Posted on September 12,2016 in Military Divorce

Divorce involves a lot more than ending a marriage and the emotions that come along with the significant life change.

There are also numerous legal issues that need to be considered, including dividing marital property, addressing child custody issues if children are involved, and determining if alimony applies.

When one or both of the spouses is an active or retired member of the military, the issues only get more complex. One reason for this is because both state and federal laws apply, unlike in civilian divorce, which is governed by state law.

Retirement benefits, medical benefits (including TRICARE), child custody and visitation during deployments, and the implications of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) all must be carefully considered with the help of a family law attorney who has experience handling military divorce.

Here are some of the special rules and laws that apply:

Added protections for active duty servicemen and women

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on September 09,2016 in Child Custody

By now, most children in Texas have returned to school, while many parents are feeling the stress of managing busy fall schedules. This is especially true for single parents, who have to take on many of the duties themselves.

Here are five ways single parents can help remove some of the stress that comes along with getting into a new routine this school year:

1. Get organized.

Put together a schedule that will keep everyone on track, including the kids. The schedule should have a set time for waking up, breakfast, catching the bus, afterschool snacks, homework, bedtime and any other activities that need to be added.

Thinking all at once about everything that needs to be done and all the places people need to be during the week can be overwhelming, but getting a schedule in place can take away a lot of the stress and guesswork.

The schedule should be posted in the kitchen or another central location, where everyone can see it.

2. Stay healthy.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 02,2016 in Divorce

Everyone knows that divorce can be expensive. But few people realize how costly it can be for women, especially women over the age of 50.

According to data, the divorce rate for the baby-boomer generation has skyrocketed, with divorces among people over the age of 50 doubling between 1990 and 2010.

Why are women at risk of poverty after a divorce?

While younger people have decades to make up for the financial impact of a divorce, people nearing retirement age have few working years left to recover their losses. Women nearing retirement age are especially vulnerable, particularly if they stayed home for a period of time to raise their children.

In fact, according to Jeff Landers, a Forbes contributor who provides financial advice to women going through divorce, 27 percent of divorced women live in poverty, while only 11 percent of divorced men endure the same hardship.

What you can do to avoid poverty after a divorce

According to Landers, there are five steps women can take to avoid this scary outcome. The steps include:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on February 27,2016 in Uncategorized

If you are contemplating divorce you are likely uncertain and anxious about what the future holds. You probably have several questions racing through you mind. Will I have custody of my children? How will the property be divided? Where will I live? Is my standard of living going to change?

Choosing mediation instead of litigation is one way you can have more control over the answers to these questions.

What is divorce mediation?

In mediation, a neutral mediator works with both parties to reach a mutually agreeable proposal. This agreement addresses all matters of the divorce and may be reviewed by each party's attorney before being finalized.

Divorce mediation is highly encouraged or required in many Texas counties.

What are the benefits of mediation?

The primary benefit of mediation is that you avoid the courtroom and a potential lengthy trial. This keeps the decision making process in your own hands instead of hoping for the best with a judge. Other benefits include reduced expenses and maintaining confidentiality (there is no public record).

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 15,2016 in Uncategorized

Family is everything to most parents. Nothing can be more upsetting for a mother or father than having their parenting abilities questioned or having their children taken away from them.

What is CPS?

Texas Child Protective Services ( CPS) is the program that investigates when there is an allegation that a parent (or other family/household member) is abusing or neglecting a child.

What happens in a CPS investigation?

If you are the parent of a child alleged to have been abused or neglected, you are likely concerned and unsure about what a CPS investigation entails.

A CPS caseworker will interview the child involved and discuss the report with you. A criminal history of the person involved in the alleged abuse or neglect will also be compiled.

Depending on the circumstances, caseworkers may also interview other people who may have relevant information including other children in the home. Additionally, caseworkers may seek access to the mental health records of those involved, or request medical or psychiatric examinations. Caseworkers may also visit the child's home.

Continue Reading ››