Jenkins & Kamin, LLP puts on Running Shoes for a Good Cause

 The 37^th Annual HBA John J. Eikenburg Law Week Fun Run took place this past weekend at Sam Houston Park Downtown, and Jenkins & Kamin, LLP laced up their sneakers to participate in the event.

Taking pride in recognizing admirable causes that are impactful to Houston and the surrounding communities, Jenkins & Kamin LLP is proud to support the HBA John J. Eikenburg Law Week Fun Run for another year. The event has raised over $1,000,000.00 since 1986 for The Center for Pursuit, a private, non-profit corporation & United Way agency based in Houston, Texas that promotes choice, growth, and independence for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, or similar conditions. One hundred percent of the entry fee for the HBA John J. Eikenburg Law Week Fun Run is contributed directly to The Center for Pursuit and helps support a variety of programs designed to provide education, job training, socialization, community living, and health care for the agency’s clients.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP is one of the most respected family law firms in Texas. The firm is noted for its “team” approach by pairing skilled attorneys, paralegals and other support staff to enhance each client’s experience in difficult life transitions.

In addition to the “team” approach, Jenkins & Kamin, LLP strives to personalize case strategies for each individual client, including identification of every particular legal issue and effective explanation of the law with respect to those issues.  The firm endeavors to achieve a resolution that is appropriate for each client, while aggressively advocating on their behalf when necessary. Having a dedicated and experienced team working with you in any family law matter is of utmost importance to achieve the best result possible.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP represents clients in the following aspects of family law practice: Marital Property Agreements, Divorce, Complex Property Issues, Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Parentage, Modifications, Family Law Appeals and Dispute Resolution Alternatives. To learn more about the firm, visit www.jenkinskamin.com or contact one of our offices in the greater Houston area.

Claudia Canales joins Jenkins & Kamin as a Partner

Jenkins & Kamin LLP is proud to announce Claudia M. Canales has joined the firm as a partner. Jenkins & Kamin LLP is one of the most respected family law firms in Texas. The firm is noted for their “team” approach to enhance the client experience by utilizing its attorneys, paralegals and other support staff to support its clients during difficult life transitions.

In addition to the “team” approach, Jenkins & Kamin, LLP strives to personalize case strategies for each individual client, including identification of every particular legal issue and effective explanation of the law with respect to those issues.  The firm endeavors to achieve a resolution that is appropriate for each client, while aggressively advocating on their behalf when necessary. Having a dedicated and experienced team working with you in any family law matter is of utmost importance to achieve the best result possible. 

Experience matters. Compassion counts.

Claudia Canales is a native Texan and has been practicing family law in Houston since 2003. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 1997 from the University of Houston-Downtown. While attending the University of Houston-Downtown, Claudia worked as a clerk for the Harris County District Clerk’s Office and as an assistant clerk for the 310th Judicial District Court of Harris County.  In 2002, Claudia graduated cum laude with a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Southern University—Thurgood Marshall School of Law.  During law school, she interned in the 310th Judicial District Court of Harris County.  After graduating law school, Claudia opened her private law practice which she successfully ran for 18 years before joining Jenkins & Kamin, L.L.P. in January 2022.

Claudia has significant experience in Child Welfare Law and Family Law. She has represented parties in divorces while also developing a uniquely diverse perspective through other various roles in the family law world. She has been frequently appointed as an Ad Litem Attorney representing parents and children involved in cases with the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS), including termination of parental rights, modifications of custody orders, and adoptions.  Claudia also accepted appointments as an Amicus Attorney to aid the Court in protecting the best interests of children in high-conflict custody matters, including divorces, modifications, and private adoptions.  Claudia is a seasoned litigator who has spent most of her 18 years of practice in the courtroom litigating complex family law cases to the bench as well as to many juries.  In addition to her primary role as a family law litigator, Claudia maintained a successful mediation practice, assisting parties in resolving a variety of highly contested child custody and child welfare cases.

Claudia lives in Houston with Michael, her husband of 32 years; they have three grown children.  Claudia and Michael are avid runners and have participated in over 20 races in different cities across the country, including the Houston Aramco half marathon, the Houston Chevron full marathon, Las Vegas Rock & Roll half marathon, and the New Orleans Rock & Roll half marathon.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP represents clients in the following aspects of family law practice: Marital Property Agreements, Divorce, Complex Property Issues, Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Parentage, Modifications, Family Law Appeals and Dispute Resolution Alternatives. To learn more about the firm, visit www.jenkinskamin.com or contact one of our offices in the greater Houston area.

Preparing for a Child Custody Case

 Custody disputes and the development of visitation plans can be extremely stressful for both you and for any child involved in the case. Seeking a resolution that adequately addresses all the necessary issues to protect yourself and your child can be a challenge. Here is what to expect if you are preparing for a child custody case.

First, know that child custody cases are common, and often necessary, depending on the facts and circumstances of your case. Do not be disheartened if you find yourself embroiled in such a dispute and remember that it is not a reflection on you as a parent. Working with an experienced family law attorney will provide you with the support you need to get through a child custody dispute.

In most cases, it is tough for parties to reach a compromise when it comes to children. Our child custody attorneys help clients resolve these issues, preferably without court intervention, and focus on the safety and welfare of any child involved throughout the pendency of the case and beyond. The best interest of the child is the preeminent concern for both the practitioner and the court in such cases. The court will consider the ability of each parent to take care of the physical and emotional needs of the child, the stability of the home, as well as many other factors in adjudicating child custody disputes.

If a case does require court intervention, the court will generally award custody to both parents, which is commonly referred to as joint managing conservatorship. The primary parent within a joint managing conservatorship usually gets to determine the child’s residence and has a greater percentage of parenting time.

A judge will also consider many factors in a custody dispute and attempt to make their determination based upon the child’s best interest. Each case is different, but the factors considered may include elements such as the child’s age and health as well as the mental and physical health of both parents along with each parent’s ability to offer a stable environment. The court may also consider the emotional bond shared between the child and each parent as well as the willingness of each parent to maintain a good relationship with the other parent.

A judge or jury may rely on relevant testimony of others such as neighbors, family members, therapists, and teachers who can testify on issues or concerns about which that witness has personal, firsthand knowledge. An experienced family lawyer can help you prepare your child custody case to facilitate an amicable resolution, or, alternatively, to effectively present your case to the judge who will make these important decisions that will affect you and your child for years to come.

Additionally, if your case goes to court you should be prepared to field personal questions and be able to back up your responses with verifiable facts. An experienced family lawyer will guide you as you organize and prepare your evidence, as well as coach you on how to best structure your responses. Having a dedicated advocate on your side will also help you tactfully address any legally valid shortcomings of the other parent, or even your own.

Jenkins & Kamin, LLP is a boutique family law firm serving greater Houston and Conroe, TX areas. We understand this is a difficult time for you and your family. You and your ex-spouse or partner may not be aware of your legal rights in these situations. As experienced child custody attorneys, we can help you navigate this complex issue and work with you to reach the best possible outcome. Whether you are the mother, father, or even a grandparent seeking custody, we can provide you with sound advice and experienced child custody representation.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP is one of the most respected family law firms in Texas. The firm is noted for their “team” approach to enhance the client experience by utilizing experienced attorneys, paralegals and other support staff to support their clients amidst difficult life transitions.

In addition to the “team” approach, Jenkins & Kamin, LLP strives to personalize case strategies for each individual client, including identification of every particular legal issue and effective explanation of the law with respect to those issues.  The firm endeavors to achieve a resolution that is appropriate for each client, while aggressively advocating on their behalf when necessary. Having a dedicated and experienced team working with you in any family law matter is of utmost importance to achieve the best result possible.

If you find yourself in the midst of a legal battle regarding child custody, contact us as soon as possible. Our experienced attorneys can provide guidance and measured representation to ensure the best outcome for you and any child who is the subject of the suit. Visit us online to schedule your consultation today at http://www.jenkinskamin.com/

Helpful Tips to Prepare for an Upcoming Divorce

 Imminency of divorce is one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. In addition to the emotional aspects of a failing marriage, navigating the legal proceedings can be confusing and overwhelming for anyone. If you are contemplating divorce or find yourself in the midst of pending divorce litigation, here are a few helpful tips if to make the process more manageable and productive.

Take the High Road

You have many choices when it comes to a divorce. Some cases can be handled more simply, or you can choose to litigate and have a court intervene and make decisions about your personal family and financial matters. You can also utilize various alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or the collaborative approach to securing as peaceable of a conclusion as possible.  Be sure to research all the options available to you by consulting with an attorney who is Board Certified in Family Law to determine the best path forward for you.

Get Organized

Myriads of significant decisions must be made in divorce, often in finite period of time. These decisions will not only affect your life, but also the lives of your loved ones for years to come. The more organized you are at the beginning of your case, the better off you will be at the end of the marriage. Competent legal and financial professionals can help guide and prepare you as you weight your options regarding your kids and property. Aligning with a financial planner, advisor, and/or tax professional before you embark on the journey to divorce will serve you well; this individual can work hand-in-glove with your legal professional to further your desired goals in divorce.

To the extent you are able, try to work with your spouse to make a list of your assets and debts. Be prepared to provide copies of your financial documents to your attorney as well, such as deeds, titles to property, summaries of financial accounts, pay stubs, W-2’s, 1099’s, K-1’s, tax returns, retirement & brokerage information, mortgage statements, car loan statements, and other marital assets & liabilities. Create a current and prospective budget to educate yourself on what it costs to live together versus living separately. But, do not engage in ad hoc negotiations with your spouse until you have consulted a Board Certified family lawyer. You simply need to get organized at this point, to aide your legal advocate in effectively preparing for and responding to discovery when you enter that phase of your divorce case.

Accept Responsibility & Participate

The overwhelming nature of divorce is enough to make anyone want to retreat. Unfortunately, it is not something from which you can hide, and doing so will not solve the problem or change the inevitable. Do not passively observe your own divorce, or constantly place blame on your spouse or others.  It is imperative that you take responsibility first, while also taking an active role in the divorce process. Follow the advice of your chosen legal professional but be prepared to stand by your own decisions and actions that find you in this life transition. Proactive participation in the divorce process will lend toward a more expedient result for you and your family.

Seek Support

A divorce may make you feel isolated, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources, such as counseling, support groups, etc., to give you an outlet as you process your emotions and learn how to deal with (and express) them in a healthier, more productive way. If you need help, the first step is asking for it. Consult with a Board Certified family lawyer who can help align with the best resources with your specific circumstances in mind.

Maintain Your Integrity

You may feel angry, betrayed, devastated, and a plethora of other emotions. Often, such emotions cause people to engage in behavior they would not otherwise engage in, which can be detrimental to your case overall. No matter how much your spouse may be pressing your buttons, you should not let them get the best of you, allowing their attacks to justify “bad behavior.”

Resist venting details of your divorce on social media. Do not talk poorly about your spouse to your children, or to others in front of your children. And yes, this advice is still prescribed even if your spouse may be engaging in such behavior.  As difficult as this advice may be to receive and follow, the reward for doing so will salvage your mental and emotional health, and likely give you an upper hand in settlement negotiations and/or court proceedings. Do not let your actions during divorce define (or, worse, ruin) the rest of your life. The divorce process can only define you if you allow it to do so.

Don’t Lose Sight of the Big Picture

The decisions you make during the process will affect you and your children for many years to come, so do not get caught up focusing on semantics or insisting that you are “right.” There are no winners when it comes to a divorce, but if you focus on what is most important such as your children and your future, instead of the pain of the past, you stand a greater chance of divorcing amicably and reaching a settlement that will be much more workable in the long term.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP is one of the most respected family law firms in Texas. The firm is noted for their “team” approach to enhance the client experience by utilizing experienced attorneys, paralegals and other support staff to support their clients amidst difficult life transitions.

In addition to the “team” approach, Jenkins & Kamin, LLP strives to personalize case strategies for each individual client, including identification of every particular legal issue and effective explanation of the law with respect to those issues.  The firm endeavors to achieve a resolution that is appropriate for each client, while aggressively advocating on their behalf when necessary. Having a dedicated and experienced team working with you in any family law matter is of utmost importance to achieve the best result possible.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP represents clients in the following aspects of family law practice: Marital Property Agreements, Divorce, Complex Property Issues, Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Parentage, Modifications, Family Law Appeals and Dispute Resolution Alternatives. To learn more about the firm, visit www.jenkinskamin.com or contact one of our offices in Conroe, Clear Lake or Houston.