Divorce can be a complex and emotional process, especially when children are involved. One common concern among divorced parents is managing their children's passports. In Texas, the rules regarding who can apply for a child’s passport and who retains it after a divorce are clear but require careful consideration. Understanding these rules can help you navigate this aspect of post-divorce life more smoothly. Who Can Apply for a Child's Passport? In Texas, both parents generally have the right to apply for their child's passport. However, the process involves specific steps to ensure both … [Read more...]
Can My Ex Move Out of The Area and Take The Kids?
Divorce is never easy, but it can be especially difficult when children are involved. After a divorce, both parents may want to move on with their lives and start fresh somewhere else. But what happens when one parent wants to move out of the area with the children? Review Your Custody Agreement If you have a custody agreement in place, you will need to review it carefully to determine what it says about moving out of the area. If you are the custodial parent and you want to move with the children, you may need to get permission from the court or from the other parent. If you are the … [Read more...]
Divorce, Children and Summer
Divorce can be a difficult and emotional experience for both parents and children, and it can become even more complicated during the summer months when kids are out of school and routines may be disrupted. Below are valuable tips and strategies for navigating divorce and co-parenting during the summer with a focus on the well-being of the children. Communication is Key One of the most important things you can do as co-parents during the summer is to maintain open lines of communication. Make sure you are both aware of any changes in schedules, upcoming events or activities, and any … [Read more...]
Roadblocks in a Divorce Settlement
Almost everyone agrees that going through a divorce is stressful. For some, the process is more stressful than for others. Some spouses respond to the divorce by making the process difficult. They are uncooperative and make it almost impossible to work together to come up with their own settlement agreement. Some of the main issues that create roadblocks to settlement are fighting over the custody of minor children, wanting to be the “winner,” and having unreasonable expectations. Fighting Over Custody of Minor Children Generally, both parents are fit to have primary conservatorship … [Read more...]
Tips for Moms Going Through a Divorce
Going through a divorce is always an emotional time. Some women who stay home with minor children often find it particularly difficult. At Springer & Lyle, we recognize this and help you through the process so that you can emerge on the other side as a whole person ready to face the world. An organization that specifically provides coaching to women who are going through a divorce has come up with eight things they think divorcing mothers should know. Using that as a guide, we offer some tips for moms going through a divorce. Tips For Divorcing Moms Educate yourself. Talk with … [Read more...]
Divorce: Is It Better To Wait Until The Children Are Grown?
Couples who are considering a divorce and who have minor children often wonder if they should stay together “for the sake of the kids” and wait until the children are grown to divorce. There are pros and cons to both views. Pros of Waiting Until the Children Are Grown There are some advantages to waiting until the children are grown. The main ones are that you will avoid arguing about child custody and child support issues. You will not have to decide: If you and your spouse are compatible, and these issues are important to you, it may be in your best interest and the best … [Read more...]
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 judge. Children 12-Years Old or Older On the motion of either party, or motion by the amicus attorney for the child, or on the court’s own motion, according to Texas Law, the court “shall” interview the child privately in chambers. The court will determine “the child’s wishes … [Read more...]
What If Your Child Doesn’t Want to Visit the Other Parent?
If you are the parent with whom your child lives, it can be extremely upsetting to have your child claim that he or she does not want to visit the other parent. The child may cry when the parent arrives for visitation and refuse to even get in the car. You may be tempted to cancel the visitation. Your sympathy will obviously be with your child. You wonder if something serious has happened when the child was with the other parent, causing you some anguish and resistance to requiring visitation. But court ordered visitation cannot be canceled by one parent without risking serious … [Read more...]
