Keep Non-Compete Agreements and Other Contracts Out of Employee Manuals As a general rule and best practice, you should keep non-compete agreements and other contracts out of your employee and policies/procedures manuals. If you have downloaded forms from the internet, many of these forms come from states where this [...]
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 [...]
Construction Contract Pointers We're often asked to review construction contracts and change orders and revise them so they are more useful to both contractors and property owners. Many construction contractors use construction contract forms from the internet, or no construction contract at all. A construction contract is not supposed [...]
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 [...]
The Lawyer's Role in Advising Businesses and Entrepreneurs. We represent businesses and entrepreneurs in a multitude of different matters, including corporate setups and formations, contract negotiations and drafting, joint venture and business mergers and transactions, avoiding and defending overtime and wage claims, and a variety of other matters. We also act as affordable in-house [...]
Uncontested/Agreed Divorce Process. What is an uncontested divorce? How do we go through the agreed divorce process? It's a way to divorce when the spouses are in agreement to divorce and generally amicable. The parties want to work together to get through the divorce process. Do We Have to [...]