Blog Category | Divorce
Getting married is a major life decision, but sometimes couples realize the relationship is no longer working shortly after the wedding. One of the most common questions people ask is whether Texas requires couples to...
Around half of marriages in Texas will eventually end in divorce. As it can be a complicated, stressful process, it is essential to be fully informed. At The Powell Law Firm, we want to make...
In Texas, spousal maintenance—commonly known as alimony—is not automatically granted in divorce cases. One specific form of spousal maintenance is rehabilitative alimony, designed to support a spouse temporarily while they work toward financial independence. Understanding...
In Texas, alimony—referred to as spousal maintenance—is not automatically granted in divorce cases. When awarded, it is typically subject to specific conditions and limitations. Understanding when and how spousal maintenance can be modified or terminated...
Going through a divorce is hard. There are many legal and logistical challenges. You may be wondering if a divorce case will land you in court. In Texas, the answer is “it depends.” A full...
In Texas, spouses generally cannot use the same lawyer in a family law case due to a conflict of interest. A lawyer owes a duty of loyalty and confidentiality to their client. Of course, that...
Texas Legal Services explains that spousal maintenance (alimony) can be awarded in Texas, but only in a minority of cases when certain circumstances are present. You may be wondering: How is alimony calculated in Texas?...
Most Americans have debt. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports that household debt nationwide is now nearly $20 trillion. Debt can be a big issue in divorce cases in Texas. You need to...
In Texas, one spouse may be required to pay maintenance (alimony) to the other spouse following a divorce (Texas Family Code § 8.001). Alimony is not automatically granted and is only ordered in specific circumstances....
While precise data is not involved, Psychology Today cites research showing that adultery is a causal factor in between 20 percent and 40 percent of divorce. You may be wondering: Can I get a divorce...
Are you preparing for a divorce in Texas? You may be wondering how long you should expect the process to take. The answer will depend on many case-specific factors, including whether you and your spouse...
Divorce is difficult enough—financially, emotionally, and logistically. But it doesn’t have to be a battle. By focusing on clear communication and practical solutions, you can avoid the stress and expense of courtroom litigation and reach...
When your divorce is finalized, you will receive what is called a divorce decree. A divorce decree is a legal document that formalizes the end of a marriage. It outlines legally binding terms that include...
A Texas divorce can be complicated. There is often a lot of conflict involved. One common area of contention is property division. There are two main types of property division laws: equitable distribution and community...
If you are considering divorce, there are two main types to be aware of: contested and uncontested. If you were to choose one, an uncontested divorce would be the better option. This type is often...
According to the famous saying, everything is bigger in Texas. But this does not apply to alimony payments in the state. If you are getting a divorce, you may wonder about your ability to receive...
In a divorce, all marital assets and debts are divided according to state law. States either follow equitable distribution or community property laws. Most states follow equitable distribution laws, but that is not the case...
When a person decides to divorce, they may want a fresh start. This may mean moving to a new city or even out of state. But is this possible during divorce proceedings, before the divorce...
The divorce rate is currently around 50% and that number may be much higher if everyone who wanted a divorce got one. Many people never follow through with divorces because they claim they cannot afford...
Alimony (spousal maintenance) is “an award in a suit for dissolution of a marriage of periodic payments from the future income of one spouse for the support of the other spouse” (Texas Family Code Sec....
Divorce is a part of life for many people—and in some cases, it does not take long for a couple to realize that they want to go in another direction. According to data cited by...
Divorce is hard. One of the most contentious issues is determining how to split up property. Texas is a community property state. All of the assets that are deemed marital property are inherently considered to...
Adoption is an amazing way to grow your family. You change your life and change the life of a child. According to data from the Adoption Network, there are more than 4 million people in...
Texas is one of a minority of U.S. jurisdictions that operates under a community property standard. Under Texas law (Texas Family Code Sec. 3.002), community property is defined as “the property, other than separate property,...
Property division is often one of the most contentious issues in divorce cases. If you are preparing for a divorce in Texas, you may be wondering: Who will get to keep the car? The answer...
If you and your spouse are ending your marriage, you likely have a lot of concerns. You are probably wondering about your assets. For example, if you have a joint bank account with your spouse,...
Our Pearland divorce attorney explains what is considered marital property and your rights to a ‘fair and just’ division. Marital property in a divorce can represent significant amounts of money. Getting your fair share as...
Going through a civil legal dispute is never easy. Whether it is a family law matter, a probate issue, or a business law case, it is normal to want to find an efficient and low-conflict...
Divorce is often a complicated process. There are many elements to consider, especially if there are children involved. Even when there are no kids, there can be a lot of drama. One of the most...
Child custody is often a contentious issue in a Texas divorce. Both parents typically want custody of the child. Where will the child live? If the parent cannot decide on child custody on their own,...
Divorces can be frustrating. Having to end your marriage and split everything can be a huge ordeal. It is especially problematic when you cannot find your spouse. Maybe you two agreed to divorce and try...
Our Pearland, TX divorce attorney explains how, while federal law protects same-sex marriage rights, LGBTQ couples often face different and more complex issues in divorce. Same-sex marriage rights were hard in the Lone Star State,...
When dividing a business in a Pearland, Texas divorce, be aware of your options and the steps needed to protect your ownership rights. Being a business owner is a lifelong dream for many people. Unfortunately,...
Are you eligible for alimony after your divorce? Here is how to get a good settlement from your ex-spouse. You are going through a divorce, and money is tight. You are not making as much...
Texas is a community property state, so what does this mean for your divorce? Getting divorced in Texas? You may have a lot on your mind. You may have questions such as, what will happen...
Divorce happens. The most recent data from the Texas Department of State Health Services shows that between 70,000 and 80,000 married couples get divorced in Texas each year. People may separate from their spouse under...
It is not uncommon for stepparents to become close with their stepchildren. But what rights do they have in a Pearland divorce? When you get married, your spouse may have children from a previous relationship....
Divorce can be hard on grandparents. When can they see their grandchildren? Here is what the law says. Divorce is a highly emotional event that can be hard on the spouses as well as the...
Divorce is hard on the finances. How will it affect your retirement? Read on to learn what to expect. Divorce is a complex process. A lot of the process involves property division, and the laws...
Divorcing is never easy, especially when a narcissist is involved. Here is how to prepare. Going through a divorce is one of the most emotional events a person can experience. There are so many elements...
Our Pearland, Texas divorce attorney explains how not being able to find a spouse impacts divorce proceedings in Brazoria County. Making the difficult decision to end your marriage and filing for a divorce in Brazoria...
Getting a divorce is always an emotionally and financially taxing process. You and your spouse will need to reach an agreement on how you want to divide your assets, including retirement accounts such as 401(k)....
Our Pearland divorce attorney explains what determines spousal maintenance in Texas, including when it is awarded and the amount that must be paid. Spousal maintenance, often referred to as alimony, is among the many important...
You will hear many unfamiliar terms during a divorce, and it is important to know what they mean. When facing divorce, it is natural to have questions about what to expect. People often wonder what...
While divorcing your business partner is challenging, we offer some tips to guide you through the process. Texas is dominated by small businesses, many of which are family operations. Spouses in these families are often...
If you are a victim of domestic violence, it is important to be aware of the impact it can have on your divorce case. Domestic violence is an unfortunately common problem in Texas. If you...
In dividing marital assets during a divorce, identifying cryptocurrency so it can be included in any resulting marital settlement can prove challenging. When filing for a divorce in Texas, dividing marital property is a potentially...
Under Texas law, there are situations in which a stepparent may defend his or her rights in child custody proceedings. Going through a divorce is stressful, no matter the circumstances. It can be particularly painful...
Changes in the 2019 tax code have the potential to significantly impact financial issues related to your divorce. Sweeping changes were made to the federal tax code over the past year. While most people were...
Being the first to file for divorce gives you the upper hand in gathering documents, protecting marital property, and asserting your rights in your divorce. Couples can experience marital problems years before deciding to file...
Getting your share of retirement benefits in your divorce can play a major role in ensuring your future financial security. In addition to the emotional impact of going through a divorce, it can jeopardize your...
Before You Say “I Do,” Think about Creating a Prenuptial Agreement If you are engaged to be married and are getting ready to plan your wedding and your life with your partner, thinking about the...
If You are Separating from Your Spouse, Be Sure to Update Your Estate Plan Getting a divorce is no doubt a complicated time, both financially and emotionally. While you have a lot on your plate...
Under Texas Law, Stepparents Have Limited Child Custody and Visitation Rights Stepparents can become an important part of a child’s life. As a stepparent, going through a divorce can be especially challenging. While stepparents certainly...
Texas Has One of the Highest Divorce Rates in the Country According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the crude divorce rate for the state in 2016 is 4.2 per 1,000 residents. When...
When Mature Enough, Children are Allowed to Provide Input Into Their Own Custody Arrangement Family law issues are not static. A child custody agreement or court order that made sense when it was put into...
Serious Conflicts can Arise Over Family Pets; You Need to be Ready to Negotiate If you are getting divorced in Texas , you are certainly not alone. According to data from the Annual Statistical Reports...
Divorcing an Addict Can Be Especially Difficult; You Need to Seek Legal Protection Going through a divorce is never easy. Even in the most stable and amicable of situations, a divorce can be deeply emotionally...
A Same-Sex Divorce Follows the Same Procedures, but Couples Could Face Some Unique Challenges Same-sex marriage was legalized in our state in June 2015. At the time, a ground-breaking Supreme Court Decision (Obergefell v. Hodges)...
The Latest Research on Technology and Divorce is Mixed; But there are Some Worrying Signs Technology has dramatically changed our lives. From smartphones and social networks to complex predictive algorithms and innovative dating apps, new...
In Texas, You Cannot Receive Alimony Once You Get Remarried Following a divorce, many people eventually find themselves in a new relationship. If you are a partner who was ordered to pay alimony (spousal support),...
Grandparents May Be Able to Obtain Visitation Rights After a Divorce in Texas A divorce is challenging for all members of the family. For grandparents, it can be especially difficult to know what to do...
Getting Divorced in Texas? Stay Off of Social Media Until Your Case is Resolved In the modern world, social media has become an almost ubiquitous part of many people’s lives. According to the most recent...
Marital Infidelity is Grounds for Divorce in Texas In Texas, couples can file for a divorce on ‘no-fault’ grounds or ‘fault’ grounds. To get a no-fault divorce in Pearland, TX, a married couple only needs...
Four Tips to Prepare Yourself for a Conversation About Getting Divorced Are you considering filing for divorce in Pearland, Texas? If so, you are certainly not alone. According to data provided by the Texas Department...
Couples headed toward divorce often disagree about the terms, including how to handle child custody and asset division. When you can’t set the terms between yourselves, you will have to rely on the courts to...
When you and your husband opened your business in Pearland you probably did not have divorce on your mind. Unfortunately, now that the end of your marriage is looming, there are a series of tough...
Divorce can be a very difficult decision to make. In fact, deciding to divorce is just the first in a long list of decisions you will have to make before you walk away with a...
For many couples considering a divorce, the biggest concern is often the marital house. After all, a home is the biggest purchase most couples ever make, and the slowly accrued equity in the home can...
People may act in questionable, unethical or even illegal ways in the weeks leading up to a divorce and immediately after beginning a divorce. Many times, verbal arguments happen. Other negative situations can include refusing...
Divorcing after 50 is not as uncommon as it once was. In fact, as gray divorces are happening more frequently, people over 50 are quickly becoming the leading demographic of divorcees. These later-in-life divorces are...
Divorce is a complicated process. You and your former spouse are likely to disagree about what constitutes a fair division of assets. The higher your family’s overall assets, the more likely it is that you...
Part of divorcing includes splitting up marital property. You and your husband will have to divide the house, the bank accounts, the investment accounts and vacation property, and even your retirement accounts. While most states...
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your business survive your divorce. An experienced family law attorney in the Pearland area can review your situation and provide viable options for your divorce settlement....
The property division process of a divorce is one of the most contentious ones that most people will deal with. In high-asset divorces, especially those that are already tense, hidden assets are a real concern....
What happens when both of you decide you’d like to be bought out of your share, or both of you want to remain involved with the company? Even in a best-case scenario, where you can...