There is no doubt that issues arising in Family Law cases are often the most difficult for a judge to decide. 
The most common type of cases heard by the County Court at Law are divorce cases.  While in most cases, the parties are able to work out an agreement, the County Court at Law is frequently called upon to decide issues of property division, child custody and child support.  The County Court at Law also hears requests to modify custody orders and to adjust the amount of child support or enforce payment of delinquent child support.

The County Court at Law also hears child dependency and neglect cases which are usually brought to the court by the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (a.k.a. Child Protective Services or “CPS”).  DPRS is usually represented by the Lamar County Attorney’s Office and attorneys are appointed to represent the parent(s).  In more serious cases, DPRS or the County Attorney’s Office may seek the termination of parental rights and allow the abused or neglected child to be adopted or placed in a foster home.
The County Court at Law also presides over adoption and paternity cases.

It is important that a judge hearing Family Law cases not only have experience in family law matters but also the temperament to preside over difficult cases.  While in private practice Bill handled numerous divorce, property division and custody cases, helping his clients reach agreed settlements when possible and successfully trying a number of these cases before juries when necessary.  As a prosecutor, Bill has represented DPRS in dependency, neglect and abuse cases, including termination of parental rights.