DentonTexasDivorce.com

Increase in Divorce Rate Among Couples Over the Age of 50

December 13, 2011 By Duane L. Coker Leave a Comment

According to recent research, the overall divorce rate in America has not increased over the last thirty years. The number of divorces has actually decreased or plateaued in every age group except for one: couples over the age of 50. In fact, 25 percent of all divorces in the United States are initiated by 50+ couples, who are members of the baby boomer generation--those born between the mid-1940s and mid-1960s. Experts attribute the reason for this surge in "older" divorces to changes in social attitudes about aging, marriage, and divorce. For instance, views on how marriage and divorce … [Read More...]

Filed Under: Divorce

Child Support Facts

December 8, 2011 By Duane L. Coker Leave a Comment

As a simple definition, child support is when one parent--either the mother or the father--agree to financially support the care of their children residing with the other parent. It's generally best for all involved if the parents can agree on with whom the child will be living, and therefore, who will be making the child support payments. If both parents want custody of the children, or, in a more unfortunate case, neither parent wants custody of the children, then it will be left up to the court to decide who retains custody and who must pay for the support. It is possible that neither … [Read More...]

Filed Under: Child Support

Military Service Members, Contractors and the Texas Family Code

November 30, 2011 By cokerlegal Leave a Comment

As we approach almost a decade of military engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan, the sacrifices of those fighting for our country are becoming more apparent in the justice system. From the creation of specific courts for our veterans to the complexity of issues surrounding benefits through the Department of Defense and the Veteran’s Administration, the legal questions are numerous and growing. Family law is no exception. To add to the legal complexity, many functions of the United States Armed Forces which were previously undertaken exclusively by the branches of the military, are now … [Read More...]

Filed Under: Child Custody, Texas Child Conservatorship, Texas Family Law

Prenuptial Agreement Myths

November 28, 2011 By Duane L. Coker Leave a Comment

Most people have notions about prenuptial agreements from what they've seen on the news, seen in movies or soap operas, or heard from general gossip. However, most of these preconceived notions are complete myths. The following are the most common myths regarding premarital agreements fully debunked, almost Mythbusters style. Myth 1: Prenuptial agreements are only for wealthy people. Just because you aren't rich now doesn't mean you won't become wealthy in the future. A prenuptial agreement can simply put in writing how you and your spouse will approach finances so that there will not be … [Read More...]

Filed Under: community property, Finacial Issues, Spousal Support

Could a Waiting Period for Divorce Save Marriages?

November 22, 2011 By Duane L. Coker Leave a Comment

Well, could a mandatory waiting period for divorces save marriages? A former chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court certainly believes so. Former Justice Leah Ward Sears told the Washington Post that most divorcing couples did not have high levels of conflict as currently believed. In fact, she cited research that claimed up to 66 percent of divorcing couples had average happiness and low levels of conflict. She further says these divorces from "average happiness" have the greatest potential for reconciliation and are the most harmful for the children involved. To further bolster her … [Read More...]

Filed Under: Divorce

Unemployment and Child Support

November 14, 2011 By Duane L. Coker Leave a Comment

You've just gone through a divorce, finally got the child support and visitation squared away, and just when you think things are settling down, you lose your job thanks to the current economic downturn. You may have a nice severance package for now, and you may even qualify for unemployment benefits, but you know you can't pay your bills and your child support for long, if at all. So, what do you do? First, you file for unemployment benefits with your local Texas Workforce Commission, and then, you need to make a call to your attorney. The last thing you want to think about may be rehiring … [Read More...]

Filed Under: Child Support