Payments made from one spouse to another after a divorce is finalized are known as alimony, or spousal support or maintenance. These payments are made from one spouse to another and the aim is to provide support to the dependent spouse and allow them the opportunity to continue living their life in a standard similar to what they were doing before the divorce. Dallas residents may only be … [Read more...]
Who can adopt?
One way in which Texas couples can complete their families is to adopt a child. Adopting a child means becoming the formal guardian of another person and taking over the rights and responsibilities that come along with it. In addition to the legal relationship that this process creates, it provides parents an amazing opportunity to care for and nurture a child and give the child all the support … [Read more...]
Property division rules in Texas
There are lots of difficult decisions that must be made when a couple decides to end their marriage. After child custody matters, perhaps the most important is deciding how to divide property amongst the divorcing couple. However, the couple’s choice is not the only deciding factor-where a couple decides to divorce is also important. Some states follow the equitable distribution rules whereas some … [Read more...]
How does the best interests of the child impact child custody?
Child custody issues impact many families, but many parents may not understand how Texas courts make child custody decisions. Courts may evaluate each parent’s capacity to care for the child under the circumstances, but the focus of their decision isn’t on the parents so much as on the child. In general, child custody decisions are based on a legal standard known as “the best interests … [Read more...]
Factors affecting a child’s best interests in a divorce
The decision to end a marriage is not one most Dallas couples take lightly. It comes with many ramifications, such as dividing up property and assets, changing names and finding new accommodation. However, the most important impact divorce can have is on the lives of any children involved. It means going from a two parent house to a single parent house post divorce, which can be … [Read more...]
Cohabiting considerations for divorced or unmarried parents
In recent years, there has been a cultural shift with regard to ideas related to marriage. Thirty years ago, 72 percent of Americans reported being married. Today, that number hovers around 50 percent. This shift doesn’t mean that people are foregoing long term or committed romantic relationships, rather many are choosing to cohabit rather than marry. While some couples believe cohabitation to … [Read more...]