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...]
How Fast Can Someone Get a Divorce in Texas?
According to Texas law, you must wait a minimum of 60 days after the divorce petition is filed before the divorce can be finalized. The likely purpose of the waiting period is to give the parties time to reflect and see if there is any possibility of reconciliation. A problem that arises is that sometimes, the parties think something magical happens on Day 61 and that the divorce is … [Read more...]
How Much Does a Divorce Cost?
Many family lawyers offer free consultations or charge clients a reduced fee for their initial consultations. If you are looking to find out how much your divorce will cost, the answer you will usually get is “it depends.” This is not a dodge -- there are many factors that can impact the cost of a divorce, not the least of which is if your case is agreed or if it involves minor children. Try to … [Read more...]
How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce?
Going through a divorce can be an emotional time. Although it may be something you didn’t plan, you do want closure if the marriage has ended. It’s not easy to move forward while you’re still going through the process, but it helps to know when the divorce will be final. Hopefully, I can help you understand how long it takes to get a divorce and what goes on in the process. How long does a … [Read more...]
FAQ’s About Child Support in Texas
Child support in Texas is pretty much what it sounds like – financial assistance to support your child following a divorce. It is court-ordered money payable from one parent or conservator to the other, normally paid on a monthly basis. All child support in Texas must be paid through the Attorney General’s clearinghouse in San Antonio, called the Child Support Disbursement Unit. There is no option … [Read more...]
Residency restriction issues can affect Texas parents
When two parents in Texas split up, it raises a whole host of legal issues surrounding the care of their child. Naturally both parents want to maintain a nurturing relationship with their child, and to that end, in child custody cases, Texas courts aim to see that a child is given the opportunity to spend frequent and regular time with both of his or her parents. This means that sometimes the … [Read more...]
Understanding adoption laws in Texas
Many people in Texas seek to adopt a child. It is a noble and positive step to take, but it is also important that the laws of the state are followed when moving forward with the process. If there are violations of the law when trying to complete an adoption, the process could be declared invalid. A case in which a couple had adopted a child, made him or her a part of the family and was later said … [Read more...]
How is alimony determined in a Texas divorce?
When a Texas couple divorces, one of the most complicated and often contentious issues that will be part of the proceeding is how much alimony - referred to as maintenance in Texas law - one spouse will pay the other. There are many different issues that will go into determining how much, if anything will be paid. Understanding how the law views this is important when going through a … [Read more...]
Spousal maintenance duration in Texas
Though the term alimony is thrown about in discussions regarding the end of a marriage in Texas, the proper term for the concept in Texas is known as spousal maintenance. Unlike in most other states, it is of limited duration and is only ordered for as long as it takes the receiving spouse to acquire either education or employment that would allow the spouse to become independent. If a marriage … [Read more...]
What rights do grandparents have after parents divorce?
When a couple ends their marriage with one another, perhaps their feelings and their children’s wellbeing is their focus at that emotional time, so family members such as grandparents might end up in the dark. Many grandparents in Texas have strong and healthy bonds with their grandchildren, and after a divorce, they are suddenly left with few options with regard to visiting their grandchildren or … [Read more...]