Category Archives: Family Law
Advantages and Disadvantages to Divorce Mediation in Texas
When you file for divorce, you do not immediately wind up in court preparing for trial. It is possible to negotiate the terms of your divorce in an out-of-court setting – mediation. This is where both you and your spouse agree to meet with an independent third party (i.e. the mediator) and try to… Read More »
Tips on How to Protect Your Assets in a Divorce
When you decide to get divorced, your mind is likely inundated with questions and concerns. What will happen to your home? What about your business and investments? What about your retirement benefits and pension plan? These are extremely important questions that need to be answered. In most divorce cases, these questions are addressed during… Read More »
Updating Your Accounts and Insurance Policies Is Important After a Divorce
Divorce can be a stressful experience. There is the actual legal process, involving court filings, financial statements, and mediation, which will take time and could be emotionally draining. It is important to understand that there are steps you need to take, even after the divorce decree has been finalized. This may include moving to… Read More »
Major Pitfalls for Pro Se Litigants in Divorce Cases
Some people mistakenly believe that they do not really need a lawyer to get their divorce finalized. They may be hoping to save some money or they may be thinking a lawyer will slow down the process, so they opt to represent themselves (i.e. pro se). This is a big mistake you should avoid…. Read More »
Fighting Over Your Furry Friend in Divorce
Most people associate bitter custody disputes and arguments over which parent will be awarded full custody of a child, or children. However, in some cases, divorcing couples will get into similarly heated arguments over custody of a pet such as a dog, cat, turtle, etc. This is understandable since, to many people, pets are… Read More »
Can You Be Charged with Kidnapping Your Own Child?
In divorce and child custody proceedings, a parent may not take their child, or children, and leave the State of Texas without the consent of the court and the other parent. Even if you are the child’s biological parent, if you try to flee with your child, it could be grounds for kidnapping charges…. Read More »
Tips on How to Protect Your Credit During a Divorce
It is quite common for someone going through a divorce to encounter financial strain and difficulties. There may be missed bills as you and your spouse are divesting from your joint accounts, you may have to spend a significant sum on renting a place and moving out, or there may be financial decisions made… Read More »
Child Custody Disputes and Drug Testing
When the custody of your children is a main point of disagreement, either party may file a motion seeking to have the other party tested for drugs. Why a Texas Divorce Court May Grant a Drug Test Motion There are multiple reasons why drug testing may be ordered during a divorce, but the biggest… Read More »
Are Wedding and Engagement Rings Marital Property?
According to WeddingWire, the average cost of an engagement ring is over $4,700. They determined this amount after analyzing the cost of engagement rings for 6,000 couples, according to Bustle.com. According to an Emory University study, the larger the amount spent on an engagement ring is actually associated with a higher divorce rate. The… Read More »
How Divorce Affects College Savings Plans in Texas
Savings accounts such as a college savings plan (e.g., Texas Tuition Promise Fund and the Texas College Savings Plan) are divisible assets just like bank accounts or mutual funds. Why? Because Texas is a “community property” state. This means that any property acquired by you or your spouse during the course of the marriage… Read More »