Some couples, after they know they want a divorce, race each other to the courthouse to be the first to file the divorce petition. For a traditional divorce, there are advantages to filing before your spouse. If you are working together in the collaborative divorce process, it generally will not make any difference. The Traditional Divorce Process: Benefits to Filing First If your spouse lives in the same state you do and in the same county, it will not make much difference in which of you files first. If your spouse lives in a different county or state, there are quite a few reasons why … [Read more...]
Understanding the Texas Good Samaritan Law
The Texas Good Samaritan Law is designed to encourage those who do not have a medical background to give aid when they encounter a medical emergency. Unfortunately, there are times when a good Samaritan, acting in good faith, causes more damage to the accident victim. At Springer & Lyle, our attorneys work with accident victims to determine if the person who caused them harm is protected under the Good Samaritan Law. Elements That Must Be Met for a Good Samaritan to be Exempt from Civil Damages The Texas Good Samaritan statute protects a person from civil damages “who in good faith … [Read more...]
Do I Need to Include Personal Belongings in My Will?
In Texas, if you die without a will, your property, including your real property and personal property, will be distributed according to Texas law. This may or may not be the way you want your property divided. It is possible that your siblings, parents, or grandchildren will not inherit anything. This is true even if all family members know that you wanted to leave a specific piece of personal property to a specific person. If you die with a will and do not specify how you want your personal belongings divided, your Executor will have the option to liquidate and divide the value or … [Read more...]
Construction Zone Accidents
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that there are currently more than 3,400 active road construction sites in the state. TxDOT also reports that in 2020, there were more than 22,000 vehicle crashes in these work zones, resulting in 186 deaths with 680 people seriously injured. At Springer & Lyle, we are committed to helping those injured in Texas construction zone accidents collect the damages to which they are legally entitled. Who is at Fault for a Construction Zone Accident? Driving through a construction zone is challenging. According to TxDOT, drivers may … [Read more...]
I Have Been Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident – Do I Need an Attorney?
In Texas, more than one million motorcycles are registered. In 2020, at least one motorcyclist died in a roadway accident every single day. There were 7,481 motorcycle accidents in which 482 motorcycle riders were killed and another 1,856 were severely injured. At Springer & Lyle, we want to help you understand why you need an attorney to help you collect for your damages. Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents Almost all collisions of motorcycles with other vehicles are caused by the negligence of car and truck drivers. Some common causes are: Drivers simply do not see the … [Read more...]
How Often Should I Review and Update My Will?
Everyone should draft a will, but once you have written your will, remember it is not carved in stone. When you are faced with life-changing events, you should review it to be sure it still reflects your wishes. Even if it seems that nothing has changed, you should still periodically review your will for the same reason: Does your will still do for you and your heirs what you want it to. Reviewing and Updating Your Will After Life Changes It is a good idea to review and update your will when you experience a major life change such as: The birth or adoption of a new child. You want … [Read more...]
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 family law attorneys at Springer & Lyle find they can be more helpful to their divorcing clients if they can alleviate some of the client's fears and refer them to professionals when it seems appropriate. Fear of the Unknown The initial fear seems to be … [Read more...]
Estate Planning: Do I Need a Trust?
As part of your estate planning, your attorney may suggest you create a trust. There are different types of trusts and one or more may appeal to you as the best method for passing on your assets to your heirs upon your death. Although trusts have traditionally been used to avoid the necessity of probate, other tools are available for that purpose. The attorneys at Springer & Lyle can help you understand the options and what determine what will best accomplish your needs. What is a Trust? A trust is created for the purpose of having an account managed by a person or … [Read more...]
Pre-Existing Conditions: How Do They Affect My Personal Injury Claim in Texas?
If you were injured in any kind of an accident caused by another's negligence, and you have a pre-existing medical condition, this does not mean you cannot collect for the damages you suffered in the recent accident. At Springer & Lyle, we will fight for you, even if you have a pre-existing condition, to receive all the compensation to which you are legally entitled. What is a Pre-Existing Condition? A pre-existing condition is any other medical problem you had prior to the accident. For it to be an issue, the pre-existing condition must be somehow related to your current injury. … [Read more...]
Can I Date While Going Through a Divorce?
Although it may seem unfair, you should not date while going through a divorce in Texas. There are legal and personal reasons why you should wait until the divorce is final before dating. Do Not Turn Your No-Fault Divorce Into one with Fault Allegations Texas law allows a no-fault divorce. This means couples may get divorced without alleging that one of them was at fault for the divorce. The law also allows one party to allege the other one’s actions caused the break-up of the marriage. The most common fault allegation is that one party committed adultery. If your spouse … [Read more...]