Mary Jones

There is an old adage that “A lawyer who represents themselves has a fool for a client.” In the divorce process, one or both parties can represent themselves, however, you first need to decide if that’s a good idea for you and your spouse given your facts and circumstances. Sometimes it is a good idea as you and your spouse are able to communicate with each other respectfully, and you are both … [Read more...] about Why Handling Your Divorce Without an Attorney Could Cost You More

Traditional Litigation or “going to court” is the route people are typically most familiar with in divorce cases.  You may have been through that yourself already or with your parents or friends. You have probably seen a courthouse divorce on tv or in movies. The litigation model does not always mean going to court, but the possibility of going to court is always there. It is a dark cloud … [Read more...] about How are Collaborative Divorce, Mediation and Litigation different in Texas

How parents behave during their divorce, and how they continue to communicate with each other and their children has a significant impact on the children post-divorce. When children see their parents working to be good co-parents and communicative with one another, it gives them a feeling of stability and safety. When both parents set out to create a positive outcome from the divorce, it will … [Read more...] about How To Create a Better Outcome for Children in a Divorce

In Texas, there is no such thing as "community debt." That term is often used to refer to any debt that has been incurred during the marriage. But in Texas, the law does look at what is an equitable, just, and the right division of all assets and debts. That is where you get down to the facts to decide how you're going to handle those assets and debts, and what the outcomes will be as far as … [Read more...] about What Happens in a Divorce After One Spouse Paid for the Other’s Education?

This blog was originally posted on Collaborative Divorce Texas. Children need to see their parents being supportive of each other, especially during a divorce. They need to see their parents having a united front – that they are still able to communicate with each other and make decisions for them that are in their best interest. Ultimately, children need to see that they are still both … [Read more...] about What Do Children Want and Need When Their Parents’ Divorce?

To be in control of the outcome of your divorce you need to be a major participant. You cannot sit on the sidelines just watching as a spectator. You need to be in communication with your attorney. You need to be prepared for meetings and ask for homework afterward.  Divorce is an educational process. A lot of work needs to be done in a divorce, especially when it comes to the finances. … [Read more...] about How Can Someone be in Control of the Outcome of Their Divorce?

A post-marital agreement helps establish long-term financial decisions so that in the event of a divorce or the death of one of the spouses, there is more certainty about what will happen with current or future assets. Sometimes in a marriage, one of the spouses has a high earning job. The family might make the decision for the other spouse to stay home and take care of the kids. The … [Read more...] about Why Would a Couple Benefit from a Post-Marital Agreement?

It has been said that a pre-nuptial agreement is not about planning for divorce but is pre-marriage counseling. It is about having important conversations that as a couple you have not had yet. A prenup discussion creates an opportunity to sit down and talk about money issues, about children, and to understand what both parties bring into the relationship.   Money, Sex and In-Laws Money, … [Read more...] about Why Get a Pre-Nuptial Agreement (Pre-Nup)