Where to start
Begin with what happened—not a legal label.
Choose the event or document in front of you. The next page will explain the immediate issues, what to preserve, and which related resources may matter.
Investigation · removal · findings · appeals
Agreement · documents · filing · final decree
Review status: Reviewed and approved
Quick answer
The right starting point is usually the newest document or deadline.
For a CPS matter, determine whether you are facing an investigation request, a court case, or a written finding. For divorce, determine whether every property, debt, and child-related term is actually agreed. That distinction controls which information is useful next.
Path one · CPS
Start with the current stage.
These processes can overlap, but an investigator's request, a removal order, and a findings appeal require different responses.
CPS investigation open
Start with interviews, home access, requests, releases, safety plans, evidence, and communications.
Removal and court hearings
Locate the petition, affidavit, order, hearing date, placement information, and the facts supporting removal.
Finding letter received
Preserve the letter and envelope, read every instruction, and identify the finding and the date that controls.
ARIF and administrative review
Learn how the allegation, definition, investigative record, missing context, and supporting proof become an appeal.
Path two · divorce
Start with the agreement.
An agreed divorce is workable only when the terms are specific enough to prepare, sign, and follow after the decree.
What “uncontested” means
Confirm agreement on every subject the final decree must resolve—not only the decision to divorce.
Property and debt
List what each spouse will keep, transfer, sell, refinance, or pay and identify documents needed to complete the plan.
Parenting and support terms
Work through decision-making rights, support, insurance, possession, access, holidays, and exchanges.
Process and flat-fee evaluation
Review the typical case path and the information used to determine whether the matter fits a flat-fee service.
Prepare for a useful first conversation
Gather what exists. Do not wait for a perfect file.
Bring the agency and court record you have.
- Notices, letters, and envelopes
- Petition, affidavit, order, and hearing notice
- Texts, emails, and investigator information
- Chronology, records, and witness names
Bring the agreement as it exists today.
- Spouse and child information
- Property and debt list
- Proposed parenting and support terms
- Existing orders and filing information
Check the date
A consultation request does not pause a deadline.
Check the authority
Separate a request from a signed court order.
Check the agreement
General cooperation is not yet a complete decree.
Questions parents and spouses ask
Frequently asked questions
01Which type of matter does Nick Davis Law handle?+
This website focuses on Texas CPS investigations, removal hearings, findings and appeals, plus uncontested divorces in Southeast Texas. CPS administrative appeals are evaluated statewide. The firm no longer advertises bankruptcy services or contested-divorce representation here.
02What information should I have before I call?+
Bring the document or communication that caused you to seek help, important dates, the names of the people involved, a short chronology, and any upcoming hearing or response deadline. You do not need to create a perfect file before requesting an evaluation.
03Does requesting an evaluation create an attorney-client relationship?+
No. A relationship begins only after conflicts and fit are evaluated and a written engagement agreement is accepted. Do not delay a deadline while waiting for a response to an inquiry.
04Can the office handle my CPS appeal if I live outside Houston?+
The firm evaluates CPS findings and administrative appeals throughout Texas because record review and many conferences can occur by phone or video. Investigation and removal-court representation is focused more locally.
05What is the first step after receiving a CPS finding letter?+
Preserve the notice and envelope, note the date received, read every instruction, and identify the exact finding and available review process. Then begin collecting the communications and records connected to the allegation.
06What if CPS has already filed a court case?+
A removal or conservatorship case follows a court schedule and is not replaced by an administrative finding appeal. Locate the petition, affidavit, order, hearing notice, and the name and cause number of the court case promptly.
07Can I call about an open CPS investigation before there is a finding?+
Yes. Early advice can focus on the investigator’s request, interviews, home access, releases, safety arrangements, preservation of evidence, and the risk of parallel family or criminal matters.
08How do I know whether my divorce is uncontested?+
Both spouses must agree on all material provisions the final decree needs. That includes property and debt and, when children are involved, decision-making rights, support, insurance, possession, and access.
09Can the consultation help us work out the general deal?+
The attorney can explore the proposed terms with the client, identify missing details, and discuss legal and practical tradeoffs. The client ultimately decides what lawful agreement to make with the spouse.
10What if my spouse and I still disagree about one issue?+
The case may not yet fit an uncontested service. The discussion can identify the specific unresolved term and whether negotiation, mediation, separate advice, or contested representation by another firm may be needed.
11Are flat fees available in every divorce?+
No. Suitability and scope depend on the facts, the completeness and stability of the agreement, the required documents, service, county procedures, and the written fee agreement offered after evaluation.
12Can I use these website pages as legal advice?+
No. The pages provide general legal information and starting questions. Advice depends on the documents, facts, deadlines, law, and representation terms in a particular matter.
Schedule an appointment
Request a free case evaluation.
Tell the office whether you are facing CPS involvement or need help with an uncontested divorce, identify the document or stage in front of you, and explain how to reach you. Do not submit confidential or highly sensitive information through this form.
Prefer to call?
Phone and virtual appointments are available. Submitting the form does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not stop any deadline.