If you are divorcing for the first time in Texas, you may be concerned about things you have heard. There are myths about divorce that our attorneys at Springer & Lyle want to clarify. Common Myths About Divorce Children can choose which parent they want to live with. In Texas, a child under the age of 18 cannot choose which parent to live with. Upon a request by either or both parents, a judge will talk privately with a child aged 12 or over and listen to their preference. The judge may or may not grant a request depending upon all the facts of the … [Read more...]
Holiday Planning Amid Divorce and COVID-19
Divorced parents often find coparenting difficult in the best of times. The COVID-19 pandemic has only complicated it. Parents who share custody may be questioning if, during this unprecedented holiday season, are the current possession orders in force. At Springer & Lyle, we want to help parents deal with co-parenting in ways that make them comfortable but also are in compliance with the law. Parental Concerns Parents are dealing with stay at home orders and many are working from home. Whether schools will be open or closed is almost a daily question. Some travel restrictions are … [Read more...]
Tips to Make A Divorce Less Painful
The American Institute of Stress uses a chart developed many years ago by psychiatrists Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe. The doctors assigned different points to 49 life events and then added them up to see how much stress a person was experiencing. They determined that getting a divorce is the second most stressful life event a person can experience. Separating from a spouse is the third. At Springer & Lyle, we work with our clients in ways to reduce the stress as much as possible. Two ways of divorcing we assist with that help spouses separate amicably are … [Read more...]
Divorce Mistakes
Going through a divorce is stressful. There are many decisions that need to be made about property division, child custody, child support, and more. Sometimes, in the turmoil of decision-making, mistakes are made. At the law firm of Springer & Lyle, we guide you through the process with a keen eye to avoid some of the common mistakes. Division of Community Property Texas is a community property state which means that all property acquired during the marriage belongs to both parties. Property owned by one party prior to the marriage generally remains that person’s separate property … [Read more...]
Texting, Social Media and Divorce
Going through a divorce is indeed a difficult emotional experience. It is tempting to post status updates to your friends on social media. You want to vent about injustices you feel from your soon-to-be ex-spouse. You may say something you plan on doing to get revenge. You are tempted to post photos that you hope may make him or her jealous. At Springer & Lyle, we strongly urge you to completely avoid social media during your divorce proceedings. No Matter Your Privacy Settings, Your Social Media Postings Can Be Used Against You You may wonder how a … [Read more...]
Some Financial Do’s and Dont’s While Divorcing
Getting divorced can be one of the hardest and scariest things that you may ever do. For this reason, you should not do it alone. A good lawyer from Springer & Lyle will help you through this difficult time, especially when it comes to dealing with your finances. Here are some financial do's and dont's while you are getting divorced. Do plan ahead. It is important that you still think about your needs during the divorce. This includes, not only how you are going to live now, but in the future. Make sure you plan for your retirement while you are going through your divorce. Don’t … [Read more...]
How Can I Protect My Interests Prior To A Divorce?
The implications and impact divorce can have on your life can be overwhelming. There’s not just the emotional side to deal with, there are often children to think of, housing to sort out and complex legal details. In this time of turmoil, you need compassion, straight talk, and practical solutions. You might be wondering how can I protect my interests prior to a divorce? At Springer and Lyle, we’re here to help you by advocating for you with the best representation possible during this difficult time. Here are some important steps to take when beginning the divorce process. Make … [Read more...]
My ex won’t pay debts from the divorce and now it’s ruining my credit!
I hear this one frequently and there is no simple, satisfying answer. First, some basics: Your creditors were not parties to your divorce action so they cannot be made to follow the final decree of divorce and only look to the spouse ordered to pay the debt. Creditors and debt collectors will generally go after whomever they think might actually pay regardless of what the decree says. When someone is ordered to do something, like pay a debt on another’s behalf, and they fail to do it, the remedy is usually an enforcement action or some sort of seizure of the asset … [Read more...]
Can I Afford A Divorce?
You might feel that you can't afford a divorce, but Springer & Lyle might be able to help you and work with you. The fact is that any divorce can be costly, and if you take the risk of representing yourself, your divorce can ultimately be even costlier. Don't Try it on Your Own Most divorce cases will be stressful. There might be considerable tension between the parties, child custody might be contested, income might be hidden to reduce the child support obligation and terms and conditions of visitation can even come to issue. These aren't issues that you want to address alone while … [Read more...]
How To Prepare For A Divorce and Maybe Save Your Marriage
Clients regularly ask us what they can do to prepare for a divorce before it’s filed. Of course some of that varies by situation and we will be happy to give you advice tailored to your situation, but there are some basic steps most people should take and surprisingly these steps go a long way toward improving marriages. Understand your Financial Situation Often there are big disparities in basic understanding about a couple’s budget, debt, and assets. One spouse may be nearly clueless how much is being saved for retirement, how much debt exists, how much money it takes to run the household, … [Read more...]