After years of practicing family law, I have rarely seen a family law case where people representing themselves did not end up in future lawsuits. The problem is that those future lawsuits can be costly and cost more than if the person had hired an attorney to begin with. When a family law case is filed, the law requires that the opposing party be served with the lawsuit. This can be accomplished in several ways. Once a person is served with the lawsuit, they have a limited number of days to … [Read more...]
Archives for 2014
Creating a Post Divorce Budget
& Why that is Important Prior to the Divorce Being Negotiated Have you ever tried to pack your suitcase not knowing your destination, how long you will be gone and what the weather conditions are going to be? Difficult to say the least, to know what you need to pack and how many items you might need to take along on your trip. Going through your divorce without thinking about your future financial ‘game plan’ is exactly the suitcase scenario. Are you willing to just wing it? What are … [Read more...]
We’ve decided to get a divorce – when and how do we tell the kids?
If you’re reading this article, chances are that you and your partner have decided to divorce and you are wondering how to tell your children with the least amount of upset possible. While your pre-schooler may not have ever heard of the word divorce and probably will not have any idea what this means, your school-age child will more than likely understand that this means the ending of their parents’ marriage. Regardless of their age, your children will have questions and may experience some … [Read more...]
Three Characteristics of Parents who Negotiate a Successful Parenting Plan
Many parents get stuck arguing about Custody and Visitation. That is probably no surprise. It’s a difficult time for everyone. Usually one or both parties are feeling hurt or betrayed. They are in the midst of a great change and loss. Their financial and emotional resources are low. And the topic is perhaps the most sensitive topic for any parent - it’s about providing for their children and protecting them from the worst part of the family’s reorganization. It is actually amazing that more … [Read more...]
Collaboration, Mediation or Litigation?
Clients often seem to feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, when they hear these three terms. Remember, Dorothy was overwhelmed with confusion, repeatedly chanting, “Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!” The Denton County Collaborative Professionals want to explain the differences in these processes so that clients, or potential clients, do not feel so overwhelmed and confused. Litigation: Litigation is the name of the process where parties file a lawsuit against each other and attend … [Read more...]
