Recent Blog Posts
Are Inheritances Split in a Texas Divorce?
When couples are divorcing and one of the parties has recently received an inheritance, an important question often arises in the minds of both parties: Is the inheritance included in the property division? On the one hand, the inheritance occurred during the marriage, and property acquired during marriage is community property. On the other… Read More »
Texas Child Custody Laws for Unmarried Parents
The right of parents to share custody of their children doesn’t arise because of marriage; it arises due to the fact that they had a child together. That said, custody decisions and disputes regarding unmarried parents are in many ways more complex to sort out than disputes among married couples who are going through… Read More »
What Is Needed to Prove Separate Property at the Time of Divorce
Understanding Separate Property in Texas Divorces Obtaining a divorce involves several moving parts. Beyond dissolving the marriage itself, critical questions must be resolved such as spousal support, child custody and child support where applicable, and of course, the division of marital property. A crucial component of the property division is the determination of separate… Read More »
Texas Supreme Court Approves New Rules of Civil Procedure Affecting Discovery in Family Law Cases
The rules have changed for family law litigation. For divorce, child support and alimony cases filed on or after September 1, 2023, the process for discovery will be simpler than it was before. Read on to learn about what “discovery” means in the context of a divorce or other family law matter, and how… Read More »
New Rule Makes Reimbursements Simpler and Fairer in Texas Divorce Cases
HB 1547 is now in effect in the state of Texas. We first offered a simplified guide to Texas’ new marital reimbursement law in August, but now that the law is fully in effect, let’s take a deeper dive into this new rule that makes reimbursements simpler and fairer when it comes to property… Read More »
What Is Community Property Under Texas Law?
When it comes to divorce, one of the most complex and often contentious issues is the division of assets. In Texas, the concept of “community property” plays a significant role in this process. Understanding what community property is and how it impacts asset division can help you navigate the complexities of divorce more effectively…. Read More »
Does Adultery Affect Child Custody in Texas?
Even an amicable divorce can become a complex matter when it comes time to work out questions related to child custody and visitation, or conservatorship and possession as they are known in Texas. When the issue of adultery is present, the divorce process is more emotionally fraught, but is it more complicated from a… Read More »
Understanding HB 1547: A Simplified Guide to Texas’ New Marital Reimbursement Law
Texas law is continuously evolving to reflect societal changes and meet the varying needs of its citizens. In that vein, the Texas legislature has recently passed a new law, House Bill 1547 (HB 1547), that significantly alters the way a spouse can claim reimbursement from the marital estate during a divorce. These changes involve… Read More »
Navigating Property Division in Texas Divorce
With the divorce rate in the United States consistently hovering around 40 to 50 percent, many individuals are finding themselves facing the complex, emotional task of dividing property after the dissolution of a marriage. At the Law Office of Maria Lowry, a Houston, Texas family law firm, we strive to provide skilled guidance and… Read More »
What Factors Do Courts Use to Decide if a Parent is Unfit?
Texas courts decide child custody matters based on a holistic review of the best interests of the child. Under most circumstances, the court will find a way to maintain some custodial relationship between the child and both parents. Texas courts tend to believe that children benefit from continued contact with both of their parents…. Read More »