Though efforts have been made in recent months to eliminate the no-fault option for divorce in Texas, you can still seek to dissolve your marriage without stating specific grounds. However, there can be benefits to assessing fault in a divorce, particularly when it comes to custody, visitation and spousal support. Here are the causes that may legally be stated for the dissolution of a marriage in … [Read more...]
The Community Property Laws in Texas
August 2, 2017 by
One of the most challenging tasks you face during the divorce process is dividing the assets and debts accumulated or incurred during the marriage. In many states, which follow the principle of "equitable distribution," the court has to try to make a determination of what's "fair," often taking into a consideration a wide range of factors, including how long the parties were married, the age and … [Read more...]
Determining the Best Interests of the Child
July 12, 2017 by
In Texas, when you have filed for a divorce and there are minor children in the home, decisions will have be made regarding managing conservatorship (formerly custody) and access (formerly visitation). Under state law, the standard used to make those decisions is the "best interests of the child," an approach that promotes the mental, physical and emotional needs of the minor. Though the courts … [Read more...]
Study Shows that Military Personnel Marry at Younger Age
October 12, 2016 by
According to a Department of Defense study, nearly half of active duty military personnel get married before they are 25 and two of three are married before the age of 30. That's dramatically different from the general population, where the average age for a woman's first marriage is 27 and a man's first marriage is 29. Nearly 60 % of all active duty soldiers are married. Researchers found that … [Read more...]
Protecting Yourself from a Violent Spouse or Ex
July 7, 2016 by
The statistics are sobering, three women are killed every day somewhere in the United States by a current or former spouse. More than 1,500 women killed in 2011 by men they knew and almost five million subjected to physical violence every year. While it's far and away typically a woman who is the victim—85% of reported cases of domestic abuse are from women who have been hurt—statistics also show … [Read more...]
Study Indicates Dramatic Drop in Marriage Rate
May 24, 2016 by
A recent study shows the continuation and acceleration of a trend observers have noticed for approximately half a century—fewer and fewer Americans, at least those under the age of 30, are opting to get married. The data, gathered by Pew Research, indicates that among men and women under the age of 30, about one in five are now married. Just 50 years ago, that statistic was two and a half its … [Read more...]
Study Shows that March is “Divorce Month”
April 26, 2016 by
According to a study conducted by FindLaw.com, nearly half of all divorce complaints are filed in the first three months of the year, and the bulk of those are filed in March. The analysis showed a spike in traffic to divorce-related websites in January, with the peak in March. While many attorneys agree with the findings, they say that the specific reasons are not clear, but likely have to do … [Read more...]
Practical Tips for Recently Divorced Dads
May 19, 2015 by
Moving Forward—Practical Tips for Divorced Dads So your marriage has ended and you're a dad with visitation of a small child. It can be easy to sink into depression, anxiety or shame. Here are some ways that you can keep your sanity, develop a good relationship with your children, and keep yourself moving in the right direction. Take the Opportunity to Improve Your Financial Situation If … [Read more...]
How Can You Make Your Divorce Truly Collaborative?
May 5, 2015 by
Steps for Making Your Divorce Truly Collaborative The concept of "collaborative divorce" has gained a much wider acceptance over the last decade, as states across the country have sanctioned the alternative approach to marital dissolution. In a nutshell, collaborative divorce involves an agreement by the parties and their attorneys to resolve all differences without the intervention of the court. … [Read more...]
