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

When people rent an apartment or home, they trust that their landlord, as well as any separate owner of the property, is providing a safe environment. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case in Texas. Many renters in one major city complain that though landlords cited for multiple safety violations are supposed to lose the right to rent property, that isn't happening. These kinds of real estate disputes have the potential to cause harm if tenants are unknowingly exposed to hazards.

In the city of Austin, an initiative called the Repeat Offender program was created about eight years ago after a balcony collapsed in an apartment complex. The intention of the program was to pinpoint certain properties or landlords that may have multiple safety violations. Those added to the list have to pay a fee and are subject to having their property inspected for two years. The problem is, according to advocates, the landlords don't always pay promptly, and it can take time for the city to take action.

Divorce is a common part of modern life, as it can happen to anyone. It can affect multiple parts of a person's current life as well as his or her future. Though many people assume that younger married couples account for most divorces, studies show that may not be the case, as rates of divorce among older adults are rising in a phenomena commonly called "gray divorce." Gray divorce can be particularly complex as both parties attempt to determine how they will handle estate planning going forward. A recent survey among divorce and financial professionals may be of interest to Texas residents concerned about the effects of gray divorce on an estate plan.

The survey interviewed professionals, such as accountants and attorneys, who work with people regarding matters of divorce and finances. The responses showed that gray divorce, defined as couples over the age of 50, seems to correlate with increased family conflict. Many respondents also said that it made handling estate plans more difficult.

Families and individuals here in Texas have insurance policies for many things in their lives, including their cars, businesses and their homes. Though they hope they never have to use insurance, it is comforting to know that it is available in the case of an emergency. However, there are times when an insurance claim is denied, which can be a source of financial strain and stress for policyholders. One out-of-state family may be going through just such a situation after they returned home from their holiday vacation to discover that their home was significantly damaged by a squirrel.

The family says that their home security alarm went off while they were out of town for the winter holidays. When a friend went to investigate, there was no sign of burglary, so the family chalked it up to some kind of malfunction. However, when they arrived home, they found that a squirrel had caused significant damage to the house. It nested in their couch, left droppings all over the place and even left the faucet on. There was also damage to wood all around the home that looked as though it would be expensive to repair. 

Ending your marriage through divorce can impact many other parts of your life, including your finances and your relationship with your children. Your estate plan exists at that the awkward intersection of your financial future, your personal relationships and your legal obligations to others.

Married couples often create joint estate plants or last wills, which might mean you have to consider estate planning after you file for divorce anyway. Parents with minor children often need to adjust their last will to reflect their new marital status and the impact it will have on the succession of guardianship for their children in the event of their death. Leaving a legacy behind for your children is another important consideration after your divorce.