a professional process server or a constable physically handing the legal documents to the defendant. However, what happens when the defendant knows the lawsuit is coming and decides to […]
Should I Answer a Lawsuit If I Have Not Been Served?
Defendants commonly learn that they have been sued before receiving official service. You might have seen the filing on a public portal, or perhaps you’ve spotted a process server lingering near your driveway. The temptation to avoid service by dodging the process server can be strong. However, in the Texas legal system, hiding from a […]
What Happens If Your Tenant Owes Over $20,000 in Rent?
In Texas, the process for evicting a tenant can be distinct from the process for collecting unpaid rent. While most landlords prefer to handle both issues in one place, a unique legal wall exists when the back rent exceeds the jurisdictional limits of the local court. If your tenant owes more than $20,000, you are […]
How Trial Dockets Work
For most people, the word “trial” brings to mind a specific date and time perhaps a Tuesday at 9:00 AM when the judge bangs the gavel and the proceedings begin. While some courts do operate on a date certain basis, the reality in many Texas civil courts is much more fluid. Understanding the trial docket […]
How Small Claims Courts Work in Texas
One of the most frustrating hurdles in the legal system is the economic barrier to entry. If you are owed $5,000, paying a $5,000 retainer to an attorney to recover that debt simply doesn’t make sense. Fortunately, the Texas legal system provides a specific venue designed for these exact scenarios: the Justice of the Peace […]
How Receiverships Work in Texas
Obtaining a court judgment is often only the first half of a legal battle. As many creditors quickly discover, a piece of paper signed by a judge does not automatically result in money in the bank. When a debtor refuses to pay, Texas law provides a powerful enforcement mechanism known as a receivership to help […]
How Do Contingency Fees Work?
The contingency fee model is the primary way personal injury law operates in Texas. For many, it feels like a “no-win, no-fee” safety net; for others, it can look like an attorney taking a significant stake in a client’s misfortune. Understanding how these fees are structured—and the legal rules governing them—is essential for any potential […]