FAQs

Debts from before marriage are a person’s separate debt and you wouldn’t be liable; however, if the debt was incurred during the marriage in order to provide necessities like clothing, food, etc., then it’s community property.

Everything purchased during the marriage, even in another state, no matter whose name it’s in, is typically considered marital property. In Texas, the income from separate property is also considered a marital asset. It is important to evaluate the disadvantages to having your IRA included in the list of assets you retain following your divorce. The funds are not accessible before age 59-1/2 unless a 10% penalty plus ordinary income tax is paid. The tax liability should be considered in the long-range analysis.

Court-ordered support is limited in Texas; however, you may be able to negotiate contractual alimony exceeding Texas guidelines. You will have to illustrate a projected post-divorce budget that demonstrates your monetary needs. The divorce financial analyst can assist in the preparation of this budget. Often the higher earning spouse receives more assets as an offset in exchange for providing alimony.

While this question cannot be answered affirmatively in every case, we realize that there is an emotional attachment to the home. It’s important to analyze what it will cost to maintain the home, including maintenance, utilities, and mortgage payments. The next step is to ensure there are funds to pay the necessary bills each month. Retaining the home must be compared to the advisability of giving up other assets that may provide income or future appreciation such as investments. Additionally, the cost of alternative housing must be considered, whether renting or acquiring a less expensive home. A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst can help to answer this question before committing to a settlement that cannot be changed.

A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO – (Pronounced quad ‘ ro)) is the legal document that divides a pension or 401K in a divorce. The divorce decree does not serve to divide these accounts. There are many factors that go into QDROs which can require qualified advice from a specialist in this area.

Some of us don’t have an option of buying a home during the divorce process. Financial constraints prevent them from doing so. But, for the fortunate few who have the resources and can afford the down payment, the payments, property taxes, and upkeep, careful thought should be given to the decision.

Texas considers all property purchased during the marriage (even during the pendency of the divorce) to be community property. It doesn’t matter whose name is on the title or account. The other spouse still has an interest in the home and the title may not be a clear one. Title companies require the other spouse to attend the closing and basically give permission for the home to be purchased.

During the divorce process, “temporary orders” are normally in place to prevent the spouses from spending down assets or incurring new debts. They are typically required to spend only what is absolutely necessary to sustain their individual households. Often, a limit of $500 is placed on discretionary spending. Above that amount requires approval of the other spouse.

If the husband is approved for a loan on a new home based on his previous income and current expenses, this wouldn’t include his future child support or alimony obligations. Would he still qualify if the lender was aware of these pending obligations? In Texas, he is usually obligated to pay 20% of his after tax income for one child, 25% for two, and 30% for three children (limited to $90,000 of income).

Many attorneys require the non-purchasing spouse to sign a special agreement to permit the purchase of the home. However, this agreement still doesn’t clear the title. This agreement still doesn’t address his ability to make the mortgage payments once the divorce is finalized and his support obligations are known.

Yes, it is possible to purchase a home while going through the divorce process, but it is ill-advised and problematic. Before doing so, we recommend consulting your attorney in order to address the situation in a legal and logical manner.

If you are unable to reach a settlement, you will both be required to attend court with your attorneys. If a settlement is reached, only the spouse who files for the divorce must attend the hearing.

The State of Texas requires a “just and equitable” division of property. This can take into account the need for one spouse to receive sufficient assets to provide support considering the much higher earnings of the other party. A 50/50 settlement is rarely appropriate and should never be implemented without the advice of an attorney, and, ideally, using an analysis of the situation by a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst.

An attorney may be used as a consultant incurring an hourly charge. This allows the divorcing individuals to gather financial data, enlist the services of a divorce financial analyst and arrive at a settlement through a mediator. An attorney is not required to be involved in all aspects of the case. For an attorney to handle all issues of the divorce is very, very expensive. And frequently, the attorney actually instigates a battle in order to keep fees coming in.

Collaborative attorneys are trained to negotiate a divorce settlement without the use of litigation. The divorce proceeds through a series of meetings between both attorneys, both parties, and sometimes a financial expert and a mental health professional. The first four-hour meeting may only deal with the collaborative agreement and its rules. Arranging the meetings can be extremely difficult with two attorneys involved. Communications by email and phone among all parties is also part of collaborative method. No “discovery” is used; instead, the situation depends on both parties to be open and honest about assets to be divided. No “orders” are permitted, causing some to worry about squandering of assets when a restraining order isn’t in place. Both attorneys and the financial planner are required to resign if an amicable agreement between the parties cannot be reached. New attorneys must be retained.

Not all assets are created equal. Some assets may have a more positive effect on your financial future. Retirement accounts and other financial assets usually continue to appreciate in value and provide income for retirement. Certain assets require more financial outlay for maintenance, such as a home and automobile. Capital gains should be calculated on invested assets and real estate, with an adjustment made to the division of assets.

If you have been married for 10 years or more, then you are entitled to one-half of your spouse’s Social Security, even if you are divorced. Your spouse still retains his full Social Security benefit. This is determined by federal law and is not a negotiation issue in divorce.

The Certified Divorce Financial Analyst should be contacted when you first consider a divorce. However, the CDFA can provide a valuable service any time prior to a finalized settlement by assuring that a proposed settlement will work for you. Waiting too long may limit your options and result in a less desirable outcome, although the CDFA’s services will still provide value in providing a presentation for the court or attorney.

1.Informal agreement (Usually for those without children or property)
• Exchange information
• Agree on asset division
• Take agreement to attorney to draft documents and file

2.Early mediation
• Employ Divorce Financial Analyst
• Submit financial data
• DFA creates settlement scenarios
• Mediate with team (can include attorney, DFA, and/or psychologist)
• Mental health professional helps with communication during mediation, or with career planning and/or parenting plan
• Mediated settlement agreement provides info for drafting of decree by second attorney who files documents with court after they are signed by parties
• Estimated time: 60 to 90 days

3.Collaborative divorce
• Sign participation agreement
• File notice with court to avoid scheduling order
• Set agenda for meetings
• Attend joint meetings (with spouses, attorneys, financial and mental health professionals)
• Exchange information cooperatively
• Prepare joint inventory
• Negotiate issues and agreement
• Sometimes go to mediation
• 4-6 meetings over 5-6 months on average
• If unsuccessful, must retain new attorneys

4.Litigation
• Prepare for and attend hearings as necessary for protective orders, restraining orders, temporary orders on child-related issues, use of house and car, spousal support, and payment of bills
• Prepare and complete discovery (exchange of information) as per Texas Rules of Civil Procedure
• Request for documents, written interrogatories, depositions, subpoena records, request for disclosure, requests for admission and sanctions
• Exchange and file inventories with court
• Negotiate issues and come to agreement or go to mediation
• If no agreement, trial starts 9-12 months after filing