The divorce rate in the U.S. is shockingly high. There are many reasons that couples cannot maintain their relationship and decide to part ways. Texas law provides for both a no-fault divorce and a divorce based upon fault grounds. A No-Fault Divorce in Texas The Texas Family Code allows for a divorce without regard to fault “if the marriage has become … [Read more...]
Should I Hire an Attorney to Represent Me in My Divorce?
If you and your spouse have no children and own no property together, you may be able to do your divorce yourselves. “No property” means you literally own nothing as a couple, not even a car. The “pro se” forms approved by the Texas Supreme Court are relatively easy to fill out in this type of divorce. Child Custody Issues There are many issues that need to be resolved between … [Read more...]
Fear and Divorce
Individuals going through a divorce often experience fear. The uncertainty of their future can sometimes be so severe that the individual becomes immobilized and unable to make decisions. They are going through a huge life change and their daily life as they knew it has ended. Some Specific Fears Divorcing People May Face Where to live. The concept of home that they have … [Read more...]
What is Co-Parenting?
Divorcing parents are concerned about child custody and visitation. They worry about how their relationship with their child or children will be affected. The couple may fight with each other about what they each think is in the best interest of the child. Courts encourage the parents to work together in co-parenting their children and to come up with a parenting plan that will work for them … [Read more...]
Divorce Mistakes: Texting and Social Media
Texting while divorcing, or posting on FB, Twitter or other social media platform, are all things you should not do while in the middle of a divorce. Airing your thoughts, frustrations, and misery on social platforms can come back to haunt you later. Anything you put out there can and will be used against you in court. Texts and Social Media Posts are Easily Misinterpreted As for … [Read more...]
Why Is It Important to Have A Child-Centered Divorce?
When people divorce, their children may hear their parents arguing and feel like it is somehow their fault. They wonder what will happen to them. At our law office, we help parents step back from their own emotional issues and work to have a child-centered divorce. Child-Centered Divorce Using the Collaborative Process A collaborative divorce is a way that a couple can part ways … [Read more...]
Being Thankful, Even During Divorce
How can someone be thankful, even during a divorce? What a great question. My answer is influenced by the fact that I have a strong faith. Many times, clients come to me because they too have faith and are looking for guidance in a situation that they never thought they'd be in. Fundamentally, I don't believe in divorce. However, I also believe that sometimes there are situations where it is … [Read more...]
Divorce and the Holidays
Holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, are meant to be joyous and happy. But for those parents going through a divorce, these holidays present a special challenge. It is best for the children if the parents can communicate with each other and, as much as possible, maintain family traditions for the children. If parents cannot come to an agreement, they must comply with the … [Read more...]
Addiction and Divorce
Sadly, in divorce situations, it is common for one spouse or the other to have some type of addiction to either a substance or a behavior. Addiction and divorce are difficult issues for the courts and the parties to resolve. Different approaches are used depending on which spouse is the client. Representing the Non-Addicted Spouse Often, one of the first things that needs to be done is to … [Read more...]
How Is A Divorce Different If It’s A Common Law Marriage Versus A Traditional Marriage?
The phrase “common law marriage” is often used to describe a couple who has lived together for some time. When they decide to end their relationship, the question comes up about how their parting will legally proceed. Will they participate in a traditional divorce or are there other considerations that will affect the “divorce” process? First it must be proven to the court that there was a common … [Read more...]