The Veenstra Law Firm P.L.L.C.The Veenstra Law Firm P.L.L.C.2024-03-11T10:26:24Zhttps://www.veenstralaw.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of The Veenstra Law Firm P.L.L.C.https://www.veenstralaw.com/?p=472062024-03-06T11:26:56Z2024-03-11T10:26:24Ztransformative experience that helps deter gray divorce. This, however, has not stopped gray divorce rates from doubling in the past three decades. Estimates show that the gray divorce rate will triple by 2030.
Helping your children cope
As kids and teens struggle to handle the changes caused by their grandparents’ divorce, parents should find ways to help them cope. Give them platforms to process their feelings. Below are some ways to do that:
Inform them of the divorce right away: It’s painful enough for you to handle your parents’ divorce. But letting your children know about the divorce immediately will clear things up and help everyone adjust to the new family setup.
Listen to what they have to say: Ask them about how they feel about the divorce. Seek their thoughts on the changes that the family is going through. You can also ask them for suggestions on how to celebrate milestones with just one grandparent for now.
Have constant conversations: Talking about their grandparents’ divorce shouldn’t be a one-time thing. It may be difficult to talk about it often, but it’s better to face the issues at hand rather than ignore them.
Organize family activities: Show your children that life goes on. Set up activities and events where your children can bond with your parents. Adjust the timetable if the grandparents prefer to have different schedules.
Stepgrandchildren also experience the negative effects of gray divorce. Although not bound by blood, there are kids and teens who have special bonds with their stepgrandparents. It’s important to preserve and nurture their bonds amid the divorce.
Encourage co-parenting and co-grandparenting
As your parents navigate the legalities of divorce, help them heal and move on. Also encourage them to continue to be there for you and especially your children, who need their grandparents’ presence during their growing years.]]>On Behalf of The Veenstra Law Firm P.L.L.C.https://www.veenstralaw.com/?p=472042024-02-27T05:24:28Z2024-03-02T05:24:13ZCouples facing divorce might have numerous conflicts, but they will almost always agree on providing a good life for their children. For most parents, taking the time to jointly develop a strong co-parenting arrangement is the best choice for the future.
Emotional impact on children
Every child reacts differently to their parents’ divorce. Depending on their age, children might experience confusion, discomfort, sadness, guilt or even anger at the news of their parent’s separation. This sudden change in their lives could have a lasting effect on them. Properly discussing the divorce and new living arrangements with your kids is essential moving forward.
Sustainable co-parenting arrangements
Co-parenting and custody are often discussed together. Separating couples who want to pursue a co-parenting arrangement usually agree on having joint legal custody. This allows them to have shared responsibility for most decisions for their children.The key to having effective co-parenting arrangements is open communication. They must set aside their conflicts and prioritize their children’s physical and emotional needs. Here are some tips for a sustainable co-parenting arrangement:
Work as a team: Both parents must actively participate in every aspect of their children’s life. Thus, parents need to collaborate and have a consensus on major decisions.
Be consistent: Parents should keep their rules and disciplinary style consistent, no matter who the child is with. Consistency helps avoid confusion for the children.
Respect personal boundaries: Like their children, separated parents experience emotional turmoil as they adjust to their new situation. Maintaining a respectful boundary allows each other to heal through the process.
Having the support of both parents is crucial for a child’s growth. On the other hand, raising a kid is difficult, especially when done alone. Co-parenting might be a good option for separating parents who want to maintain a good relationship among family members, but every family has a different story. Seeking help from legal experts might be the best route to ensure that your post-divorce plans serve the best interest of your child’s wellbeing. ]]>On Behalf of The Veenstra Law Firm P.L.L.C.https://www.veenstralaw.com/?p=472032024-02-09T05:26:33Z2024-02-15T05:26:18ZNo matter how demanding the divorce process is, you can count on your circle of friends to help you through it. How else can you survive during this trying time? But even if they’ve been a solid group of people through and through, you should already expect that it’s not going to be all the same from now on.
This transition affects various facets of your life, including the dynamics of your social relationships.
Some friends may side with you, some may not
When you’re going through a divorce, you might notice that your friends don’t all react in the same way. Some might gravitate more toward you, offering their support and comfort. Others might keep their distance. This can be a tough thing to deal with on top of everything else that’s going on.But it’s essential to remember that these changes are often a natural response to the situation, not a reflection of your worth or character.
Your friendship dynamic may change
In addition to some friends possibly taking sides, the way you interact with your friends can change after a divorce. For example, you might find that you’re not getting invited to certain get-togethers anymore or feel out of place at events where your ex-spouse is also present.However, remember that this is not the end of your social life. This period can be an opportunity to explore different social settings, pursue interests and build friendships that align with your new phase of life.
A strong support system
Despite these changes, it’s important to value those who stay. Having people who care about you can make a big difference when you’re going through a divorce. These supportive friends can offer comfort and strength during these trying times. However, emotional support from friends is just one aspect of the support you need. Divorce also involves legal matters that can be hard to navigate alone. This is where a legal professional can be beneficial. They can guide you through the legal process, helping you understand your rights.With their guidance, you can focus less on the complexities of the legal process and more on taking care of your emotional well-being and nurturing your friendships.]]>On Behalf of The Veenstra Law Firm P.L.L.C.https://www.veenstralaw.com/?p=472012024-01-24T07:37:22Z2024-01-29T07:36:57ZIf you and your former spouse encounter a similar scenario, you may take the suit affecting the parent-child relationship (SAPCR) case through arbitration or mediation.
An SAPCR case is the usual legal action for addressing any legal issue involving parent-child relationships. Various parties, such as parents, legal guardians and relevant government entities, can bring about this case.
Resolving issues out of court
In some instances, the court can refer a SAPCR case for arbitration. The outcome of this process is legally binding, but there can be exceptions if the results are not in the child's best interests. If you and your former spouse permit it, you can choose to undergo mediation instead. The court can also recommend this option, depending on the circumstances.The output of this process is a mediated settlement agreement, which can also be binding after meeting specific conditions. Before this agreement can be enforceable, it usually requires irrevocable statements, signatures of involved parties and signatures of other people who took part in or witnessed the process, such as the parents’ attorneys.
Deciding between out-of-court options
Choosing between legal remedies can significantly depend on the parents' preferences. The court can have a say in the selection, but what happens next can hinge on each party's willingness to proceed. When determining how to resolve child custody issues, it is best to seek legal guidance. Doing so can help you and your former spouse choose an option considering the entire family's needs.]]>On Behalf of The Veenstra Law Firm P.L.L.C.https://www.veenstralaw.com/?p=471982024-01-17T11:20:13Z2024-01-22T11:19:59ZIt’s no secret that divorce can be financially and mentally challenging. This can be particularly true in contested cases. The process involves more than just separating from your spouse - it’s about dividing a life built together. Unfortunately, this huge transition can significantly impact your mental health.
However, you have to remember that even in such challenging times, there are strategies to support your mental well-being.
Take care of your physical health
One study suggests that mental and physical health are deeply intertwined and “…that an improvement or decline in one can lead to an improvement or decline in the other.” This means that taking good care of your physical health can help support your mental well-being. So, ensuring you get quality sleep, eating a balanced diet and constantly moving your body can help support your mental health during this stressful period.
Maintain social connections
It’s natural to want to withdraw and limit social interactions when dealing with the emotional toll of divorce. However, even though it may feel difficult, try to spend time with your loved ones in person, on a phone call or online. These connections can provide considerable comfort during challenging times like these.
Practice mindfulness and stress management techniques
During divorce, you might find yourself dealing with a range of emotions and stress that can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, mindfulness techniques are there for you to achieve much-needed peace of mind and emotional balance. Even dedicating a few minutes each day to quiet time or yoga can help you de-stress and promote mental well-being. Other stress management techniques like deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation can help alleviate tension and create a sense of calm during divorce.
Your health is a priority
Factor in the emotional stress and the administrative demands of a divorce, and you might think that taking care of yourself is the last thing you have time for. However, it’s important to remember that prioritizing your health and well-being is not a luxury but rather, it's a necessity. This is particularly crucial during stressful periods such as divorce. By focusing on self-care, you can maintain your mental health and build resilience to navigate this challenging period.]]>On Behalf of The Veenstra Law Firm P.L.L.C.https://www.veenstralaw.com/?p=471972024-01-08T05:09:18Z2024-01-12T05:08:45ZParents have vital roles in supporting their children through the divorce. Children can exhibit varying reactions based on their age, including the following:
Grade-school age - They tend to experience discomfort because of the divorce and the new living arrangements they must adapt. These children could feel confused about changes in their family situation, especially concerning the relationship between their parents.
Middle-school age - Children this age can feel guilty, thinking they caused the divorce. They can experience severe emotional grief if parents fail to explain the situation sufficiently.
Teenagers - They are older and can understand what the divorce means. However, they tend to feel angry about how the divorce can disrupt their lives. Teens may also blame their parents for their situation.
Parents should be vigilant when providing emotional support to their children during this stressful time. Their reactions can become severe, leading to behavioral and psychological issues.
Seeking professional help appropriately
It can be challenging to give your children the support they need when you are also experiencing stress because of the divorce. When you feel overwhelmed, you can seek professional help for your and your family's welfare. Doing so can help keep stress at bay and resolve any issues that may cause severe mental health problems in the future. Additionally, a helping hand can also allow you to focus on your relationship with your children.]]>On Behalf of The Veenstra Law Firm P.L.L.C.https://www.veenstralaw.com/?p=471962023-12-15T08:03:12Z2023-12-20T08:02:57Zdepressive mood shift matching seasonal patterns is known as seasonal affective disorder. As temperatures drop, so does the production of “feel good” hormones, such as serotonin.
However, despite these emotional challenges, ex-spouses can still proactively work together to make the holidays a wonderful time for themselves and their child.
Managing the holidays
When facing holiday issues, it is essential to recognize that family circumstances differ. The following are expert recommendations to manage the season’s overwhelming emotions and stress:
Patient acceptance: Embracing that things are different now can take time. The discomfort is only temporary and routines can stabilize over time.
Planned activities: Preparation reduces confusion and frustration over unrealistic expectations. With the help of their Texas legal team, both parties can develop a parenting plan outlining how each of them can celebrate with the child as smoothly as possible.
Positive outlook: To continue clinging to previous traditions can only prevent present and future possibilities to succeed. Instead, building new memories can help everyone move forward.
Following these tips can make the holidays a fresh and exciting experience for divorced families. Instead of dreading and merely surviving from it, they can learn to look forward to how they can spend it each year.
Adapting to a new normal
The first year of welcoming the holidays after divorce may be immensely difficult. However, as in all things, time has a way of healing wounds. If families respect each other and are willing to make necessary compromises, the holidays can bring them peace.]]>On Behalf of The Veenstra Law Firm P.L.L.C.https://www.veenstralaw.com/?p=471952023-12-11T11:20:56Z2023-12-14T11:20:04ZDeciding what to do with the property and the mortgage can cause conflicts between the divorcing couple. The court can provide solutions if the involved parties refuse to keep the home and the debt, such as selling the house to divide the proceeds or designating it to one party who would also shoulder the mortgage. If you agreed to receive the property and be liable for the mortgage, it could be wise for you to refinance it based on the circumstances.
Even if your divorce concludes with a document designating the property as yours, your former spouse can still hold responsibility for the debt if you do not remove their name from the mortgage agreement. This arrangement can leave loose ends legally and financially, which is why divorce decrees may list refinancing the mortgage as a requirement.
What challenges come with refinancing the mortgage?
Refinancing might only be an option under the right circumstances. The court might not consider it if you do not meet income limits and other qualifications to refinance the loan. If so, you and your former spouse can set up an agreement indicating that you will continue paying for the mortgage until you become capable of refinancing it.
These options could be feasible on a case-to-case basis. Sometimes, other factors can come into play, leading to financial and legal restrictions. If further complications arise, seeking legal counsel is best so you can get help determining your options and navigating the process appropriately.]]>On Behalf of The Veenstra Law Firm P.L.L.C.https://www.veenstralaw.com/?p=471932023-11-23T04:37:19Z2023-11-29T04:36:29ZEstablish the types of expenses
Marital costs vary depending on how divorcing parties lived during marriage. Other factors, such as having a child, may also impact what bills to pay.
While not exhaustive, the following list contains common items frequently confronted by divorcing couples:
Rent or mortgage payments
Utility charges, such as electricity, water, gas, and cable television, telephone or internet
Child’s needs, such as school tuition, medical appointments and extracurricular activities
Other monetary responsibilities, such as taxes, car payments and bank loans
Texas courts presume that both parties will be accountable for these expenses while the divorce is not yet final. Unfortunately, the reality of most cases is that one spouse earns significantly more than the other. So, it is crucial to determine ways to secure payment systems that are fair for both sides.
Temporary spousal support can be a payment option
Ideally, pending ex-spouses can develop a workable agreement to fund their household necessities and other commitments. But if their situation escalates into a contested divorce, the court may award a temporary order to assist the lesser-earning or dependent spouse in maintaining their standard of living.
Further, conditional financial relief is not a guarantee. The judge still considers relevant factors, such as both parties’ earning capacity, before making a fair decision. Sometimes, the reliant spouse may not receive the amount they hoped for. But it can still help bridge the economic gap while they learn a new skill to land a higher-paying job.
Financial strains can be temporary
Money problems are always stressful. However, they don’t have to last. Immediately and actively addressing it can prevent further troubles. As the process can quickly become technical, seeking sound professional advice proves valuable. Doing so can yield well-informed financial and legal decisions that can protect the family’s stability.]]>On Behalf of The Veenstra Law Firm P.L.L.C.https://www.veenstralaw.com/?p=471922023-11-16T05:25:56Z2023-11-21T15:12:46Z
A big question will be what will happen to their professional practice after the divorce. Especially since Texas is a community property state, the professional’s spouse may be entitled to a share of the value in the professional practice.
If the other spouse is not also a professional involved in the practice, it may be difficult to transfer ownership shares. The professional will probably have to arrange to buy out their spouse’s interest in the practice.
Part of dividing the practice will include determining its current value. This could require the help of a financial professional.
If the person’s practice is successful, there is a good chance that the couple has a lot of assets and a high income. Because there are more resources, there can be more conflict over custody, child support and property issues. The couple has more to spend on litigation. When it comes to financial concerns, there is more money at stake.
Since it can vary and can come from many sources, correctly calculating a professional’s income when calculating child support and alimony can be difficult.
Reputation is important to a professional’s livelihood. They may wish to try to resolve their divorce through mediation to protect their privacy instead of opting for a public court hearing.
Doctors, lawyers and others should make sure they understand all of their options
Professionals in the greater Galveston and Houston area should make sure they understand their rights and alternatives if they are facing a divorce.
They should not assume that they understand the process well enough to handle it alone, and they should resist the urge to get the matter behind them quickly if doing so means giving up important rights.
Many professionals worked hard to build up both their careers and their families, and they should be entitled to protect their investment in both.]]>