Ross & Matthews, P.C.

Ross & Matthews, P.C. At Ross & Matthews, we are completely committed to service.

We have a team of experienced attorneys and staff who continually strive to improve procedures and processes to better serve our clients and LegalShield® members.

✈️ Summer travel prep: documents worth checking nowWhether you’re planning an international trip or traveling with child...
05/28/2026

✈️ Summer travel prep: documents worth checking now
Whether you’re planning an international trip or traveling with children, a few document checks ahead of time can help avoid last‑minute stress.
Key reminders travelers often overlook:
• Passports:
Make sure passports are valid for your full travel period. Some destinations require additional validity beyond return dates, and children’s passports expire sooner than adult passports.
• Minors traveling:
Children need their own travel documents. When a child travels with one parent, a guardian, or alone, some destinations may require notarized parental consent letters or proof of custody. Requirements vary by country.
• Documents to keep handy:
Copies of passports, birth certificates, custody documents (if applicable), travel insurance details, and emergency contacts should be accessible during travel—separate from originals when possible.
📌 Planning tip: Check destination‑specific entry and exit requirements before traveling.
🔗 Official government resource:
U.S. Department of State – Travel with Minors
https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/planning/personal-needs/minors.html
Educational information only — not legal advice.

Memorial Day ObservanceToday, we honor and remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our ...
05/25/2026

Memorial Day Observance

Today, we honor and remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

We also recognize that for many service members, federal law helps protect their civilian employment when they return from duty—ensuring fair treatment, reemployment opportunities, and protection from discrimination based on military service.

Our office will be closed today, Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume normal business hours on the next business day.

For general information about employment protections for service members, visit this neutral government resource:
🔗 https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/userra

Educational information only — not legal advice.

💼 W‑2 vs. 1099: why your classification mattersThe form you receive at tax time—W‑2 or 1099‑NEC—reflects more than paper...
05/19/2026

💼 W‑2 vs. 1099: why your classification matters
The form you receive at tax time—W‑2 or 1099‑NEC—reflects more than paperwork. It affects tax responsibility, benefits, and workplace protections.
Here’s a plain‑language comparison:
W‑2 (Employee)
Employer withholds income tax and payroll taxes
Often eligible for benefits like health insurance, workers’ comp, and unemployment
Employer typically controls how and when the work is done
1099 (Independent Contractor)
No taxes withheld; worker pays them directly
Generally not eligible for employee benefits
Worker has more control over how the work is performed and often covers business expenses
⚠️ Why classification disputes happen:
Disputes arise when a worker is labeled as a contractor, but the day‑to‑day work looks more like employment—especially around control, scheduling, and permanency. Agencies look at the actual working relationship, not just the title used. 🔗 For more information visit: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/independent-contractor-self-employed-or-employee

Educational information only — not legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an attorney‑client relationship.

🏠 Rental deposits & move‑out: documentation habits that matter in TexasSecurity‑deposit disputes often come down to one ...
05/12/2026

🏠 Rental deposits & move‑out: documentation habits that matter in Texas
Security‑deposit disputes often come down to one thing: documentation. Clear records can help both renters and landlords navigate move‑out with fewer misunderstandings.
Here are smart documentation habits at move‑out:
📸 Photos & video
Take clear, dated photos or videos of each room, appliances, and any existing damage.
Do this at move‑in and move‑out for comparison.
📝 Written checklist
Note the condition of major areas (floors, walls, fixtures, appliances).
Keep copies of any walkthrough notes or repair receipts.
📬 Forwarding address (in writing)
Providing a written forwarding address helps ensure deposit communications and timelines start smoothly.
✅ Why it helps:
Good documentation creates a shared record and can reduce confusion if questions come up later.
Educational information only — not legal advice. This post does not create an attorney‑client relationship. Texas law can vary by situation.

05/10/2026

🌸 Happy Mother’s Day 🌸
We’re grateful today—and every day—for the mothers and mother figures whose care, patience, and resilience shape families, workplaces, and communities.
Thank you for the many visible and invisible ways you support, guide, and uplift others.
We hope today brings a moment to feel celebrated and appreciated.

📝 Contracts in Texas: 5 terms many people agree to without realizing itWhether you’re signing a lease, service agreement...
05/07/2026

📝 Contracts in Texas: 5 terms many people agree to without realizing it
Whether you’re signing a lease, service agreement, employment document, or online terms, contracts often include language that’s easy to skim—and easy to misunderstand.
Here are five common contract terms that can carry more meaning than people expect:
1️⃣ Auto‑Renewal
Some agreements automatically renew unless written notice is given by a specific deadline.
2️⃣ Arbitration Clause
Disputes may be handled outside of court, often through private arbitration instead of a judge or jury.
3️⃣ Late Fees & Penalties
These can apply even for short delays and may accumulate quickly if not addressed.
4️⃣ Venue / Governing Law
The contract may require disputes to be handled in a specific city, state, or court—sometimes far from home.
5️⃣ Notice Requirements
Important communications may need to be delivered in a specific way (written notice, certified mail, email to a listed address, etc.) to be valid.
✅ Why it matters:
Understanding these terms ahead of time can help people make informed decisions and avoid surprises later.
Educational information only — not legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an attorney‑client relationship. Laws can vary based on individual circumstances.

05/04/2026

⛳️🌸 Spring Brunch Social at TopGolf Fort Worth 🌸⛳️
We had a great time at our Spring Brunch Social at TopGolf Fort Worth! Despite the rainy weather, it was wonderful to see such a great turnout of colleagues and their families enjoying good food, friendly competition, and time together.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day such a fun and memorable one—we truly enjoyed connecting outside the office and celebrating the season together.
📍 Shoutout to Fort Worth for accommodating us!

⚖️ Law Day (May 1): Why the “Rule of Law” matters in everyday lifeLaw Day is a national day to recognize the role law pl...
05/01/2026

⚖️ Law Day (May 1): Why the “Rule of Law” matters in everyday life
Law Day is a national day to recognize the role law plays in a functioning society — not just in courtrooms, but in the ordinary moments that affect Texans every day.
Here are 3 practical ways the rule of law shows up in real life:
Agreements are enforceable
From leases to service contracts, the rule of law helps set expectations and provides a framework when disputes arise.
Rights come with processes
Whether someone is dealing with a citation, a civil dispute, or a government action, due process helps ensure fair procedures are followed.
Property and records create clarity
Titles, deeds, and official filings help establish ownership and reduce uncertainty — which supports commerce, planning, and stability.
✅ Takeaway: The rule of law is what helps disputes get resolved through processes — instead of power or guesswork.
Educational information only — not legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an attorney‑client relationship. For guidance about your situation, consult a licensed Texas attorney

04/30/2026

What Is Elder Financial Exploitation & How Can It Be Recognized?
Financial exploitation of older adults is more common than many realize—and often goes unnoticed. Elder financial exploitation involves the illegal or improper use of an older adult’s money, property, or assets. It can be committed by strangers, caregivers, or even individuals the person knows and trusts.

As part of Financial Literacy Month, understanding how to recognize and respond to this type of exploitation is an important step in protecting vulnerable individuals and promoting long-term financial security.

Common Warning Signs
• Unusual Financial Activity
Sudden withdrawals, transfers, or changes in spending patterns that are inconsistent with prior behavior

• Changes to Legal or Financial Documents
Unexpected updates to wills, powers of attorney, or beneficiary designations

• Isolation or Increased Dependence
An individual being isolated from family, friends, or advisors, or a new person exerting influence over financial decisions

• Unpaid Bills or Basic Needs Not Being Met
Despite having sufficient financial resources

• Pressure or Confusion Around Financial Decisions
Signs that the individual may not fully understand or is being pressured into transactions

Why This Matters for Financial Literacy
Financial literacy includes not only managing personal finances but also recognizing situations where someone may be at risk of financial harm. Awareness is one of the strongest tools in preventing exploitation.

What You Can Do

✔ Stay engaged and maintain open communication with older family members
✔ Encourage review of financial and legal documents with trusted professionals
✔ Monitor for unusual or unexplained financial changes
✔ Report suspected exploitation when appropriate

Learn More & Report Concerns
In Texas, concerns about elder financial exploitation may be reported to
Texas Health and Human Services Adult Protective Services:
https://www.hhs.texas.gov

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also provides tools and resources to help prevent elder financial abuse:
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/resources-for-older-adults/

Understanding how to identify and respond to potential exploitation is an important part of protecting financial well-being and supporting vulnerable members of the community.

The information provided in this post is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Viewing this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice regarding your individual situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

04/27/2026

Texas is a community property state, which affects how assets and debts are treated during marriage.
What Is Community Property?
Texas is a community property state, which generally means that most property acquired during marriage is considered jointly owned by both spouses, regardless of whose name is on the account or title.

Examples may include:

Income earned by either spouse during the marriage
Property purchased with that income
Certain retirement benefits earned during the marriage
What Is Separate Property?
Separate property may include:

Property owned by a spouse before marriage
Gifts or inheritances received by one spouse
Certain personal injury recoveries (with some exceptions)
In some situations, determining whether property is separate or community may depend on documentation and how assets were maintained over time.

How Are Debts Treated?
Financial literacy also includes understanding how debts may be handled. In general:

Debts incurred during the marriage may be considered community obligations
Certain debts may remain separate depending on the circumstances
Creditors may have different rights depending on how the debt is classified
Why This Matters
Understanding the distinction between community and separate property can be important when:

Planning finances during marriage
Preparing estate planning documents
Navigating major life events such as divorce or the death of a spouse
Being informed about these legal and financial concepts can help individuals make more thoughtful decisions and better prepare for the future.

For additional information and resources on Texas property and family law, visit the
Texas State Law Library:
https://guides.sll.texas.gov/family-law

The information provided in this post is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Viewing this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice regarding your individual situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

Address

3650 Lovell Avenue
Fort Worth, TX
76107

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18172552000

Website

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