Attorneys in Mertens

Texas bankruptcy automatic stay (11 U.S.C. § 362) immediately halts most collection actions, lawsuits, foreclosures, and wage garnishments the moment a bankruptcy is filed.

Texas businesses can use Chapter 11 to reorganize debt while continuing operations. Subchapter V (small-business) streamlines for businesses with debt under ~$7.5M.

Texas arbitration clauses are widely enforced under the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) — but unconscionability, class-action waiver issues, and the 2022 EFAA (sexual-harassment carve-out) limit some clauses.

Texas breach-of-contract claims require valid contract + breach + damages — but most cases turn on what damages can be proved, not whether breach occurred.

Your federal constitutional rights apply if you're arrested in Texas — Miranda, right to remain silent, right to counsel. Phone-call rule: Reasonable opportunity to make a call.

Texas assault charges: simple assault is typically Class A or C misdemeanor (assault); aggravated forms can reach up to 99 yrs (with serious bodily injury / weapon).

Texas DUI breath-test results can be challenged on calibration, maintenance, operator error, mouth alcohol, and machine reliability — successful challenges have led to thousands of dismissals nationally.

Texas commercial driver's license (CDL) holders face stricter DUI rules — 0.04% BAC limit (half of regular drivers) plus career-ending consequences for ANY DUI in any vehicle.

Texas disabled employees are protected by the federal ADA (15+ employees) + state law — employers must engage in interactive process + provide reasonable accommodations unless undue hardship.

Texas workers age 40+ are protected by the federal ADEA + state law from age discrimination — but the Supreme Court's Gross v. FBL standard requires "but-for" causation, making cases harder than other discrimination claims.

Texas asset protection involves layering — exemption planning, business entities, retirement accounts, and (for some) Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPTs) in DAPT-friendly states.

Texas blended families need careful estate planning to avoid disinheriting biological children when surviving spouse remarries — QTIP trusts, life insurance, and specific structures address the conflict.

Texas adoption involves consent rules, a court-supervised home study, and (for newborn adoptions) a state-specific revocation window. Irrevocable after 11 days from signing (and signed at least 48 hours after birth).

Texas calls it spousal maintenance. STRICT eligibility (10+ year marriage, family violence, or disability).

Asylum is governed by federal law but cases are heard in the immigration court closest to where the applicant lives. Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso, Harlingen, Laredo, Pearsall, Port Isabel Immigration Courts. Largest asylum docket of any state.

Texas immigrants in removal proceedings may qualify for cancellation of removal — relief that allows long-term residents (LPRs and certain non-LPRs) to avoid deportation and obtain green cards.

Copyright is purely federal — registered with the U.S. Copyright Office, enforced through federal district courts. Texas infringement cases are filed in U.S. District Courts for the Northern.

Texas creators using copyrighted material need fair-use analysis — four-factor test (purpose, nature, amount, market effect) determines whether use is lawful without permission.

Texas amusement park / ride / water park injuries can lead to negligence, premises liability, and product-liability claims — but liability waivers and federal CPSC reporting create complications.

Texas aviation-accident claims involve federal aviation law, FAA / NTSB investigations, multiple potential defendants, and (for international flights) treaties like the Montreal Convention.

Texas 1031 like-kind exchanges defer capital gains tax on real-estate sales when proceeds reinvest in similar property — strict 45/180-day deadlines + qualified intermediary required.

Texas adverse possession requires 10 years (3 or 5 with color of title / paid taxes / cultivation) of continuous, open, hostile, exclusive, and notorious possession.

Texas spouses who filed joint returns can escape responsibility for tax debts caused by the other spouse — through innocent spouse, separation of liability, or equitable relief.

Texas taxpayers facing IRS audits should know — most audits are correspondence (mail-only), 3-year SOL is standard, and you have appeal + Tax Court rights at every step.