The Branch Law Firm

09/11/2025

The Truth, The Whole Truth: Why People Lie

Lying is one of the oldest human behaviors—woven into history, literature, and daily life. People rarely lie simply to deceive. More often, lying serves a psychological function. Here are the primary drivers:

1. Self-Protection

Fear is the most common root. People lie to avoid punishment, embarrassment, or negative judgment. This instinct kicks in early in life and can persist well into adulthood as a coping mechanism.

2. Self-Enhancement

Lies can also serve the ego. Whether inflating accomplishments, minimizing mistakes, or presenting a polished version of reality, these lies are driven by the need for approval, admiration, or belonging.

3. Protecting Others

Sometimes people lie not for themselves but for those they care about. These so-called “white lies” are often told to spare someone else’s feelings, maintain harmony, or reduce conflict.

4. Control and Influence

Lies can be a tool for power. By shaping narratives, withholding truths, or exaggerating facts, individuals may attempt to gain influence, secure advantages, or manipulate outcomes.

5. Avoiding Cognitive Dissonance

When reality clashes with self-image or values, some people lie—both to themselves and others—to reduce the discomfort. These lies help maintain a sense of consistency, even if it’s illusory.

Honesty in the Attorney–Client Relationship

While lying may be human, there is one place where honesty is non-negotiable: the lawyer’s office. Clients sometimes withhold facts out of fear of judgment, shame, or the worry that truth may weaken their case. In reality, the opposite is true.

Lawyers are bound by confidentiality and cannot effectively protect, advocate, or advise without the full truth. Even uncomfortable facts can often be addressed strategically—but only if the lawyer knows them in advance. A partial truth is often more damaging in court than the whole truth ever could be in private conversation with counsel.

Lies are less about malice and more about psychology. Understanding why people lie allows us to better navigate relationships. In attorney–client relationship, candor is essential. Strong legal strategy always begin with the truth, the whole truth.

09/04/2025

Possession Orders End at Age 18

Under Texas law, possession and access orders apply only to children. Once a healthy, non-handicapped, child turns 18, they are no longer considered a minor and are legally recognized as an adult. This is true even if the young adult is still enrolled in high school.

Texas Family Code §101.003 defines a “child” as a person under 18 years of age who is not and has not been married, and who has not had the disabilities of minority removed. Because of this definition, the enforcement of a possession schedule (weekends, holidays, summer periods, etc.) ends automatically on the child’s 18th birthday.

After that date, courts will no longer enforce possession orders. A parent cannot compel visitation through the court system once the child is an adult. Any continued contact or living arrangements must be by agreement between the parent and the now-adult son or daughter.

Parents should also note that child support obligations may extend beyond age 18 if the child is still in high school, but possession and access do not.

This is an important distinction for families navigating the high school years with older teens: support may continue, but enforceable possession ends at age 18.

06/30/2025

Child Custody and Attachment

In family law, the focus of a custody case often revolves around the best interests of the child, addressing immediate concerns like living arrangements and holiday schedules. However, the impact of custody decisions on a child's attachment style and future emotional well-being is a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect.

Psychologists identify four main attachment styles that develop in early childhood:
- Secure Attachment: Established through consistent and affectionate care, fostering the ability to form healthy relationships in adulthood.
- Anxious Attachment: Arising from inconsistent caregiving, leading to a desire for intimacy coupled with a fear of rejection.
- Avoidant Attachment: Resulting from emotionally distant caregivers, causing difficulties with intimacy and openness.
- Disorganized Attachment: Stemming from chaotic or distressing caregiving environments, resulting in challenges with trust and emotional regulation.

For young children, especially those under five, frequent changes, emotional instability, or extended separations from a primary caregiver can disrupt the formation of a secure attachment. While equal parenting time may seem equitable, what truly matters for a child is stability, emotional connection, and a sense of security, not just a balanced schedule.

Courts need to consider beyond mere hours and visitations, asking: Will this child feel safe, understood, and comforted in their daily life? This is crucial because the impact of early bonding experiences will resonate into their adult relationships, shaping their capacity for intimacy, trust, and emotional balance.

09/05/2024

When your sweetie makes your day

09/16/2023

Happy 2nd Birthday to my precious girl

03/28/2023

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11/04/2022

When your child is impacted by the drug use of the other parent - call us - 469-600-3334

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06/06/2022

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04/14/2022

Caroline Rose, Paralegal, Board Certified in Family Law.

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02/19/2022

Our, Ashley Fronek, paralegal and document wrangler extraordinaire is 30! Happy Birthday!

If you're thinking about divorce, talk to our skilled Rockwall family law attorneys at The Branch Law Firm about your case in a consultation today.