Post Divorce Issues
Fort Worth Post Divorce Lawyer
While judgment renders a divorce final, other issues often arise as family circumstances change.
Conditions that require post-divorce modification commonly include the following:
- Failure to pay child support – parent owing child support to the custodial parent fails to make payment
- Hidden assets – assets are hidden or not disclosed during the divorce.
- Income changes – job loss, demotion or promotion results in income loss or an increase in income.
- Relocation – a parent moves closer or farther away or out-of-state.
- Increased child expenses – health insurance increases; physical or psychological therapy needed; tuition costs are raised.
- Addiction or abuse – one parent develops an addiction problem or is abusing the child.
- Large inheritances – because previous child support was based on assets at the time of divorce, a substantial inheritance may result in an increased child support amount,
- Remarriage – one parent remarries and the new spouse is supporting the child.
- Schedule changes – schedule changes result in a need to modify visitation arrangements: the children’s school revises its schedule; children change schools or moves occur that result in attendance at new schools with different vacation schedules.
Post Decree Hearings
Post divorce issues may be settled between spouses through legal proceedings, such as hearings before a judge. Child support, alimony, child custody and child visitation are typically issues that can be modified if significant changes in circumstances warrant it. Issues, which are usually not subject to modification, would be property division, unless one party can prove assets were hidden during divorce, and alimony based on non-modifiable terms at the time of divorce.
Enforcement
V. Wayne Ward also represents clients in enforcement actions, such as when court ordered child support, child custody or visitation is disobeyed. Enforcement of child support payment may be accomplished by garnishing wages or bank accounts or property seizure and subsequent sale for payment. Contempt of court proceedings can also be used when property is not turned over or child visitation does not occur. Our law firm assists clients by preparing and serving domestic orders for the disobedient parent to appear in court. The judge may impose a fine or jail time to make the parent obey the order.
Post Divorce Mediation
Post divorce issues may be also be resolved through mediation. By using a mediator, parents can receive assistance in discussing their views, providing each other with information and in reaching a full settlement regarding parenting issues. A mediator would prepare the settlement agreement and other necessary court documentation.
Post Divorce Financial Matters
Board Certified in Family Law, V. Wayne Ward is uniquely skilled in handling post divorce financial matters, such as drafting deeds and transferring titles to property, including motor vehicles, recreational vehicles and boats. We routinely manage the drafting of domestic relations orders for division of retirement accounts, which began as community property during marriage. We also work with brokerage firms on behalf of our clients to cash in stock options and distribute funds received. In addition, our law firm deals with post divorce financial matters involving insurance companies.
Capable of handling the most challenging and complex post divorce issues, Mr. Ward’s MBA background lends added expertise in addressing business ownership, securities and other sophisticated interests.
The Fort Worth Law Office of V. Wayne Ward works with clients in post divorce matters by assessing issues, explaining available options and providing experienced legal counsel for all post divorce conflicts. We invite you to call our office (817) 332-1172 to arrange a confidential consultation.