COVID-19 Effects on Divorce, Child Support, and Parenting Time Has COVID-19 wrecked your parenting time plan, your child support, or your marriage? Are you concerned this might happen? If so, you are not alone. The 3 most common family law questions we field are: Can I get a [...]
I'm Thinking About Divorce - What Now? You're up nights thinking about divorce. You can't sleep. You're not doing well at work. You don't know what to do. Can your relationship be saved? Divorce is such an ugly word, but there seems to be no avoiding it. [...]
Our Business Was Awarded to Me in Our Divorce Decree - What Now? So you've divorced and your business was awarded to you in the divorce decree. Now what? Many people believe the divorce decree is all that's needed to handle transfer of ownership. The truth is there is [...]
Prenup and Postnup Agreements - What Do They Do? Have you wondered about prenup or postnup agreements and what they are? You may have wondered whether you need a prenup agreement. Or, you may be thinking about starting a business and wondered if you need a postnup agreement [...]
How Business Ownership Interest is Treated in Divorce I often represent business owners and entrepreneurs in divorce, and I am frequently asked about how business ownership interests are treated in a divorce. There is often confusion or misunderstanding about this issue. First, it depends upon what type of business [...]
Arbitration in Divorce and Business Disputes. Arbitration, like collaborative or litigation, is a procedural mechanism for resolving divorces, business litigation, and disputes. It is in essence a process by which the parties agree upon an arbitrator or panel of arbitrators to hear and decide their divorce or dispute. It [...]
Divorce Mediation - What Is It And How Does It Work? Divorce mediation is a way for disputes to be resolved in divorce without having to try them to a judge or arbitrator. What is a Mediator? A mediator is a neutral person that uses his or her skills [...]
How Much Will My Divorce Cost? One of the first questions asked about divorce is, "How much will my divorce cost?" The cost is driven by the amount of work in your circumstance. A simple agreed divorce (or uncontested divorce) is the least expensive. The cost increases if there [...]
Divorce Trial - What Should You Ask The thought of divorce trial can be frightening. A judge or arbitrator will make significant decisions that impact you for years. If your divorce case is contested and you're likely to try your case, what should you ask your attorney? Have you [...]
Where to Start in Considering Divorce One of the first questions I get asked by folks considering divorce is "Where do I start?" It's a very good question, whether this is your first (and hopefully only) divorce, or you've divorced before but the laws have changed since then. Most [...]
Informal Marriage/Common Law Marriage Requirements I am often asked what the requirements are for informal (or common law) marriage. Texas does recognize informal marriage. In order to be married informally, you must meet three requirements. You must 1) agree to be married; 2) live together as a married couple; [...]
What is Separate Property? Texas is a community property state. All property owned by spouses at the time of divorce is presumed to be community. However, there is some property that can be shown to be separate property. Separate property is not subject to division by the Court [...]
Know Your Summer Possession Schedule Summer is coming. School will be ending, and there is a lot of activity getting ready for summer. For divorced parents, this time of year also involves coordinating schedules for vacations and possession. The summer possession schedule set out in a standard possession order [...]
What Are Temporary Orders In a Divorce or Custody Case? So you've been served with a divorce petition or custody suit with a hearing notice. What is this? It's likely a temporary orders hearing notice. What's a Temporary Orders Hearing? Temporary orders are court orders that set the rules [...]
What To Do About Child Support If You Lose Your Job The anxiety that comes from losing a job is enhanced exponentially when you are paying child support. Child support is a court-ordered obligation that carries some very harsh penalties and enforcement mechanisms if you fall behind. You can't [...]
Geographical Restrictions in Divorce Parents often fear that their kids will be moved far away after a divorce. The legal tool parents have to keep kids in place and nearby following divorce is called a "geographic restriction." It is the public policy of Texas to assure that children will [...]