Many people still think that courts prefer to award primary custody of the children to the mother. Although that may have been true decades ago, that is not the reality today. Traditionally, at the time when mothers stayed at home and took care of the children while the man of the house advanced his career, that may have been a natural solution when the couple split up. Now, it may be a … [Read more...]
Can I Modify My Divorce Settlement?
Divorcing couples often ask if they will later be able to modify the terms of their settlement agreement. The answer is not an easy one and is both yes and no, depending on what portion or portions of the order the person wants to modify. Petition to Modify Only the court can issue an order modifying the terms of a divorce decree. If you need a modification, you must file a petition with the … [Read more...]
What Makes a Good Divorce Lawyer?
Getting a divorce is a highly stressful life event. It helps to have an experienced divorce attorney by your side who you trust to help you make life-changing decisions involved in a divorce. Consider the following qualities as you consider your choice for a divorce attorney. What Makes a Good Divorce Attorney? Some specific qualities in a good divorce attorney are: Someone who really … [Read more...]
The Impact of Parental Alienation on a Divorce Case
Children need both parents involved in their lives. Parents who divorce and have an amicable co-parenting relationship can have a positive impact on their children. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When one parent harbors anger at their former spouse and lets that anger show in front of the children, that anger can carry over and influence a child also to be angry at that parent. … [Read more...]
Roadblocks in a Divorce Settlement
Texas family law courts encourage divorcing couples to create their own settlement agreement. This is sometimes impossible, or at least difficult, when one or both parties encounter roadblocks that prevent them from resolving the issues necessary to finalize the divorce. Common Roadblocks in a Divorce Settlement No matter whether the divorce is contested or collaborative, the personalities … [Read more...]
What is a Custody Evaluation?
When parents are unable to agree on a parenting plan in a divorce or suit affecting the parent-child relationship, the court will intervene. Some courts order a child custody evaluation by a mental health professional or social worker before deciding on how to award parenting time. But what is involved in a child custody evaluation? A custody evaluation previously was called a “social study.” … [Read more...]
Common Divorce Fears
Going through a divorce is a stressful process even if both spouses agree that a divorce is what they want. They both have fears about what their future will look like. These fears are compounded when they have children. Plus, children have their own fears when their parents are going through the divorce process. Most Common Fears of Spouses and How Collaborative Divorce Helps One of the … [Read more...]
Over 50 and Considering Divorce? What Texans Need to Know
Couples over 50 who are divorcing generally have different issues than younger couples. For the most part, they are couples who have been married for many years. Perhaps they have been waiting for the children to become adults and leave home. Now that that has happened, they are ready to go forward with their divorce plans. Issues Specific to Older Couples Some issues that are specific to … [Read more...]
The Impact of Rising Home Prices on a Divorce Case
Home prices around the country are going up, especially in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. That may seem like a good thing for homeowners who want to sell their place and plan to move to an area that has lower home prices. Unfortunately, for those who are getting a divorce and must remain in the DFW metroplex, the rising costs of real estate can have a negative impact on their plans to move … [Read more...]
The Impact of Illegal Drugs or Alcohol on a Divorce
Divorces often bring to light an underlying problem with alcohol or illegal drugs for one or the other spouse. Whether or not it is the main reason for the split, the issue impacts divorce in many ways, particularly in the areas of child custody, visitation and property division. Impact on Child Custody and Visitation A parent’s illegal drug use or alcohol addiction will impact child … [Read more...]