Testimonials
read what our clients have to say
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“We highly recommend Mr. Neal and his team.”
“He truly practices by high ethical standards, and we are so appreciative of his wise counsel.”- Denise S. -
“Just let him do what he does best – fight for your best interests.”
“If you’re looking for a ‘TOP GUN’ hard working man that will not give up, this is the guy you want on your side.”- Dennis K. -
“Choosing this law firm to handle my child custody issue was the best decision I ever made.”
“They were not only able to get me more than I hoped for both for myself and my children but they did it in record time being that TIME was of the essence in my case.”- Naini C. -
“This law group is the best there is.”
“I have used North Texas Family Lawyers for two complex divorces over the past decade and Bill Neal and his team are simply head and shoulders above the rest.”- Terry G.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Many women lose health insurance following divorce
When couples divorce, they are generally concerned about how to divide assets and deal with the custody of their children. There is, however, another issue often overlooked during a divorce: health insurance.
It should not be, because according to research conducted by the University of Michigan, approximately 115,000 women lose their health insurance following divorces each year. In fact, after studying data from 1996 to 2007, sociologists found that 65,000 women found themselves without health insurance within months of ending their marriage.
The study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, also found that women who have insurance through their own employers are less likely to lose their coverage compared to their counterparts who did not. However, they do not get out of the marriage completely unscathed insurance-wise. Oftentimes, the change in household finances makes it difficult for women to pay their contributions to the employee health insurance they do have.
Ways to Get Health Insurance After a Divorce
Medicaid/Medicare. If you make a low income and have children, you may be eligible for Medicaid to cover your insurance needs. If you do not have children, you may also be able to get these benefits, though it can be extremely difficult. Depending on your age, Medicare may be an option as well.
COBRA. Those who received health care from their spouse’s employer often can receive benefits through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) for 36 months. However, the monthly payments for this type of insurance can be expensive.
In addition, if you are considering this option, you must take into account how this coverage may affect your health insurance options after your COBRA coverage runs out. If you become ill while on COBRA, you run the risk that another insurance company may look at the illness as a pre-existing condition.
Private coverage. If you are unemployed or unable to qualify for health insurance through your employer, you may consider getting private insurance. Private insurance is even sometimes more affordable than getting COBRA coverage through your ex-spouse’s employer. In some cases, alimony or spousal maintenance requests may be crafted to cover the costs of insurance coverage especially when long-term marriages end.
Coverage from employer. Divorce is considered a qualifying event, so if you lose your health insurance through your ex’s employer, be sure to contact your human resources department in order to apply for a new policy with its insurance company. There is no need to try to time finalizing a divorce with open enrollment.
If you lose your insurance during your divorce, it can have devastating consequences. Contact a qualified family law attorney who can represent your interests and assist you through the divorce process.
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What does conservatorship mean?In Texas, conservatorship of a child means that the individual has the authority to make critical decisions regarding medical care, legal issues, education, religion and other factors that are fundamental to the child’s upbringing and care. The primary conservator will also provide housing and basic care (often receiving support from the other biological parent).
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Understanding the difference between separate and marital property
Understanding the differences between community and separate property may make the divorce process easier for some couples.
One of the most difficult topics to deal with in a Texas divorce case is that of property division. After years or even decades of marriage, the thought of distributing all of the property and assets that were accumulated throughout the marriage may seem overwhelming. Texas is a community property state, meaning that in most cases, all marital property is divided equally in half between spouses. However, not all property and assets are considered community property. When people understand the differences between marital and separate property, they can increase the likelihood that they will get everything they deserve in the divorce settlement.
Marital property
When people think of marital or community property, they may think of the family home, vehicles, furniture and bank account funds. Marital property, however, encompasses everything that the couple has amassed during their marriage. According to Forbes, it isn’t uncommon for couples to overlook certain marital funds, such as insurance policies, 401k plans, pensions, stock and other investments. Non-traditional items, such as expensive antique collections, art, wine, coins, horses or classic cars are also considered marital if they were acquired while the couple was married. Even elite golf course memberships, cemetery plots and funds derived from trademarks, copyrights and patents may be divided in a divorce settlement. Gifts that spouses gave to one another during the marriage may be considered community property as well.
Separate property
Certain property and/or assets that a person receives prior to and during the marriage may remain solely with the original owner. For example, a person who receives inheritance money before or during a marriage and keeps that money separate from marital funds, may be exempt from having to split those funds in the divorce settlement. According to Texas statutes, separate property may also include the following:
- Money received from personal injuries
- Property owned prior to the marriage
- Money acquired from separate property, such as equity or interest earned
- Third-party gifts given to either spouse before or during the marriage
When the other spouse is added to a property title, or the separate funds are deposited into a joint bank account with other spouse, the items may become marital, and therefore, eligible for division.
Receive what is rightfully yours
Going through the divorce process can be emotionally and financially trying. Many people may find that the process of creating a fair and just divorce settlement can be extremely difficult and overwhelming. Whether you are thinking of filing for divorce, or you have been facing a court battle and need additional legal assistance, you may want to speak to a family attorney who understands how divorce works in Texas.
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