Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Six Signs That Your Family Law Case Is A Good Candidate For Mediation
The Texas family code describes mediation as a structured process through which an impartial person helps parties to a dispute by promoting “reconciliation, settlement, or understanding among them” (Sec. 154.023). For a number of different reasons, there are advantages to mediation for family disputes. While not the right path forward for everyone, mediation can… Read More »
Suspect Your Spouse Is Hiding Assets In Your Divorce? Four Steps To Protect Your Rights
Are you preparing for a divorce in Texas? As part of the process, there are certain mandatory disclosures that you and your spouse will be required to make to each other (Tex. R. Civ. P. 194). This includes comprehensive financial disclosures. Spouses are not allowed to hide assets during the divorce process. This raises… Read More »
How Should I Serve Divorce Papers In Galveston County
Are you preparing to end your marriage in Galveston County? To get a divorce, there are certain legal and procedural requirements that you will follow. Among other things, this includes the service of divorce papers. Here, our Galveston County divorce lawyer provides a comprehensive overview of the most important things to know about serving… Read More »
Your Guide To Default Divorce In Texas
Divorce is complicated. No matter the specific circumstances of the situation, there are still many legal, logistical, emotional, and financial challenges associated with the divorce process. The whole thing is made all the more confusing if your spouse simply refuses to engage in good faith. You may even be stuck dealing with someone who… Read More »
Mediation Did Not Work For My Texas Divorce—What Are My Next Options?
Are you divorcing your spouse in Houston? Did you already try mediation? You may be wondering what options to have left to try to resolve your divorce. Do not give up: It is important to put your focus into trying to find the best outcome for you and your family. Here, our Houston divorce… Read More »
Property Division: Debunking Three Common Myths About Community Property In Texas
Texas is one of nine community property states. Community property is a legal standard that holds that all property acquired by either spouse during the course of the marriage is collectively owned by both partners. The community property standard has major implications for a divorce. There are many misconceptions about how this standard actually… Read More »
Divorce Law: What Is A Community Property State?
Untangling your finances and dividing property is one of the most challenging aspects of the divorce process. If you get divorced in Texas, your assets and liabilities will be divided under the state’s community property standard. Texas is one of a minority of U.S. jurisdictions that uses a community property standard instead of an… Read More »
What To Know About Mediating A High-Conflict Divorce In Texas
Divorce is stressful and emotionally-fraught. Ending a marriage is even more challenging if you are trying to navigate a high-conflict situation. While precise data is hard to come by, the general consensus is that somewhere between 10 and 25 percent of divorces are high-conflict. Mediation is a non-adversarial process focused on helping divorcing couples… Read More »
How Do I Get A Child Support Reduction In Texas?
Do you believe that your monthly child support obligations are too high given your current financial or family circumstances? You may be entitled to a reduction in child support payments. That being said, you will not be able to get a reduction simply because you want one. You must show good cause that a… Read More »
Six Tips For Reaching A Property Settlement In A Divorce In Texas
Property division can be a highly contentious issue in a divorce. If litigation is required, a court will split a couple’s marital property under our state’s community property statute (Texas Family Code § 3.002). Though, as litigation can be time-consuming and costly, most divorcing couples strongly prefer to reach their own settlement. A settlement… Read More »
