http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles.php Recent articles and information covering a wide variety of divorce topics, including the divorce process, children, finance, cases, legislation, relationships, and emotions. en-us Copyright 2008 StraightDivorce.com editor@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Editor) admin@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce WebMaster) Sat, 07 Jun 2008 02:13:00 GMT Divorce http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 http://www.straightdivorce.com/images/straightdivorce.gif http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles.php http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_child_abduction_during_divorce.asp Child abduction is one of the most excruciating tactics people take during the divorce process. And sadly, in today's world, there are countless national and international parental child abduction cases reported each year. According to the United States Department of Justice, each year about 350,000 children are victims of child abduction when parents separate or divorce. Many times, a parent abducts a child and moves the child internationally, which creates very serious problems. Because of international child abduction, in 1980 the US along with other nations implemented the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The purpose of The Hague is to protect children from wrongful removal or retention in a foreign country. By 1988, Congress adopted provisions to implement the protections of the Hague Convention under the International Child Abduction Remedies Act (ICARA). articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:34:00 GMT Children divorce_articles_child_abduction_during_divorce.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_depression_stemming_from_divorce.asp When couples go through a divorce it's very common to see one or the other suffering with a bout of depression. Even if a person wants the divorce, when the reality of starting over sets in, that person can get thrown into a period of despair. And when the person doesn't want the divorce, many times their esteem is greatly affected, causing them to go into a deep depression. For some it's a sense of failure, and for others it's simply the uncertainty of what lay ahead. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:56:00 GMT Emotions divorce_articles_depression_stemming_from_divorce.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_mcgreevey_divorce_update.asp In following up on the McGreevey/Matos trial, which began on May 6th 2008, in Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth, New Jersey, one aspect of the divorce trial, the financial aspect, concluded on June 4th, 2008. The first three days of the trial were closed to the media as Judge Karen Cassidy considered custody issues involving the couple's 6-year-old daughter. The issues to be decided in the divorce settlement involve custody, alimony and child support, and whether Mr. McGreevey, now openly gay, committed fraud by marrying a woman. Everyone has been waiting to see whether the trial sets a new precedent in the divorce arena, as it explores the issue of fraud in both politics and marriage. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Thu, 05 Jun 2008 01:25:00 GMT Case divorce_articles_mcgreevey_divorce_update.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_talking_to_your_children.asp We all know that getting a divorce is a terribly hard situation for the couples involved, but there is no doubt that divorce is even harder on the kids, which is why it is important for parents to handle the situation correctly. What parents say to their children and what they do through the entire divorce process can make a world of difference. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Tue, 03 Jun 2008 06:31:00 GMT Children divorce_articles_talking_to_your_children.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_texas_polygamy_supreme_court_ruling.asp On May 29, 2008, in a crushing blow to the state of Texas massive seizure of over 400 children from the group known as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that child welfare officials overstepped their authority and the children must go back to their parents. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Fri, 30 May 2008 12:35:00 GMT Case divorce_articles_texas_polygamy_supreme_court_ruling.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_the_stress_of_divorce.asp It is very clear that getting a divorce is a very stressful situation. No one needs to be reminded that anytime a big change occurs, the human approach is to resist. And regardless of the fact that people realize that it is time for a divorce, it still is an extremely difficult challenge. So, what is it about divorce that makes it so hard? Obviously, you are being asked to establish a new identity as a single individual or you are facing the loss of an important relationship that you have known for a long time. However you choose to look at it, you have to alter your life. And not everyone experiences change in the same way. For some, the divorce can be overwhelming and so they cling to the possibility that maybe the relationship can be saved. For others, the idea of being alone weakens their sense of security. We are in fact creatures of habit and so we become attached to a way of life even when we have outgrown it. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Fri, 30 May 2008 12:16:00 GMT Emotions divorce_articles_the_stress_of_divorce.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_texas_divorce_process.asp The process for getting a divorce in Texas involves quite a bit of detail, so to be sure it is all covered correctly, it is always best to have a consultation with a qualified, experienced divorce attorney in the Texas area. To prepare for the process, the following will familiarize you with how a divorce works in Texas. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 26 May 2008 09:28:00 GMT Process divorce_articles_texas_divorce_process.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_texas_polygamy_custody_decision.asp After deliberating for only a few days, in a rather surprising turn of events, the state of Texas has lost the right to retain custody of over 400 children taken from the Fundamentalist Church of the Latter Day Saints (FLDS) polygamist sect ranch. On April 3, the children were taken during a raid after a hot line phone call claimed domestic abuse was going on in the sect. The girl, who allegedly made the phone call claimed to be a pregnant, abused teenage wife, although the girl has never been found. Investigations are still ongoing to find the girl. The Department of Family and Protective Services issued a statement defending the raid, saying it removed the children after finding a pervasive pattern of sexual abuse that puts every child at the ranch at risk. CPS further stated: Child Protective Services has one duty - to protect children. When we see evidence that children have been sexually abused and remain at risk of further abuse, we will act, the department said. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Thu, 22 May 2008 02:14:00 GMT Case divorce_articles_texas_polygamy_custody_decision.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_texas_polygamy_custody.asp As we watch from the outside looking in, it boggles the mind to learn about the details involving the children in the polygamous sect trial involving the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) in Texas. On April 14, 2008, in San Angelo Texas, the investigation of abuse was moved to a Texas courthouse, where the state is arguing to retain custody of 416 children that were removed from their parents. The children were taken and placed in temporary custody in a raid that began April 3 after a domestic violence hot line recorded a complaint from a 16-year-old girl. She said her 50-year-old husband physically and sexually abused her. A hearing to determine which cases will be addressed first and other procedural issues were set and Judge Walther has begun to address custody issues. The judge also ordered that fathers and mothers undergo DNA testing to establish parental relations. The tests were performed at a mobile testing lab outside the San Angelo Coliseum, where most of the children are being held. Texas bar officials say more than 350 attorneys from across the state have volunteered to represent the children for free. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 19 May 2008 07:40:00 GMT Case divorce_articles_texas_polygamy_custody.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_pet_custody.asp When it comes to divorce, it is very common for couples to fight over custody of the children, but today, more than ever many couples are fighting over custody of their pets. What are the reasons for so many pet custody battles and why the increase in bitter battles for pets? One of the primary reasons is because our society has grown more and more attached and fond of their pets, and so when a divorce occurs, it is difficult to determine who will or should get custody of the animals. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Wed, 14 May 2008 05:01:00 GMT Children divorce_articles_pet_custody.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_jim_mcgreevey_trial_starts.asp When asking a number of different people what they think about Jim McGreevey you would probably get a lot of different opinions and answers. Some think Jim McGreevey tackled his life with a personal agenda from the very start. Others believe he has found his true self and can now live out his life without secrets, lies and dishonesty. Regardless of the different opinions, today, we are observing an openly gay man who created quite a bit of controversy by living a so-called lie both in his personal life and while in political office. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Wed, 07 May 2008 01:12:00 GMT Case divorce_articles_jim_mcgreevey_trial_starts.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_post_divorce_modifications.asp Generally speaking, after a divorce has been finalized, things pretty much remain exactly as the divorce decree stipulates, yet there are times when after the divorce is finalized people seek post-divorce modifications. The reasons for these modifications are many. Perhaps one person has not met his or her responsibilities based on the divorce agreement. Maybe one spouse wants to leave the state. Or potentially, one parent has lost his or her job. When a persons living conditions or financial situations change dramatically after a divorce, and they are unable to meet their responsibilities, or if a spouse appears to be a threat to the children, either the custodial or non-custodial parent may request post divorce modification. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 05 May 2008 06:40:00 GMT Process divorce_articles_post_divorce_modifications.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_surviving_divorce.asp Getting a divorce can be very emotional and trying to say the least, but getting the divorce is only half the battle. It is after the divorce is finalized, and you are ready to get on with your life and move forward, that people face a newer set of challenges. Even if you are the one that initiated the divorce, starting out new and on your own can be tricky. And if you did not want the divorce, the emotional ups and downs of being single again can be painful. But there is light at the end of the tunnel and although getting rid of the negative aspects that have surrounded a difficult relationship might seem impossible, with a little bit of extra work, it can be done. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:50:00 GMT Emotions divorce_articles_surviving_divorce.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_colorado_divorce_legislation.asp For anyone considering a divorce in Colorado, you can expect to hear different terminology, when it comes to rights and options. For example, in the state of Colorado, when it comes to divorce, the term dissolution of marriage is used rather than the term divorce. When it comes to alimony, Colorado law also uses the term spousal maintenance rather than the term alimony. In addition, there is a minimum 90-day waiting period after filing for a divorce in Colorado. Basically, what that means is that if a couple has resolved most things and they have a written agreement filed with the court within 90 days, then any day after the 91st day, the court can sign off on a divorce. But a judge in Colorado will not finalize a divorce until all issues are resolved by the court or in a separation agreement. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:04:00 GMT Legislation divorce_articles_colorado_divorce_legislation.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_california_divorce_legislation.asp It was three years after former Governor Edmund Brown urged the reforming of Californias fault-based divorce law, that Governor Ronald Reagan signed the Family Law Act of 1969 into law, making California the first no-fault divorce state in the nation. It was actually on September 5, 1969 when governor Ronald Reagan changed marriage and divorce in America forever. Since that historic reform, every state in the United States has enacted some form of no-fault divorce. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:29:00 GMT Legislation divorce_articles_california_divorce_legislation.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_psychology_of_divorce.asp To say that there is emotional upheaval when a marriage comes to an end would be an understatement to the people going through divorce. In fact, divorce can almost be compared to the death of a very close friend. So, if you are in the midst of a divorce, or are thinking about divorce, just like any other change in life, there are steps and stages that one goes through before acceptance takes place. Acceptance of divorce may take a good long while, but no matter how long it might take, each person has to go at their own pace as they get on with their lives. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:34:00 GMT Emotions divorce_articles_psychology_of_divorce.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_enforcing_child_support.asp No matter what the circumstances, and regardless of financial conditions, the two people who parent children have a legal responsibility to support the children. And every child has a legal right to receive financial support, even when parents divorce. If together parents cannot determine a fair amount of child support, a court will determine the proper amount. Once a court has ordered child support payments, the parent who has been ordered to pay, must make child support payments regularly. Yet, even though court orders are in place, many custodial parents struggle to get payment from the non-custodial parent who has been ordered to pay child support. In fact, a recent study has found that less than half the parents awarded child support receive payment in full. Some research has shown that billions of dollars are owed in child support all of which goes unpaid. Under the Child Support Enforcement Act of 1984, the district attorney or states attorneys of every state must help a custodial parent collect child support that is supposed to be paid by the non-custodial parent. In 1992, Congress passed the Child Support Recovery Act (CSRA), which makes it a federal crime for a parent to intentionally refuse to make child support payments to a parent who lives in another state. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 31 Mar 2008 01:22:00 GMT Children divorce_articles_enforcing_child_support.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_violence_and_divorce.asp According to the Department of Justice, domestic violence affects more than 10 percent of the U.S. population, or approximately 32 million people. Nearly 5.3 million incidents of intimate partner violence occur annually among U.S. women 18 years of age and older, and 3.2 million such incidents among men. Sad to say, but domestic violence is a very common occurrence in our society and often escalates when two individuals start divorce proceedings. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 24 Mar 2008 06:22:00 GMT Relationships divorce_articles_violence_and_divorce.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_religion_and_divorce.asp There was a time in European countries when divorce was prohibited primarily because the Roman Catholic Church does not permit divorce. However, because it was so important to some individuals to get a divorce, many individuals traveled to other areas just so that they could obtain a divorce. And while most Christian churches still treat divorce disapprovingly n the United States, different churches vary in their attitude towards divorce. By way of illustration, the Catholic Church will not remarry divorced persons unless the marriage has been annulled, which only happens under stringent circumstances. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 17 Mar 2008 02:02:00 GMT Emotions divorce_articles_religion_and_divorce.asp http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_time_for_divorce.asp Sad to say, but many people stay in a marriage far longer than they should. Yes, marriage is supposed to be for life, but in truth, not every marriage is a good one and life is short, so if your marriage is going nowhere and you have tried everything to make it work, it may be time to consider divorce. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 10 Mar 2008 03:35:00 GMT Relationships divorce_articles_time_for_divorce.asp One of the most painful parts of getting a divorce occurs when the two people have already brought children into the world and have to decide who gets child custody. Child custody issues are usually at the top of the list for debate and cause the most turmoil in the divorce process. When splitting up a family, no matter how much a couple may want out of the marriage, deciding on custody is a terribly difficult decision. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 03 Mar 2008 03:17:00 GMT Children http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_gaining_edge_custody_battle.asp divorce_articles_gaining_edge_custody_battle.asp Getting a divorce is never an easy experience and often entails an array of complex situation. Income tax is one of those situations that can cause turmoil around finances, property and child custody issues, so although you have made the decision to end the marriage, both the husband and wife are still legally responsible for all tax liabilities that have been incurred. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 25 Feb 2008 03:54:04 GMT Finance http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_income_tax_and_divorce.asp divorce_articles_income_tax_and_divorce.asp I can not imagine anything more worrisome to a woman than being faced with divorce while expecting a child, yet sadly enough, it happens far more often than you would think. In fact, a friend of mine is currently going through the hardest time of her life, as just days after discovering she was pregnant, she decided it was time for a divorce. What prompts a woman to consider divorce when she is pregnant and is it difficult to get a divorce when a woman is with child? articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Fri, 22 Feb 2008 06:27:04 GMT Children http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_divorce_during_pregnancy.asp divorce_articles_divorce_during_pregnancy.asp When a couple decides on divorce, the divorce does not actually start until a divorce petition is filed. Filing for divorce for most people is a very emotional experience, but as a legal process it must be complied. It is for that reason the couples that decide to file for divorce need the help of a divorce attorney. Not only is the divorce attorney the one person who will help couples understand the legal terminology, but they also make sure the parties involved receive a fair settlement. In addition to being your support person, a divorce lawyer will explain all the details and specifics about divorce, which will include jurisdiction, and the decisions that could influence your case. Having this important information available right from the start will keep individuals from making irreversible decisions that could negatively affect custody or visitation rights as well as responsibility for debts and division of property. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 11 Feb 2008 03:22:04 GMT Process http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_filing_divorce_petition.asp divorce_articles_filing_divorce_petition.asp A 2006 survey put together by Divorce Magazine, questioned readers as to what had caused their divorces. A response from 1033 women and 481 men determined the causes. From the response, it was found that 22.8% of respondents claimed infidelity as the strongest factor, followed by communication problems at 21.6%, basic incompatibility at 18.2%, and emotional or physical abuse at 16.8%. The poll did note different results between men and women. 27.4% of men chose basic incompatibility as the strongest factor. Communication problems came in second at 24.5%, followed by infidelity at 19.1% and abuse at 11.4%. An earlier survey in 2004, found that women petitioned 93% of divorce cases, and very few were contested. Other statistics from the same survey showed that 53% of divorces were from marriages that had lasted ten to fifteen years, with 40% ending after 5 to 10 years. If a marriage survives more than 20 years it is unlikely that it will end in divorce. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:05:04 GMT Process http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_divorce_type_statistics.asp divorce_articles_divorce_type_statistics.asp Now that you have gotten a divorce and have settled into the fact that you are single again, you have started thinking about dating. Yet, when you seriously consider it, your stomach does flip-flops. It is been so long since you are been out with a new person, that it is impossible not to have doubts. Has the dating scene changed? Will you be able to attract a good partner? Will you even know how to handle yourself on a date? Understandably, all these questions are racing through your mind, leaving you filled with self-doubt and worry. But let me assure you; you can enjoy dating. It just takes some practice. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 28 Jan 2008 03:24:04 GMT Relationships http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_dating_after_divorce.asp divorce_articles_dating_after_divorce.asp There are few things more painful or emotionally disturbing as going through a divorce and without the support of good friends, it can be devastating. Whether it is just someone to talk to, cry with or to hold onto someones hand, anyone going through a divorce needs a friend. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 21 Jan 2008 03:24:04 GMT Relationships http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_friends_and_divorce.asp divorce_articles_friends_and_divorce.asp A Stanford University study on the effects of divorce revealed that the standard of living for women drops tremendously in the first year after a divorce. That is pretty surprising to learn in this day and age, yet, so very true. In fact, just recently, a friend of mine mentioned that while she was married her husband had run up a huge amount of debt without her ever knowing about it. Odd as it may sound, even though they had joint bank accounts, she was not aware of what he was doing, at least not until they got divorced. As a result, she is been left with a lot of debt because she was so unprepared for the worst. The saddest part of it all is that she never even established her own credit rating and yet now she has a bad credit report. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Thu, 17 Jan 2008 08:30:04 GMT Finance http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_prepared_for_divorce.asp divorce_articles_prepared_for_divorce.asp In a world where people use lawyers on a regular basis, a divorce lawyer is supposed to do everything in their power to have a clients best interests at heart. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. While the majority of Dallas Divorce lawyers are ethical, regrettably some Dallas Divorce attorneys are not as ethical as we would like to believe. For example, some divorce lawyers take advantage of a client when handling their divorce case, being more interested in making money than in helping the client. Based on research, there are many more complaints filed against divorce lawyers than any other kind of attorney. In fact, several years ago, a report was filed stating that divorce lawyers were punished more than other lawyers for violations of ethics. Disappointingly, some Dallas divorce lawyers have forgotten what their job is really about, which is to serve their clients. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:30:04 GMT Process http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_bad_practices_by_dallas_lawyers.asp divorce_articles_bad_practices_by_dallas_lawyers.asp Divorce on its own is a painful process and something we usually want to keep to ourselves particularly when it comes to the private details concerning finances and personal information. Yet, unfortunately there are people who like to know other peoples business and often use the information against the person. And in todays high tech world, all it takes is a mere click of a button on your computer and you can gain information about anyone from the local county court clerks web site including detailed divorce statistics. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:30:04 GMT Process http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_protect_your_privacy.asp divorce_articles_protect_your_privacy.asp Divorce without question is always stressful, even under the most agreeable situation, but when it comes to the holiday season, the stress intensifies. Christmas and New Years in particular are usually days spent with family and when a family splits up, holidays are very difficult. Besides the stress of ending a marriage, establishing new traditions can be tricky. And since each parent wants to have the children during the holiday, there are often arguments about who will have the children during the Christmas holiday. Yes, it is difficult on the parents, but harder still on the children. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Emotions Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:30:04 GMT http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_holiday_season.asp divorce_articles_holiday_season.asp As everyone knows, going through a divorce is a painful process and often in our haste to get things over with, we may make decisions unwisely that are often not in our best interests. Sometimes, because we want that other person out of our lives as soon as possible, we wind up signing things that should not be signed. Or at other times we feel under pressure and we relent to certain stipulations when we know it is not the best choice. Sadly, during one of the most critical times in our lives, people often make mistakes that cannot be rectified. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Tue, 18 Dec 2007 11:30:04 GMT Process http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_common_mistakes.asp divorce_articles_common_mistakes.asp We at Straight Divorce believe in giving straight answers about various topics related to divorce. We understand that one of the hardest situations in life is going through the divorce process. For those who are eager for straight answers about important issues related to the process of divorce and for those who are deeply concerned about handling the situation correctly, this article will address some of the concerns that all divorcing people face. cgreenly@straightdivorce.com (Charles Greenly) Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:30:04 GMT Process http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_straight_answers_process.asp divorce_articles_straight_answers_process.asp We at Straight Divorce believe in giving straight answers about various topics related to divorce. One of the hardest situations to deal with comes into play when divorce and finances join forces. For those who are eager for straight answers about important issues related to finance and for those who are deeply concerned about handling finances correctly, this article will address some of the concerns that all divorcing people face. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Tue, 04 Dec 2007 09:30:04 GMT Finance http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_straight_answers_finances.asp divorce_articles_straight_answers_finances.asp We at Straight Divorce believe in giving straight answers about various topics related to divorce. Because spouses argue more about child support, child custody, visitation and other issues related to children, we are focusing on straightforward and direct approaches relative to divorce and how it affects children in the next few articles. For those who are eager for straight answers about these important issues, and for those who are deeply concerned about their children, this article will address some of the concerns that all parents face. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:51:50 GMT Children http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_straight_answers_children_divorce.asp divorce_articles_straight_answers_children_divorce.asp Few things are as unpleasant as divorce and when it comes to divorce where children are involved, it gets even worse. The big question regarding who is going to get custody of the children rears its head and difficulties often ensue. Who is the best one to raise the children and how can this be amicably determined? It is because of the issues associated with child custody that a couple must retain the services of a good child custody attorney in Dallas, Texas. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:51:18 GMT Children http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_dallas_child_custody_attorney.asp divorce_articles_dallas_child_custody_attorney.asp Your marriage has been in trouble for quite a long time and you have been considering divorce for many months. But because you have children you have postponed your decision and are not sure what to do. Should you stay in a marriage for the sake of the children? articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:51:18 GMT Children http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_married_for_the_children.asp divorce_articles_married_for_the_children.asp According to statistics, doctors, police officers, and firefighters have a higher risk of divorce when compared to other professionals, while divorce in the military is the highest of all. Research shows that 20 percent of all marriages fall apart within two years when one spouse is on active duty. But the highest risk for divorce unexpectedly is usually found in couples that live together before marrying. Some studies suggest that couples that live together have a divorce rate as high as 85%. One other odd result from new research shows that smokers have a 53 percent increased risk of divorce, regardless of gender, race, age, education, or income. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Wed, 07 Nov 2007 15:51:18 GMT Process http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_different_rates_in_states.asp divorce_articles_different_rates_in_states.asp While divorce mediation can be very helpful, it is certainly not for everyone, especially when couples disagree about the majority of issues. Mediation is usually most effective for those who are generally in agreement about things but have a few areas that need working out. Rather than hiring an attorney, some couples choose an experienced mediator who can help iron out the problem areas. As a very positive way to resolve issues, mediation can help with things like custody, support, property distribution, visitation rights, and pension division. But, whichever terms are decided during mediation, the court must first approve child support, child custody and visitation terms before they are legally accepted. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:51:18 GMT Process http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_is_mediation_the_right_choice.asp divorce_articles_is_mediation_the_right_choice.asp If you are thinking about asking your future wife or husband to sign a pre-nuptial agreement, you should be sure about what it means and that you handle it appropriately. The reason? Nothing will hurt a romance as quickly as asking someone out of the blue to sign a document that protects you. Yet, in many cases it is important to have a pre-nuptial agreement even if it hurts the feelings of the person you love. Why? Because about one in three marriages end in divorce and 50% of second and third marriages end as well. While you may not think that it could happen to you, having a pre-nuptial agreement is just a way to plan effectively both for legal as well as financial reasons. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Tue, 23 Oct 2007 15:51:18 GMT Finance http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_pre-nuptial_agreement.asp divorce_articles_pre-nuptial_agreement.asp When parents are in the throws of divorce, they themselves are usually going through great emotional upheaval, so they may not realize how stressful the divorce is for their children. Although some children seem to go through the divorce fairly easily, other children show clear signs almost immediately that they are having trouble with their parents divorcing. Since children generally believe many things have to do with them, they may take on the thought that the divorce was their fault. In other words, they think that perhaps if they had done something differently, like doing better in school, listening to their parents more, or never getting in trouble, the divorce might not be happening. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Tue, 23 Oct 2007 15:51:18 GMT Children http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_helping_children_divorce.asp divorce_articles_helping_children_divorce.asp Rarely does anything cause as much contention as child custody cases. Because custody of minor children (under 18 years of age) often presents major issues, after the divorce, custody of the minor children may have to be divided between the spouses. That division could result in anything from 60/40 time-sharing to a 50/50 time-sharing, to only weekends and summer vacations. If the couple cannot agree on the custodial parent, the court will order a shared arrangement that is appropriate for the children. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:51:18 GMT Children http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_how_custodial_parent_selected.asp divorce_articles_how_custodial_parent_selected.asp Did you know that you are not able to file for a legal separation in Dallas, Texas? That is right! Texas law has no provision for legal separation. In fact, every state has its own laws regarding divorce, and in the state of Texas, the legal concept of separation is simply not recognized. The courts in Dallas, Texas, only recognize an actual divorce. Generally, in almost all states, legal separation is a solution for those considering divorce, particularly if one party has already moved out, but in Dallas, Texas you are married until a court enters a final divorce degree. In fact, all states except Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Pennsylvania and Texas recognize a legal separation. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:51:18 GMT Legislation http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_dallas_legal_separation.asp divorce_articles_dallas_legal_separation.asp When it comes to life, none of us are immune to the challenges and major disruptions such as divorce, which often drives many American households over the financial edge and into bankruptcy. According to a recent article in USA Today, nearly 90% of all families with children who filed for bankruptcy, list divorce as one of the causes for bankruptcy. The article went on to say: About one-third of the families owed an entire year's salary on their credit cards, which is why it is easy to see how a divorce could throw a family into a downward financial spiral. And all too often, couples with financial difficulties think that divorce will eliminate the money problems, mostly because each thinks the other is responsible for the financial issues. Unfortunately, divorce does not end money problems, as the debts incurred will remain intact until they are paid, which is why filing bankruptcy can sometimes help. But bear in mind, filing bankruptcy will not avoid court ordered alimony or child support payments because these payments are not dischargeable in a bankruptcy proceeding. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:51:18 GMT Finance http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_divorce_and_bankruptcy.asp divorce_articles_divorce_and_bankruptcy.asp Everyone knows that getting a divorce, even if it is something you want is a very emotional and highly charged experience. Lives are changing, and change is always difficult, which is why it is critically important to choose a reputable divorce attorney in Dallas, Texas. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:51:18 GMT Process http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_finding_dallas_divorce_attorney.asp divorce_articles_finding_dallas_divorce_attorney.asp When recent Texas legislation passed a bill that would force couples to either take a state-approved eight-hour pre-marriage counseling session or be compelled to pay $60.00 to $100.00 for a marriage license, a lot of people were up in arms. The proposed bill was intended to offer an incentive that would promote better marriages, but many were opposed to the increase in license fees. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:51:18 GMT Legislation http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_healthy_marriage_bill.asp divorce_articles_healthy_marriage_bill.asp For some folks divorce is a liberating experience while for others it is a complete shock. Yet, today, there is a growing trend among older folks who are taking the divorce plunge in their later years. Growing more prevalent in the lives of those who are over the age of 55, Grey Divorce is seen more and more in cultures around the world. Although it is common to think that married couples that have been together for years and years have gotten past their relationship issues, many of those couples are now choosing to get divorced. Apparently, because we are living longer lives, both men and women are reaching out for a more meaningful existence. Regardless of age, a number of older folks still want to find satisfaction and fulfillment and are letting go and starting over. What is even more interesting about the ending of these marriages is that many of those who are seeking later life divorce, still love and respect their former partners, but they are just ready to move on. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Thu, 13 Sep 2007 15:51:18 GMT Relationships http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_grey_divorce.asp divorce_articles_grey_divorce.asp Are you in a married relationship that is causing you a great deal of discomfort? Are you living a lie by staying in a marriage even though you know you are sacrificing your own happiness? Are you ready to make a change, but are fearful of ending your marriage because of the criticism of family, friends and possibly church? If so, the following article will provide you with a completely different perspective about divorce and may help you reevaluate where you currently stand. articles@straightdivorce.com (StraightDivorce Staff) Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:51:18 GMT Emotions http://www.straightdivorce.com/divorce_articles_different_perspective.asp divorce_articles_different_perspective.asp