It started with a prenuptial agreement clause about weight. One person agreed not to gain more than a certain number of pounds during the marriage—or else face financial penalties. Another couple added rules about weekend football games: one could never interrupt the other during their team’s broadcast. These are what’s known as lifestyle clauses, and…

He couldn’t believe the call from the county clerk’s office. The voice on the other end said his name was listed on a child support order. It made absolutely no sense. He had dated the child’s mother years ago but hadn’t heard from her since she moved away. What he didn’t realize was that she…

Bringing a child into your home through adoption is one of life’s most meaningful journeys. However, before the process is complete, every prospective parent undergoes what’s known as a home evaluation—also referred to as a home study. This part of the process can seem a little overwhelming at first. But once you know what’s involved,…

Dividing property is rarely simple in a divorce. Sure, some assets might clearly belong to one spouse, but others are not so easy to separate. That is especially true when money or property has been mixed in such a way that makes it difficult to determine who truly owns what. Understanding how commingled assets are…

A man watches his sister struggle. Once a devoted mother, she’s now overwhelmed by life’s pressures—barely keeping up with work, bills, and, more importantly, her young son. Her ex-husband has long since disappeared, leaving no support behind. As a result, the boy often ends up at his uncle’s house, where he’s safe, fed, and surrounded…

When parents share custody, disagreements are almost inevitable. Even with a detailed court order, questions about schedules, communication, or decision-making can create tension. To ease these challenges, Texas courts will sometimes appoint a professional to help. The two most common roles are Parenting Coordinators and Parenting Facilitators. While their titles sound similar, they serve very…

When you are going through a divorce, you already know you will be facing many difficult decisions. One of those decisions often involves money, and that is where your financial planner comes in. If you already work with a financial planner, you may wonder if it makes sense to continue working with that same person…

The way people talk about divorce can make it sound very different. One friend might say, “My spouse filed for divorce.” Another might say, “My spouse is suing me for divorce.” At a glance, those words may not seem so far apart, but they can land on the ear very differently. The first comes across…

Divorce is difficult for any family, but when a child with special needs is involved, it can feel all the more challenging. Both parents love and care deeply for the child and want the best for them. That said, juggling therapy sessions, medical appointments, and everyday routines between two homes can feel overwhelming. Newly single…