About Chris A. Spofford

Chris A. Spofford has been defending the rights of men and women in Texas Family Law matters for more than 30 years. He is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has distinguished himself during intense courtroom trials as well as by innovating in alternatives to family law litigation, such as divorce mediation and collaborative family law.
About Chris A. Spofford, Family Law Attorney

How Does Child Support Work?

Questions about child support are some of the most common that divorcing couples have as they enter the divorce process. Some of these questions are: How does Child Support Work? How is the Amount of Child Support Determined? Or even Why do I have to pay child support? Child support is a crucial part of ensuring that children receive financial assistance and support from both of their parents following a divorce or separation. In Texas, child support is typically determined based on state guidelines that [...]

By |2024-01-12T15:33:57-06:00January 12, 2024|Categories: Children & Family|Tags: |

How To Tell Your Kids About Your Divorce

In the delicate conversation of discussing your decision to divorce with your children, seeking professional guidance from a mental health expert such as a therapist experienced in handling children's emotions during a divorce is always wise.  In most cases, it is best for you and your spouse to jointly tell your kids about the impending changes. These conversations are the most successful when handled together.  As their parents, you should reassure them that the divorce, while it will affect them, is not about them, and [...]

By |2024-01-02T12:25:42-06:00January 2, 2024|Categories: Children & Family|Tags: , |

What Are My Options For Divorce?

Most people think that the only way to get divorced is by going to court and having a judge decide the issues. The reality is that most divorce cases don’t have to go to court and that there are better ways to handle your divorce.  In going to court, the result is completely out of your control and completely in the judge’s hands or, in certain cases, the jury. No matter how strong your case, how good your facts, or how much you think the [...]

By |2024-01-02T12:25:04-06:00November 6, 2023|Categories: Divorce Alternatives|Tags: |

Rules For Using Social Media During the Divorce Process

There are some important considerations for using social media during your divorce process.  Social media can have significant implications for your case. While as a rule, I would recommend not using social media during the divorce process, if you just can’t turn it off here are some rules that I recommend. Be Careful with What You Share: Social media can be a double-edged sword during a divorce. Anything you post can be used against you, so be cautious about sharing personal information, opinions, and photos. [...]

By |2024-01-02T12:25:04-06:00October 30, 2023|Categories: Family Law Updates|Tags: , |

Reimbursement of Assets at Divorce for Funds Spent from an Inheritance

Texas Legislature Passed New Law That Will Change How Inherited Assets Are Treated in a Divorce Originally posted June 1, 2023.  Updated June 28, 2023. The law was passed by the legislature and signed into law. It takes effect September 1, 2023.  Over the years, many clients have asked me if they can be paid back at divorce for assets they spent from their inheritance during the marriage. This would be called reimbursement. Inherited money is [...]

Spousal Maintenance and Alimony in Texas Family Law

Many people believe that, with the passage of the Texas Spousal Maintenance statute in 1995, we now have alimony in Texas. That is not the case. Spousal Maintenance is not “alimony” in the traditional sense and that is why it is not called alimony in Texas Family Law. We do have contractual alimony in Texas, which I will discuss later in this blog. Contractual alimony, as you can presume by its name, must be agreed to between the parties, a judge cannot order it. [...]

Required Disclosures in Texas Family Law

Texas Legislative Updates in the 87th Legislature that affect Texas Family Law In the 2020 Session, the Texas Legislature passed a law that requires all parties in suits filed after January 1, 2021, to provide certain information and documents to the other parties. Cases that were filed prior to January 1, 2021, are still governed by the old rule, which only requires this information be provided if properly requested in writing to a party. In 1999, the legislature overhauled the discovery process in Texas. As [...]

Child Custody Modification Under Texas Family Law

Why you may want to file for a Child Custody Modification In the legal world, “child custody modification” can mean a number of different things. It might mean that you want to change the rights and duties that each parent has, according to a previous order. It can also mean that you wish to change which parent has “possession” of the children most of the time. Or it can mean restructuring the visitation schedule. In order to make any changes to your previous order regarding [...]

By |2021-11-26T08:14:48-06:00November 13, 2019|Categories: Children & Family|

Divorce Property Division Settlements Are Not Always 50/50 in Texas Family Law

Texas Family Law does not mandate a 50/50 division of property in a divorce. Under Texas Family Law, the Court is charged with a duty to divide marital property in a manner that is “just and right.” Appellate Courts find in some divorces that 80/20 property division is “just and right.” Depending on the size of the estate, we see disproportionate property divisions falling in the range between 51 percent and 60 percent quite often. Under Texas Family Law, a divorcing spouse may be [...]

When The Elderly Need A Divorce

As Baby Boomers enter the elderly population and advances in medical science continue to extend our lives, the elder population is now booming. A generation ago, it was uncommon to see elderly divorce between couples over 60. That is no longer the case. Divorce is becoming common for couples in their 60s and 70s and even in their 80s. Divorce Property Settlement The primary concerns of the elderly in divorce differ from their younger counterparts. Couples seeking divorce after 60 are likely to be at [...]

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