Bill and Melinda Gates announced earlier this month that they were finally getting divorced after 27 years of marriage. Melinda filed in Washington State, citing that the marriage was irretrievably broken. The fourth richest man in the world and his wife are worth an...
Divorce
Opinion on divorce trends vary
Marriages can be difficult during normal times, but the last year-plus has made it particularly difficult for some people. The increased time spent at home or out of work have led some to experience elevated financial stress, boredom, disagreements about parenting or...
Does a spouse get part of a business started before the marriage?
Dividing assets is often one of the most complicated parts of a divorce. Texas divorce laws call for couples to divide community (marital) assets during a divorce. Community assets are accrued after the marriage and generally divided equally if there is no fault in...
Texas tops list of destinations for newly divorced women
Divorce is a time of transition and change. If a newly divorced spouse does not have custody issues or a job keeping them in the same area, some find that a change to fresh surroundings is part of their new life. At least, this is likely part of the mindset of an...
Dividing assets may require reimbursement claims
One of the most significant issues in any divorce involves the division of assets. Here in Texas, property or assets are categorized as community property (jointly owned by spouses) or as separate property (individually owned). Unless the couple has a prenuptial or...
3 financial priorities when preparing for divorce
Couples in upper-income tax brackets may live comfortably, but they soon realize there is less to go around when the family’s earnings go towards two residences. Moreover, there are other financial concerns about their post-divorce future, perhaps involving retirement...
Should I buy a house during my divorce?
It is understood that you or both of you are moving out of the family home. Maybe this was by choice, or perhaps by necessity. This prompts the question: Where do I live? The inclination may be to find something and buy it so you can move from the marital home to the...
What if my child refuses to follow the parenting plan?
One of the biggest fears of parents who divorce is that their children will reject them. It can happen when one or all of your children refuse to honor the parenting plan by switching homes when scheduled. The rebuffed parent likely will feel angry and hurt, which may...
Divorce litigation is the best option for some
Those researching as they prepare to divorce will see a lot written about the benefits of avoiding court. Some lawyers will even do their best to prevent it. Different reasons for finding an alternative to court, including the cost of litigation or the stress caused...
The benefits of filing first for divorce
Many couples who file for the JOY of divorce are aware that something is wrong with the relationship but hesitate to take that first step of filing papers. While the judge will likely not take into account who filed first when they review the case's details, there are...
