General Practice Law Firm Experienced, Knowledgeable ProfessionalsTo Serve
You In Your Time of Need
At The Campa Law Firm, P.C., your satisfaction is our first priority. We have been providing quality legal services for more than 17 years in the Houston and San Antonio, Texas, areas. Our caring practice understands that you want prompt, courteous, and fairly priced service, but not at the expense of quality representation.
Philip Campa, a 1990 graduate of South Texas College of Law and member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, has established a reputation for delivering this type of service with all his clients. Whether your legal need is business, criminal, or family related, we take each legal matter seriously and provide the same level of service for every client, regardless of background or size of case.
If you are not satisfied with how your case is progressing or find that others are calling the shots, it may be time to consult with someone who is used to taking charge and responsibility for his clients' welfare. We are pro-active in pursuing each case to its final resolution. This goal is accomplished by aggressively working with the client in developing and preparing his or her case for trial. If you are tired of excuses and delays in getting answers then change your course. Contact our practice or come by our law office and let our caring, professional attorneys meet all of your legal needs.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT: To be your advocate and demonstrate our commitment to you as we represent your interests with integrity. Our passion is to provide the best representation possible while remaining sensitive to our clients’ complex and emotional family needs.
HABLAMOS ESPANOL
Family Law Questions
How is community property divided in a divorce?
Community assets (and debts) are characterized and divided according to state law. However, there are exceptions to the rules that may offer one party more than an equal share of a particular asset.
What if we can't agree on "custody"?
If parents cannot agree on who should be the primary residential parent, a judge will have to decide. Regardless of which parent has primary custody, both parents can have routine contact with their child. They also will share the rights, responsibilities, and joys of child-rearing, as long as it remains in the best interests of the child.
What does "joint custody" mean?
Joint custody provides that a child live an equal amount of time with each parent. This is not always best for the child, but joint or rotating custody can be awarded in cases in which the child is older or more mature, the parents live close to each other, and the rotation will not impact the child’s schooling. The court may also take into consideration the child’s preferences.
Can a child’s primary "residency" be changed from one parent to the other?
Yes, when circumstances have substantially changed, and the child would be better served by a change.
If I have primary residential "custody", can I relocate with my child?
A court must determine whether to allow a primary residential parent to relocate with the child, if the move will materially affect the visitation and contact rights of the secondary residential parent. Further, the court will consider how the move will impact the child’s quality of life and visitation arrangements.
How is the amount of "child support" determined?
A state-mandated formula is used to determine child support (guidelines). The formula bases the support figure on the relative net incomes of the parents and the amount of visitation. This formula can be departed from depending on the child’s age and the parents’ financial status, as well as extraordinary expenses for medical care and education.
Can the amount of child support be changed?
Child support can be increased or decreased when unanticipated and involuntary changes occur in the parents’ financial situation.
Who is entitled to spousal maintenance ("alimony")?
A court may grant monthly alimony to either spouse as a temporary or permanent measure. Alimony also may be paid in a lump sum. A court will consider such factors as the marital standard of living, the length of the marriage, the age of the divorcing spouses, their financial picture, each party’s contribution to the marriage, and one spouse requires education or training.
How long does the divorce "process" take?
It is impossible to tell. Each divorce is unique. Uncontested divorces often resolve quickly, when they remain uncontested through the entire process. If emotions remain in check, the process becomes that much speedier. The availability of the courts is another important factor in the length of the divorce process.
Do we have to have a "trial" to divorce?
When possible, it is best to negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement. A negotiated settlement is more likely to meet the parties,’ objectives than a court-ordered agreement. Additionally, out-of-court agreements can save money. Highly contentious issues are the biggest obstacles to a negotiated divorce.
What is "mediation"?
Mediation, sometimes referred to as alternative dispute resolution (ADR), allows resolution of legal conflicts without litigation. Mediation is a cost-effective, efficient way to reach an agreement. The parties and their attorneys, meet with a trained mediator who attempts to help them reach an agreement. Often, an attempt at mediation is required by family court judges before litigation is permitted to proceed. A mediator tries to facilitate an agreement, without forcing either party to agree. Even when a final agreement is not achieved through mediation, it still may be possible to come to terms before an expensive court hearing.
How do I begin my case?
Our law firm can handle your inquiries and get the process started. Contact us via phone or email to speak with a committed family law attorney.
Have your problems escalated to the point where you have to find an attorney? The Campa Law Firm, P.C. will gladly offer you a free telephone consultation so that we can help you decide what's best for you. From difficult family issues in your divorce, or a pending criminal matter involving you or a loved one, we are here to assist you in your case. Ask us about our telephone consultations and attorney services today.
Tel: (713) 957-8590
Fax: (713) 686-5025
e-fax: (713) 481-0993
Hours of Operation:
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday-Friday
Telephones answered
24 hours a day
DISCLAIMER:
The information contained in this website is not intended as legal advice. Please consult an attorney for specific advice regarding your legal matter. The transmission and receipt of information contained in the Web site does not form or constitute an attorney-client relationship. No information regarded as confidential should be sent to The Campa Law Firm, P.C., or one of its lawyers prior to establishing an attorney-client relationship. Please remember that Internet e-mail is not secure and you should avoid sending sensitive or confidential Internet e-mail messages unless they are adequately encrypted. Some links within The Campa Law Firm, P.C. Web site may lead to other sites. The Campa Law Firm, P.C. Web site does not incorporate any materials appearing in such linked sites by reference and The Campa Law Firm, P.C. does not necessarily endorse, sponsor or otherwise approve of such linked materials. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. Our principal office is in Houston, Texas.
*Our attorneys are not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Order of Nondisclosure
A Texas law may allow you to seal your criminal record if you have successfully completed “Deferred Adjudication” Probation in Texas.If you think no one can find out about your criminal case - think again. Your case is a matter of public record, even if it was dismissed when you completed your probation. This includes landlords and potential employers.
An "Order of Nondisclosure" is a court order that prohibits governmental agencies from disclosing the existence of your case. This remedy is available for both misdemeanors and felonies.
At the end of a successfully completed deferred adjudication probation, the Judge signs a No Finding of Guilt Order. That's the good news. The bad news is that the offense will continue to show up on background checks unless you obtain an Order of Non-Disclosure.
Are you eligible? That depends on the crime and your actions since the probation ended.
Is there a waiting period? The Texas Legislature has reduced the 10 year waiting period to a 5 YEAR WAITING PERIOD from the date your No Finding Of Guilt Order was entered for eligible felony offenses. There is a 2 YEAR WAITING PERIOD (previously 5 years) for certain misdemeanor offenses and NO WAITING PERIOD for others.
If you think you may be eligible, please call us. We will analyze your particular case and let you know:
if you are eligible to file,
whether there is a waiting period for your offense, and
whether you have satisfied the waiting period, if any.
Are you interested in obtaining an Order of Nondisclosure?
Call The Campa Law Firm, P.C. to discuss your individual case.
DON'T ALLOW A PAST MISTAKE TO RUIN YOUR LIFE.
CALL TODAY.
Examples of crimes where a Non-Disclosure can be filed immediately:
Criminal trespass
Failure to ID
Gambling
Evading arrest
Public Intoxication
Burglary of a coin operated machine
Obscenity
Resisting arrest
Possession of marijuana
Misdemeanor theft
Examples of crimes that require a 2 year waiting period:
Public lewdness/indecent exposure
Assault (non-family violence)
Deadly conduct (no firearm)
Terroristic threat (misdemeanor)
Bigamy
Disorderly conduct
Obstruction of a highway
Interference with a 911 call
Dog fighting
Unlawfully carrying a weapon
Examples of crimes that are NEVER ELIGIBLE for a Non-Disclosure:
Any offense requiring sex offender registration
Aggravated kidnapping
Murder
Capital murder
Injury to a child/elderly or disabled person
Endangering or abandoning a child
Violation of a protective order
Stalking
Any case involving a finding of family violence
All other felonies have a 5 year waiting period.
You must have had no offenses during the waiting period except Transportation Code offenses that are punished by fine only (for example, speeding tickets)
