The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a divorce rate of 1.4 per 1,000 people in Texas in 2021. Going through a divorce is a significant life event with far-reaching consequences, including financial matters. Amid the emotional and practical...
Family Law
How to help your adult children in a gray divorce
Gray divorce, the dissolution of a marriage later in life, can be a significant life event not just for the couple but also for their adult children. A 2022 study in the Oxford University Press revealed that 36% of divorces involve couples over the age of 50, so this...
Is parentification grounds for a custody change in Virginia?
Divorce impacts children in ways adults may have difficulty understanding. Absorbed in their troubles, parents often fail to recognize the suffering of their children, who have no control over the sudden upheaval of their world. A parent may even force his or her...
How to talk to your kids about your divorce
One of the most challenging aspects of a divorce is breaking the news to the kids. You and your partner may struggle to find the right words without adding to the pain of the news. This is normal, but there are ways that you can lessen the blow and have an effective,...
When should you consider a child custody evaluation?
Child custody matters often become contentious when the parents cannot reach an agreement. Sometimes, a child custody evaluation is the best way to identify the custody solution that is in the child's best interest. There are a few common situations when a child...
How to avoid parental alienation in your divorce
Divorce inevitably disrupts the family structure, creating new challenges for both parents and children. However, getting divorced does not have to mean the end of your relationship with your children. While the process can be painful and fraught with emotion, you...
The impact of domestic violence allegations on your divorce
Having a domestic violence allegation or conviction on your record could impact custody decisions during your divorce. The court seeks to protect the interest of the children when making decisions about custody and visitation. Your record could have a negative impact...
When are you eligible for a former spouse’s Social Security?
A growing number of Virginia residents are ending their marriages later in life, and if you are among them, you may be looking for ways to maximize your income during this fast-approaching stage of life. Studies show that many Americans do not realize they may be able...
Determining how alimony is spent: A spouse’s influence
The financial landscape following a divorce can be a complex terrain to navigate. One area that often becomes a matter of debate is alimony, or spousal support, particularly when it comes to how the recipient uses these funds. Can the payer dictate how the payee...
Does child support end when a child turns 18?
If your child is turning 18, it is important to understand how this could affect child support obligations whether you receive or make payments. When it comes to child support, there are various factors that can impact how much support a parent has to pay. In...