Recent Blog Posts
What to Expect in a Harris County Marriage Dissolution Case
Divorce’s moral acceptability rating recently hit an all-time high. More people might see divorce as a legitimate way to end a marriage, but that fact does not affect the emotional and financial issues most divorcing parties face. Sometimes, these issues are overwhelming. Knowing what to expect in a divorce case helps people make the… Read More »
Galveston County Parenting Time Modifications: A Closer Look
Since families change over time, parenting time orders are never permanent. Instead, they represent the best interests of the children at the time. When changes occur, many parents take the DIY approach and work things out between themselves. But unless they are written, signed, and filed with the court, informal side-agreements are unenforceable in… Read More »
Approaching, Making, and Breaking a Prenuptial Agreement
Until recently, a web of complex state laws and local rules controlled prenuptial agreements. Requirements varied significantly not only among different counties, but also among different judges in the same county. As a result, only super-rich couples bothered with prenups, and the entire procedure cast a shadow over a marriage. Then, Texas lawmakers approved… Read More »
Modifying Spousal Support Obligations in Texas
In many states, alimony is a key component of most divorce financial settlements. But Texas only has a limited alimony law. Generally, spousal support is available if the marriage lasted at least ten years and the requesting spouse is unable to provide for minimally reasonable needs. “Minimally reasonable needs” usually means the poverty line…. Read More »
Five Child Support Enforcement Tools in Texas
The Lone Star State has one of the highest child support delinquency rates in the country. Less than half of all obligees receive the full amount owed, and nearly a third receive nothing at all. Many residential parents live hand to mouth. So, this loss of income is often a nearly devastating blow. Technically,… Read More »
What You Need to Know About Mediation
Nearly all cases filed, whether they are family, personal injury, or commercial cases, are required to undergo mediation before trial. This is because mediation has proven to be a successful method of alternative dispute resolution. This article is designed to acquaint you with the process and give you some tips in making the most… Read More »
Top Three Evidence-Based Grounds for Divorce in Texas
Like all other states, the Lone Star State is a no-fault divorce jurisdiction. Most marriage dissolutions are based on insupportability. No-fault divorce has a number of benefits for both petitioners and respondents. Spouses do not need to air their “dirty laundry” for everyone to see. Additionally, no-fault divorce shifts focus away from the spouses… Read More »
Move-Away Modifications in Houston
People move for various reasons. Many move for occupational reasons. Others relocated to be closer, or further away from, family. Still others upsize or downsize. Altogether, most people move an average of eleven times during their adult lifetimes. Since most of these moves occur before age 40, they often involve children of divorce. A… Read More »
Top Five Property Division Factors in Texas
The Lone Star State is a community property jurisdiction. But in Texas, the 50-50 community property split is only a presumption. Instead, state law requires that the marital estate, including both debts and assets, be distributed in a “just and right” matter. So, in many respects, Texas is more like one of the many… Read More »
Top Ten Child Support Guideline Deviation Factors in Texas
In terms of child support, the Lone Star State is a percentage-of-income state. These percentages, which apply both in original determination and modifications, are presumptively reasonable. However, this presumption is rebuttable, as there is no one-size-fits-all. To overcome this presumption and impose a greater or lesser obligation, the moving party can demonstrate that one… Read More »
