Welcome to our Houston and Midland, Texas Family Law, Estate Planning Blog

A divorce can happen to any person of any age or background. However, researchers have recently seen a surge in the number of people getting divorced who are older than 50. A quarter of the people who divorced in 2010 were 50 years old or older, which is an increase of 15% from just 20 years earlier. The reasons for this are varied, but Texas families may be interested in the particular challenges that a divorce for people in this demographic may produce. A recent study found that there are certain financial difficulties that a person who experiences a gray divorce may encounter.

First, a person's household wealth may drop by half and women are the ones more likely to feel the pinch. Many people in this age bracket are trying to help their young adult children afford college, which significantly adds to the potential financial burden. Those who have a gray divorce have less time and ability to build up previous financial investments that they had to divide in a divorce agreement. For those who may have already retired but feel the need to re-enter the workforce, that can be very difficult due to their age.

August 1, 2019 - Perry, Shields, Campbell & Floyd, PLLC ("PSCF"), previously Perry & Shields, LLP, today announced the firm's restructuring along with news that Ryan Paul Campbell and Jance E. Floyd are new Partners, joining Senior Partners James T. Perry, Jr. and M. Tyler Shields.

Mr. Campbell works in the firm's San Antonio, Texas office, and will lead the Commercial and Corporate Division of PSCF along with being a Managing Partner. Mr. Campbell predominately handles Commercial and Corporate matters, while also overseeing the Bankruptcy and Consumer Protection Divisions. Mr. Campbell is a graduate of South Texas College of Law (J.D.), and the University of Texas (B.A.).

Mr. Floyd works in the firm's Midland, Texas office, and will continue to operate in the firm's Oil and Gas Division along with being a Managing Partner. Mr. Floyd will continue to be instrumental to the Oil and Gas Division, along with Title Examination, and Business Development. He is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan School of Law (J.D.), and Lyon College (B.A.).

Creating an estate plan is an important facet of life, but many people fail to make one. Some people may mistakenly believe that if they are not rich or only have one child that it is unnecessary, but estate planning is important for people and families of all varieties. Experts say they want to clear up common misconceptions around estate plans, and the information they have to offer may be invaluable for Texas families.

People with children are generally concerned with what would happen to their kids in the event that they pass away. An estate plan can designate a guardian for minor children as well as a conservator to handle any finances. Those could be the same person or two different people. As for adult children, some parents worry that there will be disagreements on how assets should be divided. An estate plan can help a person keep matters private rather than going through probate, which can take time, money and be public.

There are many ways to have a family. One of the most selfless ways to do that is through the miracle of adoption. However, kids who have been in the foster care system for awhile can have more difficulty finding their forever family. One community here in Texas decided to help those kids by hosting a match party to connect foster children with families looking to open their hearts and homes through adoption.

The event was held at a local church and provided sports activities and food for the attendees. Kids who were ready to be adopted met families who had already received state or adoption agency credentials for adoption. One man who already has one adopted child attended with the hope of adding to his family again the same way. He says the benefits are worth the hard work it takes to be a parent.