Montgomery County Family Law Blog

Parents will sometimes try to stick out a marriage for the sake of the kids. Many of these individuals will soon find out that this isn't feasible because they are fighting way too much. When this occurs, a divorce is likely the best option. But, what about the children?

Sometimes, parents opt to use the co-parenting model of child custody. This means that both adults play an active role in the child's rearing and some of the same rules apply at both homes. Special events, such as graduations and school events, will bring the parents together to support the child. Some co-parents even take vacations together. If you are considering the co-parenting model, here are a few ways to make sure that your children are able to thrive:

For Texas spouses who are ending a marriage, it can feel as though the list of "to do" items will never end. For many, changing their name is one more item to add to that divorce checklist. While a name change does require a significant amount of paperwork and errands around town, these are tasks that many Texas residents are happy to perform. With the right degree of organization, managing a name change can be a relatively simple and straightforward process.

The first place to begin is with government-issued identification, as these documents will be necessary to complete secondary name changes. Check the DMV website to ensure that the proper documentation is in hand before visiting the office for a freshly minted drivers license or ID. The Social Security office may be next on your list of places to visit to have your name changed.

As many Texas residents are aware, it is difficult to balance a marriage and career, regardless of what one does for a living. When a marriage is subjected to the pressures that come with a life lived in the public spotlight, it may come as no surprise that celebrities experience a higher rate of divorce. Recently, Russell Crowe announced he was commemorating the end of his divorce journey with a public auction.

While the end of a marriage is rarely an occasion for celebration, when the process takes a number of years, it may be such a relief for the two parties that it needs to be marked in a unique style. Crowe determined that his particular method of closing that chapter is to divest himself of a portion of the movie memorabilia that he had collected through the years he spent with his wife. He will be auctioning off an estimated 200 pieces.

For many wealthy Texas couples, an art collection serves as a visible reminder of their place in high society. In certain social circles, amassing a collection of art is considered standard practice. When such couples enter into a high net worth divorce, the value of that collection can become a central focus. Unfortunately, determining the value of an expansive art collection can be a challenging task.

One problem arises when one spouse is unaware of the full scope of the family's art collection. Pieces may be stored in various locations, or in different residences. Also, if only one spouse is actively involved in managing the collection, the other may be unaware of just how valuable certain pieces are. The value of art changes over time, and can also fluctuate based on market conditions. A piece purchased for a few thousand dollars one year could be worth exponentially more just a few years later.