Dallas Family Law Blog

Prenuptial agreements are commonly associated with only the wealthy, but our readers should know that these agreements can provide benefits to almost any couple entering a marriage. There are many benefits of prenuptial agreements for couples to be familiar with, which is why couples should be aware of this important legal resource and how it can help them.

Prenuptial agreements can protect the assets of the parties entering the marriage and protect each of the parties from the debts of the other, but can also address other concerns that may be on the minds of a couple who are about to get married. A prenuptial agreement can also help clarify rights and responsibilities during the marriage and how property should be passed upon death. In addition, a prenuptial agreement can help avoid long and costly disputes if the couple later decides to divorce.

It may go without saying that the divorce process itself can be emotional for couples in Dallas. However, the events leading up to the decision to divorce may be emotional as well. A recent study found that in both low-conflict and high-conflict divorces, a lack of emotional fulfillment was ultimately what led one partner to decide to end the marriage.

In the study, 47% of respondents reported that the lack of love or intimacy was what led to the decision to separate and ultimately divorce. Simply put, sometimes people just "fall out of love." In addition, 44% of respondents stated that communication issues were one of the main reasons they decided to divorce. This has long been known as a cause of divorce. When spouses do not talk to one another, it ultimately damages their relationship as time goes on.

The decision to end your marriage is often one of the biggest decisions you will ever have to make. For some people in Texas, once they have decided to divorce, they may feel a sense of relief and a desire to move forward with their lives. However, there are financial costs associated with a divorce beyond attorney and court fees that people should be aware of, so they can plan accordingly.

First, many people going through a divorce will be moving from a two-income household to a single-income household once the divorce is complete. It is important to develop a budget based on your single income. The budget should not only include living expenses, but also the cost of a new car if you need one and insurance costs, such as auto insurance or homeowner's insurance, for example. Also, when it comes to the family home, a person should determine if they can afford homeownership on a single income before deciding whether to keep a home during the property division process.

August is here, and children in Dallas are preparing to go back to school. For children whose parents are divorced, this time of year can be more complicated than for those whose parents are not divorced. Beyond deciding who will pay for a new backpack, shoes and other school supplies, decisions need to be made about who will be the primary contact person for the school to call should a problem arise. And, some fathers report that even if they co-parent with their ex, they are being left out of the loop when it comes to their child's education.

According to one researcher, divorced fathers, specifically those who live with their child less than 50% of the time, have a difficult time being involved in their child's education. Teachers and administrators often turn first to the child's mother, sometimes leaving the father entirely in the dark.