Posted on November 14, 2022 in Firm News

Your divorce had a huge impact on your life, but you’ve got more a few more lives to look after than just your own. While child support may be in place to help you raise your family, there’s no guarantee that it will keep pace with changing times.

The southwest region of the country has some of the lowest averages for child support in the country, no thanks to Texas. While Arizona, New Mexico and Oklahoma are right in a row when it comes to costs, Texas usually comes in two hundred dollars higher per month. If you feel like you’re getting a southwest rate when you should be falling in line with Texas living, it may be time for a modification.

The time is right

There are certain circumstances where you can get a change in the amount the other parent has to pay:

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 Posted on November 14, 2022 in Divorce

Texas' statewide shelter-in-place order related to the national COVID-19 pandemic is slowly coming to an end after about a month. For the past four weeks, married couples throughout the state spent a lot more time together than usual. No doubt that for many couples, this difficult time brought them closer together. For others, it has exacerbated problems with the relationship, possibly to the breaking point.

If you are considering divorce after lockdown, you are not alone. Harris County courts and family law attorneys are anticipating a surge in divorce filings.

Quarantine and marital difficulties

With so many people furloughed during quarantine, financial tensions that couples were experiencing likely grew worse. Meanwhile, spending 24 hours a day together could create new conflicts between spouses or aggravate existing problems. In the most serious cases, people are trapped with abusive spouses that are targeting them, their children, or both.

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 Posted on November 14, 2022 in Divorce

No matter your age, saving for retirement is an essential investment in your future. These accounts could be subject to division in divorce, however. What will happen to your retirement savings at the end of your marriage?

Your savings may be included in your community property.

As a community property state, Texas regards the assets and debts you acquired during your marriage as co-owned. This community property will be split 50-50 between you in a divorce. This includes your retirement savings, even if only your name is listed on the account. Your divorce could also have a significant impact on your pension or social security benefits as well.

You can protect your retirement savings.

Especially for couples who are nearing retirement or are already retired, halving your retirement savings may mean that you will be left without the funds you need. However, while dividing your savings in half is one option, it is not the only option available to you.

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 Posted on November 14, 2022 in Divorce

Kids, even when they're siblings, have unique needs and distinct personalities. Sometimes, this can pose challenges during divorce. However, legal professionals and the courts can help them reach an agreement that works for both parties.

For some parents, split custody can be a practical option.

Split custody can allow parents to provide attentive support

When parents divorce, they must keep their children's best interests in mind. If their children have varying needs, it can be hard to address them together. Split custody can help, as it can give each parent sole custody of at least one child. This can allow children to live with the parent who fit their accommodations and lifestyle best. Fortunately, they can still establish visitation times with the other child to ensure they have a relationship with both kids.

Situations where split custody can be helpful

Split custody may be a viable option in any of these situations:

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