Kristin Kline: Expert Family Law Attorney in Texas

Kristin Kline is a family law attorney serving the Greater West Houston area. Inspired by her own family’s experience with a difficult divorce, she is committed to helping clients feel heard, supported, and informed at every step. Kristin focuses on practical solutions, fair outcomes, and clear communication—always putting the well-being of children and families first.

Kristin Kline, family law attorney in Texas, smiling in professional attire against a modern office backdrop, representing expertise in family law matters like divorce and custody.
Attorney reviewing will and power of attorney documents in Houston office

Updating Your Estate Plan Is a Perfect Way to Start the New Year

For many people, the start of a new year feels like a fresh slate. It’s a time when we reflect on the past year, make resolutions, and think about how we want the year ahead to look. While goals like exercising more or saving money often top the list, one important task is frequently overlooked: reviewing or updating your estate plan. Estate planning is not just about preparing for the end of life. It’s about

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Estate Planning, Family Law, Last Will and Testament, Uncategorized

Holiday Co-Parenting in Texas: How to Reduce Stress and Put Your Child First

The holiday season can be joyful—but for many co-parents in Texas, it can also be stressful, confusing, or overwhelming. Breaks from school, travel plans, family traditions, and shifting schedules can create tension even in the most cooperative parenting situations. If your relationship with the other parent has been strained, the pressure of the holidays can make every decision feel heavier. The good news is that there are ways to make the holidays smoother, clearer, and

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Custody, Divorce, Family Law, Hiring a Family Law Attorney
Woman with glasses reviewing documents at desk with laptop, representing the Law Office of Kristin Kline, specializing in family law services in Houston.

What to Do When Your Ex Stops Paying Child Support in Texas

If you are a custodial parent in Texas, you probably rely on child support to help pay for your child’s everyday needs — housing, food, clothes, school costs, and more. When your ex suddenly stops paying, it can feel scary, frustrating, and unfair. You may worry about how you’ll cover bills this month, and you may also feel angry that your child is being put in the middle again. The good news is this: you

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Child Support Payment in Texas, Divorce, Family Law, Hiring a Family Law Attorney
Professional attorneys standing confidently in front of a law office, representing Kristin Kline's family law services in Houston, Texas.

What Happens to the Family Home in a Texas Divorce?

Divorce is an emotionally charged process, particularly when it involves the family home—a place filled with memories, stability, and often significant financial value. In Texas, a community property state, the division of assets like the marital home follows specific rules designed to ensure fairness. If you’re navigating a divorce in affluent West Houston neighborhoods such as Memorial, River Oaks, or Tanglewood, where homes can represent substantial investments, understanding your options is crucial. This comprehensive guide

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Divorce, Family Law, Hiring a Family Law Attorney, Separate and Community Property in Texas
Client consultation at The Law Office of Kristin Kline, focused on family law matters in a courtroom setting.

Does Texas Have a Cap on Child Support and Will I Ever Have to Pay More Than Guideline Child Support?

Understanding Texas Child Support Caps and Above-Guideline Payments When parents separate or divorce in Texas, determining fair and consistent child support is one of the most important—and often confusing—parts of the process. The state has established specific guidelines to ensure that children receive adequate financial support based on the income of the non-custodial parent. However, many families—especially those in West Houston’s higher-income communities such as Memorial, Katy, and Fulshear—often wonder:👉 Does Texas have a cap

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Child Support Payment in Texas, Custody, Divorce, Family Law
Family law consultation at the Law Office of Kristin Kline, featuring an attorney discussing legal matters with clients, including estate planning and small estate affidavits.

When to Use a Small Estate Affidavit in Texas

Introduction Losing a loved one is difficult, and the added stress of navigating legal processes can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Texas law provides a simplified option for certain families: the Small Estate Affidavit (SEA). This legal tool can help heirs transfer property without the time and cost of a full probate proceeding—if the estate qualifies. In this guide, we’ll explain what a small estate affidavit is, who can use it, the requirements, the step-by-step process, and

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Estate Planning, Family Law, Last Will and Testament, Separate and Community Property in Texas
Courtroom scene featuring legal professionals and clients engaged in a family law case, representing the law office of Kristin Kline.

2025 Texas Divorce Law Updates: What Happened with HB 3401 and What Families Should Know

Introduction In 2025, Texas lawmakers once again considered a bill that would have changed divorce law as we know it. House Bill 3401 (HB 3401) proposed eliminating no-fault divorce in Texas. While the bill ultimately failed in committee and did not become law, its introduction highlights an important reality: Texas divorce law is under constant scrutiny, and future sessions may revive similar efforts. For families in West Houston neighborhoods like Memorial, Bunker Hill Village, Piney

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Divorce, Family Law, Hiring a Family Law Attorney
Couple shaking hands with a family law attorney at the Law Office of Kristin Kline in Houston, Texas, during an initial consultation about family law matters.

What to Expect in Your First Meeting with a Family Law Attorney in Texas

Meeting with a family law attorney for the first time can feel overwhelming. Whether you are preparing for a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or dealing with financial issues such as child or spousal support, that initial consultation is your first step toward clarity and peace of mind. Many people delay making this appointment because they fear the unknown. However, avoiding legal guidance can make matters worse. The sooner you meet with an experienced

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Family Law, Hiring a Family Law Attorney
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What Important Documents Should You Update After a Divorce?

Going through a divorce in Texas is emotionally and logistically challenging. Between court hearings, financial disclosures, and settlement negotiations, you’ve likely spent countless hours reviewing personal and financial documents. Once the divorce is finalized, it’s tempting to move on without looking back. However, failing to update certain legal and financial documents can create serious problems later—sometimes years after the divorce. For example, if you don’t change the beneficiary on your IRA, your ex-spouse could inherit

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Divorce, Family Law, Hiring a Family Law Attorney
Children in Texas-style and coastal settings pointing ahead, representing family differences across states for a blog comparing the Texas child support calculator to other states.

Texas Child Support Calculator vs Other States

Every state has its own method for calculating child support, and understanding the Texas approach can help you plan more effectively. Texas uses a straightforward formula that prioritizes the noncustodial parent’s net income, while many other states use shared-income models that consider both parents’ finances and custody arrangements. How Texas Calculates Child Support The Texas Child Support Calculator follows a set of statutory percentages based on the number of children: 1 child – 20% of

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Child Support Payment in Texas, Custody, Divorce, Family Law
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What Happens When Court Orders Aren’t Followed in Texas?

Why Court Orders Matter in Texas Family Law Court orders serve as legally binding directives from the court that require specific actions or inactions by one or more parties involved in a legal case. In Texas family law, court orders often govern issues like child custody, child support, property division, spousal support, visitation schedules, or protective orders. These orders are essential tools for preserving fairness, protecting children and vulnerable parties, and ensuring compliance with decisions

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Custody, Family Law, Hiring a Family Law Attorney
Clients consulting with attorney Kristin Kline in a professional office setting, discussing family law and estate planning matters.

When to Update Your Estate Plan in Texas

West Houston Estate Planning Attorney Estate planning is not a one-time task—it’s an evolving process that should grow with you through life’s changes. While creating an estate plan is a crucial step, keeping it current is equally important. An outdated plan may not reflect your present wishes or comply with Texas law, which can cause confusion and unnecessary complications for your loved ones during an already difficult time. This guide explains when and why you

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Estate Planning, Family Law, Hiring a Family Law Attorney