Spousal Maintenance and Temporary Spousal Support in Texas Divorce
by Houston Divorce Attorney Sam M. “Trey” Yates, III Is Texas an alimony state? Alimony is the common term used to identify post-divorce payments from one former spouse to the other. However, in Texas, there is only one form of court ordered post-divorce payment obligation…
Twenty Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Divorce Attorney
by Houston Divorce Attorney Sam M. “Trey” Yates, III Knowing the right questions to ask a prospective family law attorney when you are interviewing lawyers to assist you, can mean the difference between excellent legal representation and possibly mediocre representation. When selecting legal counsel for…
An Introduction to Estate Planning
by Houston Divorce Attorney Sam M. “Trey” Yates, III Many individuals believe that estate planning, or "leaving a legacy" is only for the rich. Without a doubt, estate planning is important for those who are wealthy. Yet, it has been our experience that the more…
Shifts we are seeing in post-separation parenting plans
by Houston Divorce Attorney Sam M. “Trey” Yates, III Family law attorneys, family court judges and therapists, along with academia, scholars and researchers are all currently grappling with a shift taking place in the area of creating shared parenting plans for divorcing spouses. Since about…
Honesty is the best policy when working with your attorney
by Houston Divorce Attorney Sam M. “Trey” Yates, III Most of us agree with the simple, yet powerful life principle, "honesty is the best policy." Yet, when it comes to working with your attorney, whether it be with regard to your divorce, your estate plan,…
Did you know the law changed in 2019 – no tax deduction for spousal support and alimony.
by Houston Divorce Attorney Sam M. “Trey” Yates, III Have you or your spouse been dragging your feet in finalizing your divorce? Well, you both may have a good reason to sign on the dotted line by year’s end. A significant change to federal income…
Premarital Agreements
by Houston Divorce Attorney Sam M. “Trey” Yates, III Prenups are no longer taboo for many couples Based on several recent studies and what we have seen in our law practice, prenups or premarital agreements, seem to be losing their stigma, and are actually gaining in popularity.…
Divorce in Midlife
by Houston Divorce Attorney Sam M. “Trey” Yates, III Women at Midlife More Likely to Initiate Divorce, Yet Have the Most to Lose According to a survey conducted by AARP, women facing divorce in midlife are especially vulnerable financially, and more likely than men to…
Children’s Issues in a Divorce
by Houston Divorce Attorney Sam M. “Trey” Yates, III It is the policy of the State of Texas to assure children will have frequent and continuing contact with both parents who have shown the ability to act in the best interest of the child. With…
Don’t Let Divorce Derail Your Retirement
by Houston Divorce Attorney Sam M. “Trey” Yates, III If you are considering or going through divorce, it is likely that divorce will impact your retirement. However, the more knowledgeable you are about yours and your spouse's finances, including your retirement benefits, and divorce law…