After a divorce in Texas, the entire family must adjust to a new situation. This can mean a new home, new friends and a new school, and less time with the non-custodial parent. FindLaw lists split or joint custody as an option, but the parent with physical custody is considered the custodial parent. As non-custodial fathers find themselves with fewer opportunities to interact with their kids on a daily basis, they must seize the opportunity they do have to bond with them.

According to Family Education, both parents should have a similar disciplinary policy and enforce that policy when they are with the children. This means that both parents start off on equal footing and the children are not drawn to one because they have a more relaxed parenting style.

When fathers do not have everyday custody of their child, it is tempting to develop the “Disney Dad” syndrome. This happens when one parent feels guilty that they do not see their children regularly anymore and they give the kids everything they ask for. While this may seem like the best idea at the time, it can also create serious friction between the father and the custodial parent.

As you prepare for your Texas divorce, property division is inevitable. In community property states, one of the main issues during a divorce is how to split community assets. While a couple may resolve property division, a judge serves as an unbiased hand to split assets.

Community property refers to all assets and money owned by a couple from the start of marriage until the separation. Community property may refer to the following:

• Real estate
• Businesses
• Retirement accounts
• Money
• Motor vehicles

In community states, it does not matter whose earnings purchased the property. Likewise, it does not matter if only one name is on a title. Community property dictates that you share your property with your spouse.

As you prepare for your divorce in Plano, Texas, you are bound to have to deal with property division. A phrase you might hear a lot of is “fair and equitable division of property.” In most states, courts divide a married couple’s assets in a reasonable and fair way.

The court’s analysis focuses predominately on the couple’s economic status at the time of the divorce. If one spouse has an economic disadvantage, the court may create a fair result through fair and equitable discretion. A court may consider the following factors:

• Whether one spouse contributed to the household as a stay-at-home parent or homemaker
• How long the couple remained married
• Financial needs of both parties, including parenting and custody costs
• The parties earning capacities compared to one another

Most divorcees consider tangible belongings first. This includes homes, personal property and money. The exception comes in the case of celebrities. Celebrities focus on intellectual property as well as tangible property and everyday couples could benefit from this approach too. Division of property also applies to trademarks, royalties, copyrights and patents. If the value of intellectual property increased while married, then the court divides that value. If a piece of intellectual property gained no value throughout the marriage, then you wouldn’t split it with your spouse.

Asking a spouse for a divorce can be an intimidating prospect. You have known for some time that your marriage was not working. You have tried every way possible to help your spouse see that you are drifting apart.

Your suggestions for marriage counseling go unheeded. Your spouse thinks everything is wonderful, and he does not take your concerns seriously.

Plan for a peaceful introduction