8951 Collin McKinney Parkway, #1401,
McKinney, TX 75070

Call Us Today

972-562-9890

LET US BE YOUR FAMILY'S ADVOCATE

Recent Blog Posts

How Is the Amount of Spousal Maintenance Payments Determined?

 Posted on May 18, 2022 in Spousal Maintenance

Collin County Divorce AttorneyDuring a couple's divorce, one party may ask for financial support from their former partner. This form of support is officially known as spousal maintenance in Texas, although it can also be referred to as alimony or spousal support. Maintenance will not be an issue that will be addressed in every divorce, but it may be a factor in cases where one spouse earns most or all of the income used to provide for a family's needs, especially if the other spouse may struggle to support themselves while also caring for children or other family members. In cases where spousal support is appropriate, the parties will need to understand how the amount that one spouse will pay to the other will be determined.

Factors Used to Determine Spousal Support Payments

Generally, spousal maintenance will only be awarded in a small number of situations. These may include cases where a spouse has a disability that prevents them from earning an income or devotes their time to caring for a child with a disability. If these issues are not a factor, spousal support will usually only be granted if a couple was married for at least 10 years and a spouse will be unable to support themselves financially, such as when a spouse has been a homemaker for the majority of the couple's marriage.

Continue Reading ››

5 Types of Valuable Assets to Consider in a High Net Worth Divorce

 Posted on May 10, 2022 in Divorce

McKinney Divorce AttorneyCouples that choose to end their marriage and get a divorce will need to address a variety of issues related to their property and finances, their children, and other areas of their lives. While these issues can be complicated in any situation, those who are involved in a high asset divorce may need to deal with multiple types of complex assets. By understanding the types of marital property that may need to be considered during the divorce process, couples with a high net worth can make sure they are approaching financial matters correctly.

Addressing and Dividing Complex Assets

For divorcing couples who reside in the state of Texas, community property must be divided in a matter that is “just and right.” Community property includes all assets and debts acquired by either spouse while they were married. In high net worth divorce cases, a couple may need to consider complex assets, including:

Continue Reading ››

How can a parent's substance abuse issue affect custody?

 Posted on April 28, 2022 in Child Custody

Texas courts prioritize keeping both parents positively involved in children's lives when they divorce or separate. Under a custody order, a child usually lives primarily with one parent, but both typically receive joint custody and work together to make important decisions for their child.

However, when your former partner's drug or alcohol abuse or addiction puts your child's safety at risk, there are steps you can take to protect them by changing a child custody order. Texas law allows modifications when a material or substantial change occurs in the parent-child relationship.

How courts respond to substance abuse claims

Texas family courts generally take quick action when a co-parent's substance abuse problems affect their ability to care for their children. This applies to those who abuse illicit drugs or misuse prescription medications. How courts react typically depends upon when the issue is raised:

Continue Reading ››

Why should I consider a collaborative divorce?

 Posted on April 01, 2022 in Collaborative Divorce

If you model your strategy after popular films or TV dramas portraying divorce, you’d likely pursue a high-conflict court battle to air your grievances against your soon-to-be ex-spouse. If your partner cheated or neglected you during the marriage, you have every right to feel that way.

But, in real life, only a small percentage of divorces go to trial. In fact, less than 10% result in litigation. The majority of divorcing couples want the experience to be quick and painless, especially if they have children. A peaceful resolution is usually best for everyone.

The benefits of collaboration

Collaborative law seeks to preserve the interests of both spouses in a divorce. It's an approach that stresses the areas where you agree and tries to find creative solutions for the issues where you don’t see eye to eye. Here are some of the main benefits:

Continue Reading ››

Why should my fiancé and I consider a prenuptial agreement?

 Posted on April 01, 2022 in Prenuptial Agreements

Preparing for a wedding is an exciting and joyous time. Let's face it. Most people believe talking about a prenuptial agreement can be a real buzzkill for people in love. No one wants to think about how their relationship will end.

But adopting a different mindset over prenups can bring many benefits. Texas couples who have gone through the process realize it's one of the best ways to have meaningful discussions early on that can provide peace of mind for circumstances that are impossible to predict.

How a prenup works

Prenuptial agreements are legal contracts showing how assets will be treated during a marriage as well as if divorce happens. Also called premarital agreements, prenups help couples:

  • Identify assets and estates for each party
  • Outline marital vs. separate property
  • Define property and alimony rights

Continue Reading ››

How does parental relocation work in Texas?

 Posted on April 01, 2022 in Child Custody

Life is ever-changing. As such, child custody orders aren’t always permanent. In Texas, modifications to possession orders are possible when one parent needs to make a substantial change, such as moving to another part of the state or out of state for a new job.

Child custody disputes are often the most hotly contested divorce issues. Parental relocation requests are challenging regardless of whether you are the parent who wants to move, or you oppose your co-parent's request for a modification. These requests can be difficult to resolve because of the strong preference that children maintain frequent and consistent contact with both parents. In most cases, a relocation request disrupts that relationship.

Courts consider the child's best interests

Texas family courts typically place geographic restrictions over a child's residency to ensure continuing contact with both parents after a divorce. When one parent needs to relocate, courts consider the child's age and other factors, including:

Continue Reading ››

What should I know if I’m considering a divorce?

 Posted on April 01, 2022 in Divorce

Spring is here, and for many Texans, it's a time of hope and renewal after a long and stressful two years. It's also a time for many couples to reassess their marriages, especially those who put divorce plans on hold during the pandemic.

If you and your spouse have already separated or attempts to strengthen your marital bond haven’t gone as planned, you may be thinking of taking the next step to ending your marriage. But you likely have a lot of questions.

Focus on the three main divorce issues

The first impact of divorce is always emotional, whether intense sadness or anger. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, it's the normal way to respond. But once the divorce process begins, it's crucial to focus on the three primary legal aspects:

  1. Child custody: In Texas, custody is called conservatorship. Courts generally award joint managing conservatorship, meaning parents share in decision-making for their kids, even if they primarily live with one parent. The parent without primary custody is called the possessory conservator. If you and your spouse disagree on a parenting plan, a court will decide for you.

    Continue Reading ››

How can I help my child's relationship with their other parent?

 Posted on March 01, 2022 in Co-Parenting

Some psychologists believe divorce is 95% emotional and 5% legal. After all, we’re only human and intense feelings naturally consume our thoughts. That can be especially true if your marriage and divorce were fraught with significant conflict and hard feelings.

But focusing on the other 5% is vitally essential for you and your children's well-being. Determining custody and parenting time is at the top of the list. It's well documented that any conflict between parents harms children. But how should you deal with any lingering anger or resentment?

Five steps to strengthen your child's relationship

Many co-parents have a healthy rapport with their former partner, which is the best scenario for children. Others may justifiably hold onto anger. Try to let go of those feelings and focus on what's best for your kids. They also feel those intense emotions, which can cause more harm. Even if you can’t fully let go of the negativity, here are five steps that can immeasurably help:

Continue Reading ››

How do I avoid parenting time issues during spring break?

 Posted on March 01, 2022 in Child Custody

Winter is winding down, and many families – especially the kids – anxiously await spring break. For divorced or separated parents, this can be a stressful time as it affects the regular possession schedule. But making this an enjoyable experience for your kids should be the goal for both you and your ex.

If you and your co-parent follow a Texas Standard Possession Order (SPO), you likely already know that the Lone Star State has an odd-even schedule over spring break possession. The rules differ depending on whether parents live within 100 miles of each other.

Spring break parenting time rules

Under an unmodified SPO, co-parents who live within 100 miles alternate possession during spring break each year. For 2022, that means possessory conservators – noncustodial parents – have the children. The rules state:

  • Possession begins at 6 p.m. on the day the child is dismissed from school for spring vacation.
  • Possession ends at 6 p.m. on the day before school resumes.

Continue Reading ››

How could my job affect my divorce outcome?

 Posted on March 01, 2022 in Child Support

Texas spouses undergoing a divorce have three main legal issues to work out in their divorce decree. These include establishing conservatorship (custody) for their children, dividing assets and debts, and sharing future income.

If you are the family's breadwinner, there's a strong chance you may end up paying child support and spousal maintenance. If that's the case, it's crucial to understand how any career-related changes affecting compensation could impact your support requirements.

Three situations that can affect support obligations

Texas uses a formula to calculate child support based on the noncustodial parent's net income and resources. The lower-earning spouse must request spousal maintenance. In either situation, it's essential to know how any changes to your income can affect these payments. Here are three scenarios:

Continue Reading ››

  • Elite Lawyer
  • 10 Best attorneys
  • top 10 female attorney
  • fastest growing firm 2023
  • top 10 family law firm
  • expertise
  • Super Lawyers 2023
  • State Bar of Texas
  • Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies

Finding The Right Attorney Matters. Contact Us Today.

A family lawyer does much more than simply provide legal answers. Our lawyers explore a variety of different solutions to help you achieve your goals and secure your family's financial and emotional future and stability.

To discuss your case or set up a consultation, call us at 972-562-9890 or use the online contact form.

Back to Top