If you live in Texas and are getting a divorce, you may need to go through a process of dividing an annuity, an IRA or a 401(k). You may want to consult a financial professional along with your attorney during this process since there can be complex tax implications....
Negotiating a settlement between spouses with similar income
During a divorce, Texas couples will need to negotiate their settlement. The way this is handled depends on what each spouse contributed to the marriage and whether both spouses worked. As couples go through the dissolution of the marriage, they will negotiate several...
Could a financial planner help someone going through a divorce?
Divorce proceedings bring forth many financial questions for Texas residents. Matters related to the division of property, alimony, and more might create confusion and concerns. Some people might not realize that there are financial planners who specialize in...
What is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order in Texas?
Qualified domestic relations orders, which are issued by family law courts, grant divorcees in Texas a portion of an ex-spouse's retirement benefits. Benefits must be part of an employer-sponsored plan for the retirement plan to qualify. It is common to draft QDROs...
Real talk about divorce in Texas
Divorces can be tense situations. Couples are worried about how their assets will be divided and about how much time they'll be able to spend with their kids. These are huge issues that impact people's lives for years down the road. In Texas, couples who are about to...
How to make divorce easier
There is no way around the fact that a Texas divorce will be difficult. However, those going through the process can make it easier for themselves. Being methodical and rising above the bitterness are the best starting points for an easier divorce. Perhaps the hardest...
Filing for divorce from an incarcerated spouse
When a person is incarcerated in Texas, their spouse may decide that it's time to get a divorce. However, to get a divorce in the Lone Star State, certain requirements must be met. First, one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months prior to filing...
Children need help understanding a divorce
A divorce can be a difficult event for adults and children alike. However, parents in Texas and across America are encouraged to be open and honest about the fact that their children's lives are about to change. While your child doesn't have to know the exact reason...
Getting by at work while getting a divorce
Divorce is one of the biggest hardships one can go through in life, topped only by the stress of dealing with the death of a loved one. When going through a separation, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to focus on work. While it is important to keep boundaries...
Things to consider in a gray divorce
When couples in Texas get divorced after the age of 50, there are different concerns that they may have than if their marriage was dissolving in their younger years. Instead of providing for the children, the primary issue is whether a spouse can retain adequate...
Keeping sanity during a messy divorce
A contentious divorce in Texas can grind a spouse down emotionally and do damage to their psyche. The stress can be difficult to bear, even if the legal issues are being resolved. Those who are going through the process must learn how to care for themselves throughout...
Be proactive to protect credit in a divorce
Many people in Texas who have been through a divorce have found that the process has knocked their credit score down by at least 50 points. However, it does not have to be this way. While there may be an unavoidable impact on credit, some of the damage can be avoided...
The benefits of a prenuptial agreement
Texas is a community property state, which means that nearly all assets and debt acquired during marriage are divided equally in a divorce. Though assets acquired by one spouse before marriage are generally considered separate property, actions taken during marriage...
Avoid needless fights in the divorce process
In Texas, a divorce has a greater likelihood of ending up in court when the two parties provoke each other during the process. Taking the high road is a vital thing to do while the issues are being worked out because people tend to litigate more when they are...
Women should be prepared for the post-divorce financial reality
In Texas, many women emerge from their divorces in a difficult financial situation because they were not able to anticipate a post-marriage reality. Whether it is from a lack of knowledge or a failure to plan, these divorcees often end up struggling financially for...