Divorce

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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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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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 will the new tax code change divorce negotiations?

Starting on January 1st, the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will take effect and the law could result in big changes when it comes to alimony. Under the old tax laws, alimony payers were able to deduct the amount outlaid in alimony from their federal income taxes. For many divorcing spouses, the deduction became a central negotiation point, making the payment of alimony less onerous to the paying spouse.

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Will I benefit more from filing for divorce before the new tax code takes effect?

The new tax code will take full effect on January 1st, and several of its provision are anticipated to have a significant effect on divorce. With just months to go before the tax code replaces previous laws, potential divorce filers need to consider whether it is best to wait and plan their divorce to take place after January 1st, or to file quick before the deadline. Which move will be more beneficial depends on several factors unique to your own circumstances.

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How can an order of protection keep me safe during my divorce?

A Texas man recently shot his estranged wife while the couple was going through divorce proceedings. Kenneth Martin and his wife Linda had been married for 20 years when Linda filed for divorce. The couple continued to live together as they attempted to work out the details of the divorce, but the situation became tense. Following a mediation session during which Linda asserted her rights to several critical assets, Kenny shot Linda in the face as she sat waiting at a red light. Linda tragically died as a result of her injuries.

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How are retirement plans divided in a divorce?

Retirement accounts can be a valuable asset, so understandably many divorcing spouses have concerns about what will happen to their retirement accounts in a divorce. Under Texas law, your individual retirement account may, in fact, be community property, and thus subject to division upon your divorce. Our Midland, Texas divorce lawyers discuss some facts you should know about the potential handling of your retirement assets post-divorce.

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