The Latest With Lewis – November 2024
On November 16, 2024, our attorneys had the honor of attending the 43rd Annual Black Tie Dinner, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ fundraising gala. Held at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, this prestigious event brought together advocates, leaders, and allies to celebrate equality and raise funds for over 20 local beneficiaries and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
This year’s vibrant theme, “Simulation,” set the stage for a remarkable evening filled with inspiring speakers, captivating entertainment, and a shared commitment to inclusion and advocacy.
At our firm, we’re proud to support the mission of the Black Tie Dinner, which has raised millions to advance LGBTQ+ rights and foster community well-being. Advocacy and compassion are at the heart of what we do, and events like this remind us of the importance of standing alongside those fighting for equality and justice.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this extraordinary cause while connecting with other community leaders and allies. Together, we can make a difference.
For more information about this impactful event and its mission, click here.
Preparing Yourself Financially For Divorce
Divorce is one of the most difficult situations one can experience, including from a financial perspective. For this reason, it is important to understand your finances prior to filing and what you will need to do after you file.
– Your Financial Picture: Before initiating the divorce process, ensure you know where you stand with your finances. Gather your bank statements, tax returns, current or past pay stubs and current earnings.
– Create a New Budget: Once you understand your finances and know what is coming in, you must look at what is leaving your bank accounts every month. Track your expenses if you have not already done so, and consider how your finances will change post-divorce.
– Open Individual Accounts: Make sure you are ready by proactively opening accounts to store your money. After the divorce, you will need accounts in your name.
Four FAQs About Spousal Maintenance in Dallas
When it comes to divorce, understanding spousal maintenance can be crucial. In Dallas, as in the rest of Texas, the rules around spousal maintenance can be complex. Here are five frequently asked questions to help clarify the process.
- Who Qualifies for Spousal Maintenance: Not everyone qualifies for spousal maintenance in Texas. The court considers several factors before granting maintenance. The requesting spouse must demonstrate an inability to meet their minimum reasonable needs post-divorce.
- How is the Amount and Duration Determined: It cannot exceed $5,000 per month or 20% of the paying spouse’s average monthly gross income. The duration depends on the length of the marriage. For marriages under 10 years, maintenance can last up to five years if family violence was involved. Marriages lasting 10 to 20 years may see maintenance up to five years, 20 to 30 years up to seven years, and over 30 years up to 10 years. In cases involving disability, the duration can be indefinite.
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Happy News
Scientists recently discovered an enormous coral structure in the Great Barrier Reef, the first such finding in 120 years. This detached reef, standing over 500 meters tall—higher than the Empire State Building—is an awe-inspiring natural marvel. It was uncovered by researchers aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s vessel *Falkor* during a year-long exploration of Australia’s oceans. The reef is teeming with marine life and offers hope for understanding and preserving vulnerable underwater ecosystems.
This discovery underscores the continuing importance of oceanic exploration, as such structures could play a crucial role in marine biodiversity and climate resilience. Scientists are eager to study its unique ecosystem and the ways it interacts with its environment, bringing new insights into conservation efforts.
For more information, click here.
Pet Spotlight: Help Find a Loving Home
This month, we’ve partnered with Cody’s Friends Rescue to feature a couple adorable animals who are ready to become a cherished part of your family.
On the left, meet Cotton and, on the right, meet Blue. Cotton and her brother Blue were found as strays and rescued by a wonderful lady who has seen their potential to be amazing, adorable pets! Cotton is working on the “potty” thing and improving every day and she will go in her crate to rest all on her own. She is FULL of love and knows how to sit nicely when the pets and lovies are coming. Her favorite thing is to be held and cuddled. She has already learned to not jump on her folks. Cotton loves to play with the other dogs in the home and loves her rescuer’s teenaged kiddos. She’s going to be a beauty!
Blue does NOT have accidents in his crate and he sits quietly when he knows pets are coming. Blue loves to give kisses and bask in the sun. He is not aggressive in any way and loves to play with the other dogs in the home and his rescuers teenaged kiddos. You’ll just have to meet him to see his potential. For more information on Cotton and Blue, you can read more here.
Adoptions at Cody’s Friends Rescue are free and include spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip, and more. Cody’s Friends Rescue is located at 6501 Clearhaven Circle, Dallas, TX 75248 and is open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. -6 p.m. Visit https://www.codysfriendsrescue.org/ to learn more.