Emotions and Divorce

Common Divorce Fears

Psychiatrists and psychologists consider divorce the second most stressful life event, coming in slightly behind the stress of losing a spouse to death. Part of the stress is attributed to fears spouses have of the unknown. Life is changing. For some, the change is so dramatic they are overwhelmed with sadness. Our…

Gray Divorce

What Is a Gray Divorce?

A gray divorce is one that involves couples over the age of 50. Although some gray divorces are short-term, the majority involve couples who have been married for many years. There are issues unique to this type of divorce that are not faced by younger couples. For example: There are no minor…

Parenting Plan

What is a Parenting Plan?

Texas law presumes that divorcing parents should be joint managing conservators. This means that they would share decision-making responsibilities about a child. It does not necessarily mean that the children’s time would be evenly split between parents. Under Texas law, custody orders refer to parenting time as access and possession,…

divorce and property division

Divorce: If Property Is In My Name, Is It Considered Separate Property?

Texas is a community property state for purposes of division of property. This means that, with few exceptions, all property acquired by you during your marriage belongs equally to both you and your spouse. This includes, for example, the income you each earned from the date of your marriage to the date of your separation,…

Divorce and Timing

Can I Get A Quick Divorce?

Divorcing couples often want to know if they can get a quick divorce. The answer to the question depends on what they mean by “quick.” According to Texas law, the earliest date the final divorce decree can be issued is 60 days after the spouse who did not file the divorce…

children

Divorce: Can Children Decide What Parent They Want to Live With?

During the divorce process, parents often disagree on custody and visitation issues, referred to under Texas law as conservatorship and possession. At Springer & Lyle, we guide our clients so they have a better understanding of what impact the child’s wishes will have on the final decision of the family law…

Prenup and divorce

Do I Need a Prenup?

There seems to be a stigma against prenups. In reality, the process of preparing a prenuptial agreement gives you an opportunity to discuss finances in a transparent way you might not have done before. In addition, you can think of it as an insurance policy. You hope you never have to…

Community Property TX split

Is Community Property in Texas Always Split 50/50 In A Divorce?

Texas is a community property state, which means all property acquired by a couple during their marriage is considered to belong equally to them both. This appears that the community property should then be split 50/50 between the spouses, but this is not always the way it turns out. Texas law instructs the court…