If you are considering divorce in 2018, you are probably dreading the approaching holidays. Let's face it, no one wants to acknowledge marital discord when the theme is "joy" and "good cheer." As the New Year approaches, consider focusing now on preparation and planning for what lies ahead. Here are some steps you can take during the holidays that will lay the ground work for a more productive … [Read more...]
Archives for 2017
Four ways to get divorced in Texas, part 4 — traditional litigation
As I understand it, less than five percent of divorces in Harris County, Texas, actually go to court where a judge makes the final decision. This is likely because in most family law courts in Texas, there is a rule that couples must attend mediation before a trial can be set to decide the case. Many couples soon realize as they go through the divorce process and mediation, that going to court … [Read more...]
Four ways to get divorced, Part 3 — Collaborative Divorce in Texas
Couples facing divorce may want to explore a relatively new option for legally ending marriage in Texas called Collaborative Divorce. This very distinct model emphasizes cooperation over confrontation, and problem-solving over grievance-airing. It was developed as a way to reduce conflict and the emotional anguish of a traditional divorce process, especially when children are involved. In the … [Read more...]
Four Ways to Get Divorced, Part 2 — Early Intervention or Cooperative Divorce Mediation
Traditional divorce and child custody processes are predominately adversarial in nature. In a typical "war-of-the-roses" divorce scenario, spouses each hire an attorney, and then a variety of expert consultants enter the fray on both sides to produce "dueling" business evaluations, financial analyses and/or custody evaluations. This type of divorce can go on for many months or even years, … [Read more...]
Four Ways to Get a Divorce, Part 1
Once you have decided to get a divorce, another very important decision awaits you and your spouse: which path are you going to take to secure that divorce? This may surprise you, but in Texas, you have a choice in how you get divorced. However, how you get divorced can be more important, or at least just as important, as your decision to seek divorce in the first place. So, I will be outlining … [Read more...]
What happens to the family home in a divorce?
The question of what happens to the house in a divorce requires careful consideration. In my experience, this issue is often clouded by emotions that can get in the way of the couple, or one spouse, making the best financial decision. I advise clients to set aside emotions and consider all the significant, interrelated factors before they decide on what happens to the house. Consider the … [Read more...]
Hello clients, friends and colleagues! Goodbye Hurricane Harvey
I hope each of you came through Hurricane Harvey unscathed, but I know many of us did not. My heart goes out to those of you whose homes, cars and property were affected or destroyed by flood waters that blanketed the greater Houston area. I am one of the fortunate ones whose home was not flooded. Yet, like many of you, my daily life is still being affected by high water in many places to the … [Read more...]
Hello clients, friends and colleagues! Goodbye #HurricaneHarvey!
I hope each of you came through Hurricane Harvey unscathed, but I know many of us did not. My heart goes out to those of you whose homes, cars and property were affected or destroyed by flood waters that blanketed the greater Houston area. I am one of the fortunate ones whose home was not flooded. Yet, like many of you, my daily life is still being affected by high water in many places to the … [Read more...]
Research and reflect on divorce before you file
Still considering divorce, but not yet ready to file? In my experience, the most prepared couples who divorce, have reflected on the decision over many months or even years. So, if you find yourself thinking about divorce, know that you are not alone. Yet, also realize that being stuck in between is nowhere to be either. Here are some questions from a psychotherapist to ask yourself if you are … [Read more...]
Watch for “Sudden Income Deficit Syndrome” if your soon-to-be Ex owns a business
My experience working with divorcing couples has taught me a few things. For one, I expect each spouse to focus on his and her own financial self-preservation, which is understandable. Quite often, though, the husband transitions into this mind-set long before the wife does -- sometimes even before the divorce papers have been filed. This can and does leave many women vulnerable to some financial … [Read more...]
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