When getting divorced without a divorce lawyer makes sense -- and when you should hire one. You probably know of people who suffered the "torments of hell" going through divorce, and you also probably know people who pulled it off without much fuss. Why are some divorces sensible and others catastrophic? The answer can depend, to a surprising extent, on just one factor: how much you rely on … [Read more...]
If facing divorce in the New Year, take time now to prepare
If you are considering divorce in 2017, 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, you may want to consider focusing now on preparation and planning for what lies ahead. Here are some steps you can take before and during the holidays that will lay the ground … [Read more...]
The ABCs of setting up household finances with a spouse or partner
If you are beginning a new chapter in your life with a spouse or partner, jointly managing your money may be the last thing on your minds. But it should be one of the first things you both consider as you begin to direct your separate finances into a financial plan for the future. Depending on your ages, here are two lists of financial areas that need attention as you begin to plan your life … [Read more...]
Dividing pensions equitably in a divorce can be challenging
If you and your spouse are considering, or are in the process of divorce, and one or both of you has a corporate or civil service pension, understand that all pensions are not created equal. And, that fact is extremely important to consider as you proceed, hopefully, toward an equitable division of your marital estate. In dividing these benefits in a divorce, your attorneys will likely draft a … [Read more...]
Know what your separate property is in a divorce
If you are facing divorce, a significant issue will be determining what is your separate property, what is your spouse’s separate property, and what is community or marital property. This is because family courts in Texas only have jurisdiction to divide what is considered marital property between the parties according to state divorce law. The courts in this state also have jurisdiction to set … [Read more...]
Four Ways to Get a Divorce in Texas
In Texas, there are four methods by which to get a divorce: an Informal Agreement, through a Litigated or Adversarial Divorce, a Collaborative Divorce, or a Cooperative Divorce Mediation. The first step is to file a PETITION with the District Clerk & use any of the following procedures. (The waiting period in Texas is a minimum of 60 days from filing.) 1. Informal Agreement (Usually for … [Read more...]
The Art of Mediation for Divorce Can Save Heartache & Money
Hiring someone practiced in the art of mediation for divorce can save a lot of heartache and money. Many emotionally draining hours trying to work through inevitable issues can be avoided with the use of this service. If a person wants to preserve emotional health, avoid wasted time, and save money, engaging such a service is critical to meeting those goals. Not many things in life can be more … [Read more...]
The Difference Between Divorce Arbitration And Mediation
Many people ask what the difference is between divorce arbitration and divorce mediation. Mediation means that there will be a third party involved to help the parties come to an agreement through mutual terms. The mediator will be a neutral third party who will not represent either one of the parties involved. Mediation can involve both parties hiring an attorney to represent them while coming … [Read more...]
Options Of Using Mediators For Divorce
When dissolving a marriage there are many options, and among them would be using mediators for divorce. What do these types of professionals do? They are trained professionals that act as a third party to help couples work through the aspects of the separation and dissolution of the marriage on mutual terms. It basically comes down to working together to come to an agreement on the aspects of the … [Read more...]
Mediation and the Cooperative Divorce
All divorcing couples must come up with a financial plan for their futures when facing Divorce in Texas or elsewhere. In the simplest form, they can do it themselves if little or no assets are involved. If complex, like calculating child support, division of property, tax ramifications, or cash flow for the coming 20 years, using a mediator with financial planning expertise can create a superior … [Read more...]