Texas Family Law Insiders

It’s one of the biggest headaches for family lawyers—but ignoring it won’t make it go away. What do you really need to know about handling cases with pro se litigants in Texas family courts?In this episode, Amy Rod, Board Certified Family Law Attorney at Paul Webb, PC, unpacks the surprising rise of self-represented parties and reveals battle-tested strategies for navigating the ethical and practical challenges these cases bring.You’ll discover…Why up to 85% of divorces in some Texas courts now feature at least one unrepresented partyThe rule all attorneys must know before talking to a pro se litigant—and the most common mistake lawyers makeWhich resources you can share without crossing ethical lines, and where most lawyers slip upCommunication tips that will safeguard you (and your client) against future headachesHow empathy and professionalism can actually speed up settlements—even when the process gets frustrating

Most lawyers don’t realize there’s a hidden pitfall that could instantly doom their appeal after trial…Missing a single post-judgment deadline could cost your client everything—and it’s more common than you think.In this episode, Holly Draper takes you behind the scenes on the nitty-gritty of findings of fact and conclusions of law in Texas family law—revealing the overlooked rules that can make or break your case (and your reputation).You’ll discover…Why filing proposed findings before trial won’t shield you from critical post-judgment deadlines.The little-known mistakes that sabotage even seasoned trial lawyers on appeal.What happens behind the bench when judges delegate drafting findings—and how it could impact your client.The counterintuitive strategy for drafting findings when you’re on the losing side of the case.How missing a single day can doom your appeal—no matter how strong your arguments are.

Every Texas family lawyer dreads the moment when critical evidence gets tossed out—often with little warning. But what if you could master the rule that makes or breaks your courtroom strategy? Get ready to discover the overlooked details and hidden pitfalls of Rule 193.6.In this episode, Holly Draper and Emily Doron from The Draper Law Firm unveil the real-world intricacies of evidentiary exclusion under Rule 193.6 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, revealing common traps, key exceptions, and judgment calls that could change the outcome of your case.You’ll discover…The surprising ways evidence can be excluded—even if you think you’re playing by the rulesThe overlooked “exceptions” that judges scrutinize before letting excluded evidence back inHow minor mistakes in deadlines or disclosures can snowball into appellate nightmaresThe practical tactics attorneys use to protect their record—and their clients—when things go sidewaysWhy relying on the statute alone can land you in trouble, and what seasoned trial lawyers do differently

Most mediations are doomed before they even start—not because of conflict, but because of a lack of preparation.Ever wonder why some family law mediations go smoothly while others spiral into chaos and confusion?In this episode, Holly Draper and Carrie Tapia, Board Certified Family Lawyers and Partners at the Draper Law Firm, pull back the curtain on the art of mediation prep for family law cases—and reveal why thoughtful groundwork (not luck) is the real secret to successful settlements.You’ll discover…The surprising (and expensive) mistake lawyers make that can derail a mediation before it beginsWhy timing your mediation could make or break your client’s outcome—and what factors you should really considerHow to use inventories, spreadsheets, and checklists for maximum negotiation powerWhich simple mindset shift can help set client expectations (and protect morale) before mediation dayThe behind-the-scenes strategies top attorneys use to ensure mediators arrive fully briefed and ready for action

When family law meets cultural and generational traditions, divorce gets far more complicated than you might expect…Uncover the unique challenges, complexities, and cultural dynamics at play when South Asian families navigate divorce in Texas.In this episode, Yasmin Kutty, Founding Partner of Kutty Guajardo Khoury Family Law, PLLC, and Shailey Gupta-Brietzke, Principal Owner of Shailey Gupta-Brietzke PLLC, sit down with host Holly Draper to explore high-stakes separation, legal nuances, and family involvement in South Asian divorces in Texas.You’ll discover…How family dynamics and extended relatives play a pivotal (and sometimes disruptive) role in divorce decisionsThe property puzzle of gold jewelry, heirlooms, and real estate that spans continentsWhat to do when cultural or religious holidays collide with standard possession schedulesWhy Islamic marriage contracts rarely hold up in Texas courts—and what clients need to knowEye-opening challenges around domestic violence and financial transparency when cultural expectations are at odds with legal rights