Family Matters Blog

Nine years into my marriage, it’s taken a global crisis to make me a nicer person. By Priyanka Mattoo The New York Times I have filled a spray bottle with vinegar, like the instructions said, and coated the shower with it, but nothing is happening. My toddler … [Read more...] about Criticism Is My Love Language

Entry of your divorce decree is but the first step in your new post-divorce life. Shoring up your finances is the next step. Here are the top seven things you need to do. Close all joint financial accounts. Unless otherwise required by your divorce decree, close all joint … [Read more...] about I’m Divorced. What Do I Need To Do About My Finances?

Divorce can be costly. National statistics say that on average, each side typically spends over $10,000. Some couples spend even more. It depends on how much you fight. The bulk of the cost, of course, is the attorney’s fees. But there are ways to keep divorce costs down and … [Read more...] about More Expensive Divorce Mistakes to Avoid

If you and your partner have lived together for a while, you may be common law married. Common law marriage is legally recognized in Texas even though the spouses didn’t obtain a marriage license or have a wedding ceremony. If you and your partner meet each of the following … [Read more...] about You May Be Common Law Married

In a word—no. But knowing the potential impact of an affair on the outcome of a divorce is important for understanding what to expect and developing an effective strategy. Here are three things you should know.   No surprises. If you had an affair, tell your lawyer. … [Read more...] about My Spouse had an Affair. Do I Get it All?

For many divorcing couples, their house is the most valuable asset—and usually carries the largest debt: the mortgage.     The divorce decree entered by the court typically divides a divorcing couple’s property, including the family home. But a divorce decree is … [Read more...] about Take My Name Off the Mortgage

If you’re getting a divorce, it pays to stay off social media—for many reasons. But oversharing isn’t the only mistake people make when their marriages are tanking. Here are three more that can cost you money. Not assembling all the paperwork. Important documents and … [Read more...] about Expensive Divorce Mistakes

January 1 did not just ring in the new year. New tax provisions went into effect impacting divorce and child custody matters. Here are five important points to keep in mind. Alimony (also known as spousal maintenance) is no longer deductible. For divorces finalized after … [Read more...] about Divorce and the New Tax Law

Choosing the right divorce lawyer can be a difficult and time-consuming process. But hiring a divorce attorney who also is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can give you an extra boost of confidence as you go into battle. If you have significant assets, it’s critical to be … [Read more...] about Hiring a Divorce Lawyer Who Also is a CPA is the Way to Go

Divorce and custody cases are expensive. Most good family lawyers work by the hour. Time is their only commodity, so they must charge for it. Not only must your lawyer do what is necessary to advance your case, your lawyer must respond to whatever your ex-spouse’s lawyer does to … [Read more...] about Time is Money