Many Texas residents know that when a couple decides to separate, the situation can range from being over quickly and amicably to dragging on for petty reasons. Divorce can take its toll on all parties involved, and it is important to realize that there are several different areas pertaining to divorce that require discussion and decisions. Property division, child custody and alimony are some of the most common points a separating couple must come to agreements about. The better prepared each party is when the process begins, the quicker the proceedings could move along.
Though the main news-worthy divorce stories are those from celebrity couples or those with a high net worth, lessons about separation and the process can be gleaned from those situations. Celebrity couples must go through the task of dividing assets just as other couples do, and in most cases, property division does not have an equal division. The type of property involved can play a significant role. If a business is owned by one or both parties, it must be determined what percentage of the company each party may be entitled to. Property division can be a complicated endeavor that may require assistance from an outside party.
Another major area is that of child custody and child support. Parents, and often court systems, must agree upon custody arrangements for their children, if any are involved. After custody agreements have been made, child support payments from the noncustodial parents have to be determined. There are different methods of determining payment amounts, including the number of children and parent income.
Though celebrity and high profile divorce cases may seem irrelevant to other couples who may be having issues, many similar processes must be dealt with. That is not to say that all divorce situations are the same because they certainly are not. Each divorce situation is as unique as the couples separating, though discussion points may be similar. Because circumstances are unique and laws can vary from state to state, it is important for residents to look into Texas divorce laws in order to gain a better understanding for their particular situation.
Source: The New York Times, “From a Divorce in the Affluent Class, Lessons for All,” Paul Sullivan, Aug. 9, 2013
