Parental rights have long been recognized as among the most important rights protected under American law. At the same time, courts and child protection agencies have a responsibility to intervene when children's safety and well-being are at risk. Balancing those competing interests is one of the most challenging responsibilities facing the Texas family law system.

In this episode of the Barrows Firm Podcast, Texas family law attorney Leslie Barrows discusses a recent Texas Supreme Court decision involving the termination of parental rights and the continuing evolution of parental rights law in Texas.

The discussion explores the significance of Texas voters approving Article I, Section 37 of the Texas Constitution in November 2025, formally recognizing parental rights as a fundamental constitutional right. Leslie explains how the recent Supreme Court decision addressed the relationship between that amendment and Texas' existing child protection laws.

Listeners will learn about the legal standards that apply in termination cases, including the clear and convincing evidence burden of proof, why termination of parental rights is considered one of the most serious actions a court can take, and how courts evaluate evidence when determining whether intervention is appropriate.

Contact Southlake Family Law Attorney Leslie Barrows at the Barrows Firm!

The conversation also explores broader policy discussions currently taking place throughout Texas, including debates surrounding parental rights, child protection, government intervention, evidentiary standards, and proposals that may affect future legislation and court decisions.

Topics discussed include:

• Texas Constitutional Article I, Section 37
• Fundamental parental rights
• Termination of parental rights cases
• Clear and convincing evidence standards
• Child safety and child protection laws
• The role of evidence in family law cases
• Future legislative and judicial developments
• Balancing parental rights and children's welfare

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, family law professional, or simply interested in how Texas family law continues to evolve, this episode provides valuable insight into one of the most significant legal developments affecting families today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every family law matter is unique and should be evaluated based upon its specific facts and circumstances.

Father's Day is a time to celebrate the important role fathers play in the lives of their children. It is also an opportunity to discuss the legal rights and responsibilities that come with parenthood.

In this episode of the Barrows Firm Law Review, attorney Leslie Barrows discusses fathers' rights in Texas family law, including conservatorship, possession schedules, child support obligations, paternity issues, and co-parenting after separation or divorce.

Leslie explains common misconceptions about fathers in custody cases, the importance of establishing paternity, how courts determine parenting arrangements, and what fathers can do to maintain strong relationships with their children during challenging family transitions.

Whether you are a father navigating a divorce, an unmarried parent seeking to establish legal rights, or simply interested in understanding how Texas courts approach parenting issues, this episode provides practical guidance and insight.

If you have questions about conservatorship, possession, child support, or other family law matters, contact The Barrows Firm to discuss your situation.

Understanding Possession of the Home, Family Conflict, and Resolving Disputes Without Destroying Your Finances

For many families going through divorce, the marital residence becomes far more than a piece of property. The home often represents stability, financial security, parenting routines, emotional attachment, and long-term planning. As a result, disputes involving the marital residence can quickly become some of the most difficult and emotionally charged issues in a Texas divorce case.

In this episode of the Barrows Firm Podcast, Texas family law attorney Leslie Barrows discusses the legal and practical realities surrounding the marital residence during divorce proceedings and explains how mediation can often help families resolve these disputes more efficiently and cost-effectively.

The conversation explores how Texas courts approach temporary possession of the home, including situations where one spouse may receive exclusive use and possession during the divorce process. Leslie explains how issues involving children, financial stability, and allegations of family violence can influence temporary orders and housing decisions.

The episode also addresses common misunderstandings involving community property, separate property claims, and whether moving out of the marital residence affects ownership rights. Leslie discusses financial responsibilities tied to the home during divorce, including mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, upkeep, and disputes involving damage to the property or wasting marital assets.

In addition, the discussion focuses heavily on mediation and why disputes involving the marital residence are often well-suited for negotiated resolution rather than prolonged courtroom litigation. Leslie explains how mediation can help families save substantial time, money, and emotional strain while allowing parties to develop creative solutions tailored to their specific circumstances.

Listeners will also hear practical discussion regarding:

• Temporary possession of the marital residence
• Exclusive use and possession orders
• Family violence allegations and protective orders
• Community versus separate property issues
• Financial responsibilities tied to the home
• Surveillance, recordings, and evidence disputes inside the residence
• Emotional attachment to the home
• The impact of housing instability on children
• Mediation strategies involving the marital residence
• Balancing financial realities with emotional considerations

Throughout the episode, Leslie emphasizes the importance of maintaining perspective, staying organized, and approaching disputes strategically rather than emotionally.

This episode is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every divorce and property situation is unique.

In Texas family law cases, discovery is often where the truth begins to surface. It can be one of the most powerful tools available to attorneys, and at the same time, one of the most frustrating experiences for clients.

In this episode of the Barrows Firm Podcast, family law attorney Leslie Barrows discusses how discovery works in Texas divorce and custody cases and why it can either move a case forward efficiently or create significant conflict and delay.

We cover what discovery actually is, the tools attorneys use, and why clients often struggle with responding to discovery requests. In many cases, one party is organized and responsive while the other delays, provides incomplete information, or raises concerns about whether something is being hidden.

This episode explains the key discovery tools used in Texas family law, including interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admissions, and depositions. We also discuss how attorneys use these tools strategically to uncover facts, evaluate claims, and shape the direction of a case.

We also address what happens when discovery breaks down. When a party fails to respond or provides incomplete answers, disputes can escalate into motions to compel, hearings, and potential sanctions. Courts take discovery obligations seriously, and failure to comply can affect both credibility and outcomes.

If you are involved in a divorce or custody case, understanding discovery early can help you avoid unnecessary conflict and position your case more effectively.

Contact Leslie Barrows at The Barrows Firm in Southlake, Texas, for Assistance

This episode is general information and not legal advice.

What does it really mean to “win” in a divorce?

In this episode of the Barrows Firm Law Review Podcast, Southlake family law attorney Leslie Barrows walks through the reality of divorce strategy and how experienced legal guidance can shape the outcome of your case. While many people approach divorce with a win-or-lose mindset, the truth is more complex. Every family is different, and the right strategy depends on your goals, your children, and your financial situation.

This conversation focuses on how to think strategically from the very beginning of a divorce case. Leslie explains how she helps clients move from emotional reactions to clear decision-making, and why that shift is critical when the stakes are high. The discussion covers when it makes sense to resolve disputes in mediation and when it may be necessary to present your case in court with evidence and expert support.

For parents, child custody decisions carry long-term consequences that cannot be undone. Leslie shares what “winning” looks like in custody cases and how judges evaluate the actions and credibility of each parent. The episode also explores how behavior during a case can influence outcomes and why maintaining composure and consistency matters more than most people realize.

The conversation also takes a deeper look at financial strategy in divorce, particularly in cases involving significant assets. From business interests and real estate to investments and retirement accounts, Leslie discusses common mistakes people make and how high-net-worth divorces require a different level of planning. She also explains when it is appropriate to bring in financial experts, valuation professionals, and forensic accountants to protect your interests.

Throughout the episode, the focus remains on practical judgment. Divorce is not just about legal rights. It is about making decisions that protect your future, your children, and your financial stability. In many cases, “winning” means approaching the process as a responsible adult and long-term family leader, rather than reacting to short-term emotions.

If you are considering divorce or are currently going through one, this episode provides a clear and grounded perspective on how to think about strategy, risk, and outcomes.

To learn more about Leslie Barrows and the Barrows Firm, visit https://www.barrowsfirm.com/.

Child custody cases in Texas are often far more complex than many parents expect. While most people assume a custody dispute involves only two parents, their attorneys, and a judge, the reality is that many cases require input from a range of professionals whose roles are defined by the Texas Family Code. These professionals help the court evaluate family dynamics, assess a child’s needs, and make decisions guided by the best interests of the child.

In this episode of the Barrows Firm Law Review, attorney Leslie Barrows breaks down the key professionals who may become involved in Texas child custody litigation and explains how their work influences court outcomes. The discussion begins with child custody evaluations and custody studies, including when courts order them, who is qualified to conduct them, and what evaluators are required to assess. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of what families can expect during the evaluation process and how evaluator reports are used by judges.

The episode also addresses the role of mental health professionals in custody cases, including the important distinction between treating therapists and forensic evaluators. Parents often misunderstand how confidentiality works once litigation begins, and this episode explains what information may be shared with the court and how professional involvement can affect a case.

In addition, Leslie explains the differences between court-appointed attorneys who may be involved in custody matters. The episode clarifies the role of an amicus attorney, how that role differs from an attorney ad litem for a child, and what a guardian ad litem does under Texas law. Understanding these distinctions helps parents better navigate the process and avoid common misunderstandings that can create unnecessary conflict or expense.

Finally, the conversation ties all of these roles back to the core legal standard that governs Texas custody cases: the best interest of the child. Leslie discusses why courts rely on multiple perspectives, how judges evaluate professional input, and why experienced legal guidance is critical when these professionals are involved.

This episode is designed to help parents, professionals, and anyone interested in Texas family law better understand how child custody cases are evaluated and decided, and why preparation and clarity matter at every stage of the process.

In Texas family law cases, evidence often becomes the turning point.

Many people do not realize how much of their daily life creates a permanent record that can later be reviewed by a judge.

Text messages, emails, social media activity, financial transactions, and even day-to-day behavior can all become evidence in divorce, custody, and child support disputes. 

In this episode of the Barrows Firm Podcast, family law attorney Leslie Barrows explains how evidence works in Texas family law cases and why understanding evidentiary issues early can make a meaningful difference in outcomes.

This conversation covers what qualifies as evidence, how courts evaluate credibility, and why patterns of behavior often matter more than isolated incidents or allegations.

The discussion explores common mistakes people make during divorce and custody cases, including deleting messages, hiding documents, or attempting to control narratives through informal communication.

Leslie explains how Texas courts view the destruction of evidence, also known as spoliation, and why efforts to hide or destroy information often cause more harm than the underlying facts themselves.

This episode also addresses financial evidence in divorce cases, including the wasting or hiding of marital assets.

Leslie discusses red flags courts and attorneys look for when one spouse dissipates community property, as well as the role forensic accountants and financial investigators can play when records do not add up.

Listeners will also learn when private investigators may be appropriately used in Texas family law matters, what types of evidence they can lawfully gather, and the risks associated with trying to investigate a spouse or co-parent on your own.

The episode explains how evidence impacts custody cases when allegations are made and why Texas courts focus on patterns of conduct, judgment, and stability when determining a child’s best interest.

Throughout the conversation, Leslie emphasizes that a person’s conduct during a family law case often becomes evidence itself.

Communication style, cooperation, financial transparency, and parenting behavior are all closely observed by Texas judges and can influence credibility and final decisions. This episode is general information for Texas families and is not legal advice. 

If you are involved in a divorce, custody dispute, or child support matter and have questions about evidence or protecting your rights, speaking with an experienced Texas family law attorney early can help you avoid costly mistakes.

January is one of the busiest months of the year for new divorce and child custody case filings in Texas.

After the holidays conclude, many individuals and families reach a point where long-standing issues can no longer be postponed.

In this episode of the Barrows Firm Podcast, with Leslie Barrows, founder of The Barrows Firm in Southlake, Texas, we learn why the new year often prompts people to take action in family law matters.

The discussion explores the emotional and practical reasons behind the increase in January filings, including accumulated stress during the holidays, financial realities, and shifting expectations around marriage, parenting, and personal well-being. Leslie also addresses the noticeable rise in the number and variety of reasons couples are separating, and why many parents believe addressing these issues sooner rather than later is healthier for their children.

Listeners will gain a clear understanding of what to expect during the early stages of a January divorce or custody case, including an overview of the process, the role of Temporary Orders, and how courts prioritize stability and the best interests of children. The episode also offers practical guidance on what people should be doing now to prepare if they are considering filing in the new year.

This conversation is intended to provide clarity, perspective, and reassurance for anyone navigating family law decisions at the start of the year.

In this episode of The Barrows Firm Family Law Podcast, Attorney Leslie Barrows welcomes former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Cory Procter, now the founder of Pro Capital Wealth Management.

Cory shares his journey from professional football to financial leadership and explains how he helps families, entrepreneurs, and business owners design long-term strategies rooted in clarity, purpose, and protection.

Leslie and Cory discuss how major life transitions impact both financial and legal planning, especially for families building businesses, navigating divorce, or preparing for the future.

They explore intentional wealth-building, tax-smart investing, asset protection, business continuity, and legacy planning.

Cory offers insight into the trends he sees among high-achieving families, while Leslie describes how legal structure, estate planning, and aligned professional guidance help clients preserve wealth and values across generations.

This episode provides practical guidance for anyone seeking a more strategic approach to money, risk, and long-term planning. 

Cory and Leslie offer a grounded, forward-looking conversation about leadership, family, and the work required to protect what matters most.

Meet Attorney Leslie Barrows, Principal at The Barrows Firm in Southlake, Texas 

Meet Cory Procter, Founder at Pro Capital Wealth Management in Southlake, Texas

In this holiday episode, Attorney Leslie Barrows explains why the holiday season is one of the most challenging times of year for families who are struggling in their marriage or preparing for divorce.

We explore how financial pressure, substance use, mental health concerns, family conflict, and unresolved expectations all come to a head around the holidays.

The season creates emotional strain that can expose deeper relationship problems, and in many cases, becomes the point where couples realize their marriage cannot continue.

Leslie also discusses the increase in domestic and family violence during the holidays and the importance of recognizing when a situation becomes unsafe. 

We talk about how children are affected when parents cannot work together and why early planning, structure, and communication are essential.

For many families in Texas, the holidays magnify the challenges in their relationships, and understanding these patterns can help parents make informed decisions about separation, co-parenting, and legal protections. 

This episode offers guidance, clarity, and perspective for anyone facing a difficult holiday season and reminds listeners that help and support are available.

The Barrows Firm remains committed to protecting families, supporting children, and providing strong legal leadership during the most stressful times of the year.