Family and Criminal Law Blog

How can social media impact a divorce?

Since its inception, social media has come to influence several major facets of our lives, from the ways in which we communicate and how we gather information, to even our interpersonal relationships.  Of the 86 percent of Americans currently using the internet, 79 percent report logging into popular social media site Facebook, according to the Pew Research Center.  About 30 percent of internet users report regular use of other social media sites such as Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.  Researchers and divorce attorneys across the country are reporting a new trend—social media has now becoming a prime factor in many divorces.  Our

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How can I make my divorce less painful?

Divorce is generally thought of as an expensive and stressful process.  Many people enter a divorce with dread.  Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to make your divorce simpler and less painful.  By following some basic tips offered by our Read more . . .

What unique considerations exist in divorces involving those over the age of 50?

The term “grey divorce” was coined to describe divorce among couples over the age of 50.  Grey divorces have become increasingly common in recent years, and divorcing at an older age brings with it unique considerations.  According to the National Center for Family and Marriage Research, the overall divorce rate in America has dropped in the past 20 years, but among those over the age of 50, the divorce rate has actually doubled.  The increase in divorces among those over the age 50 has been theorized to be linked to the increasing life span and the growing older population, among other factors.  Anyone divorcing at a later age will want to contact an Read more . . .

How can I move on post-divorce?

A Texas woman recently made headline news with her “explosive” post-divorce celebration.  Kimberly Santleben-Stiteler of Lacoste, Texas decided to mark her divorce with a momentous act.  She held a divorce party with about 40 guests in attendance. With her guests gathered, she fired an explosive and set her wedding dress on fire.  The explosion was said to be felt by those living some 15 miles away.
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Am I eligible to file for divorce in Texas?

Each state sets its own laws governing who is eligible to file for divorce.  Filing for divorce is a life-changing process and your ability to file in a certain state will ultimately impact how your assets are divided, whether you receive alimony, and how quickly the divorce will proceed.  Filing in the incorrect state or venue could result in dismissal of your case. Our Read more . . .

Why might living together before marriage increase your odds of divorce?

A new study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family addresses the much disputed link between cohabitation and divorce.  In recent years, an increasing number of couples have elected to live together before getting married.  With the ever growing incidence of cohabitation, social scientists have conducted several studies with the goal of determining the impact of living together pre-marriage on divorce rates.  The results of the studies have varied, but the newly released study by authors Michael J. Rosenfeld and Katharina Roesler purports to have discovered that premarital cohabitation is associated with higher rates of divorce.

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What are the grounds for suppression of evidence in a criminal case in Texas?

Many criminal cases in Texas will involve evidence that has been seized from you either before, during, or after your arrest.  A motion to suppress evidence is one of the best tools a criminal defense attorney can use to defend against the charges you face.  Evidence that has been seized against you illegally must be excluded by the court, which could at times result in dismissal of the criminal charges.  However, winning a motion to suppress evidence will require meeting a heavy burden of proof.  Our West Texas criminal law attorneys discuss the basics of suppression motions in Texas and grounds for suppression below.

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Why are millennials divorcing at lower rates than previous generations?

A recent study suggests that divorce rates are on the decline in the United States, and it is thought to be due to the Millennials and their marriage decisions.  The American divorce rate has long been among the highest in the world, but this may be changing with younger generations now reaching marriage age and electing to do things differently than the generation before.  Our Midland, Texas divorce lawyers explore the new trend in divorce and why Millennials are bringing down divorce rates below.

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Is free range parenting legal in Texas?

Parenting is hard, and one of the first things that new parents learn is that everyone has an opinion about it.  There are many parenting styles and no one way is correct.  As if parents do not already have a hard enough job, parents today can potentially face criminal charges for adopting certain parenting styles.  One of the most controversial parenting movements is that of “free-range parenting.”  Below, our Midland, Texas family law lawyers explore the basics of free range parenting and its legality.

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How do I select a good divorce lawyer?

Divorce is a stressful time filled with uncertainty, fear, and much emotion.  Those contemplating divorce will need the assistance of an experienced divorce attorney.  Your divorce attorney will become your primary advocate and sounding board throughout the divorce process.  Your selection of a divorce lawyer could well make the difference between achieving the divorce outcome you desire or finding yourself struggling to make due with a lesser divorce settlement or an unfair custody arrangement.  With so many divorce lawyers out there, how do you choose the right one? Start by asking the right questions of your potential divorce attorney.

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How long with a felony stay on my record?

Being convicted of any felony offense can have tremendous consequences.  While the first concern on the mind of most defendants is the potential for prison time, a felony conviction will continue to impact your life long after you have served your time in jail.  Convicted felons will lose their basic right to vote, right to own or use a firearm, and right to serve on a jury.  In addition, a felony conviction will appear on your employment record and could severely impact your ability to obtain and keep your career.  These are just a few of the many potential negative consequences that may accompany a felony conviction.  Our Midland, Texas criminal defense lawyers discuss the consequences of a felony conviction below and the tremendous importance of defending against any felony charge.

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