Texas Divorce and Prenuptial Agreement BLOG

Divorce may have a particularly severe impact on college students, a new study has found. Researchers found that some spouses might put off having a divorce for their children’s sake. But, by waiting until the children are older and on their own away at college, spouses could hurt college students more. Students may feel guilty that their parents stayed married just for them. They may feel that their family life was a lie, and these feelings could impact their college performance. The study out of Arizona State University found that the financial consequences of divorce raise students’ stress levels. Students may find themselves worrying about their parents’ living expenses, since they no longer split the bills down the middle. The divorce also causes them to worry about tuition payments, particularly if the payments become a huge burden for the parent who is now footing the tuition bill. The same study did find several factors associated with students who remained healthy while coping with a divorce during college: Peaceful divorces were much better for students’ health than drawn out and bitter divorces that never seem to heal Students who kept in close contact with their parents stayed healthier than those who…
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Evangelist and businessman Pat Robertson caused a controversy a few weeks ago when he said, “I know it sounds cruel, but if he’s going to do something, he should divorce her and start all over again, but make sure she has custodial care and somebody looking after her.” Robertson said that in response to a question from a man whose friend wanted to see other women after doctors diagnosed the friend’s wife with Alzheimer’s disease. “Okay to divorce spouses with Alzheimer’s,” the headlines read in the aftermath of Robertson’s comments. A panel of religious experts from Texas weighed in on Robertson’s comments, and their responses demonstrate the complexity of the issue. A Southern Methodist University professor considered Robertson’s comments a reflection of an incorrect view of marriage as an “arrangement of mutual convenience.” He said people should not view it as something that worked as long as one’s needs were all satisfied. The professor said that those with spouses with Alzheimer’s could turn to friends and family for the emotional and spiritual support they need rather than divorcing their wife. Robertson’s comments have caused a lot of controversy and will be in the news for weeks to come. Have you…
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Earlier in the year, the Obama administration stated that it would no longer enforce the federal “Defense of Marriage Act.”  The Act prevents the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages and providing benefits to such couples. Now the administration appears to be in favor of outright overturning the Act. The White House supports a proposal from California Senator Diane Feinstein. Feinstein’s bill is the “Respect for Marriage Act of 2011.” It has two purported aims: 1) repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, and 2) ensure respect for each state’s being able to regulate marriage. The 2011 Act says that the federal government will recognize any marriage as long as the marriage was valid in the state where it occurred. The past year has seen drastic changes to the treatment of same-sex couples in the country. This latest Act would open the door to the federal government’s recognition of same-sex marriages and divorces because in some states (Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont) same-sex marriage is valid. Texas does not recognize same-sex marriages, however, and the patchwork of laws and legal precedent throughout the country in each state and in the federal government make for a difficult situation…
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WILL MY SPOUSE BE ENTITLED TO SOME OF MY RETIREMENT AFTER OUR DIVORCE? WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT MY SPOUSE FROM GETTING SOME OF MY RETIREMENT AFTER OUR DIVORCE? BY JOHN K. GRUBB Almost all retirement plans fit into one of two categories:  a defined contribution plan or a defined benefit plan.  A defined contribution plan is like a saving account — you and sometimes your employer make contributions to a plan or an  account which you may use for your retirement.  Some examples of defined contribution plans are 401k plans, 403b plans, individual retirement accounts, and Roth IRAs.  A defined benefit plan is one where the employer or union agree that when you reach a certain age, you will receive a monthly stipend. People argue all the time that since they cannot get their retirement until they retire or since  their retirement benefits are unmatured the Court should not award their spouse a portion of their retirement upon divorce.  However, the Courts look upon retirement benefits, whether defined contribution plans or defined benefit plans, as an asset that was earned during the marriage.  Therefore, the Courts will divide retirement benefits upon divorce.  Since each type or retirement plan…
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