Many in Texas believe that the end of their marriage will also bring about the end of the need to interact with one’s former spouse. Unfortunately, however, there are a number of issues that can make cutting all ties a difficult prospect. One of the most common reasons for divorced couples to interact involves the loose ends left behind within a divorce agreement. When these matters are not properly handled, spouses can find themselves being held in contempt of court.
Such appears to be the case for United States Representative Mark Sanford. Sanford was recently served with paperwork asking a court to hold him in contempt for failing to abide by the stipulations outlined within his divorce agreement. Sanford was previously accused of contempt when he entered his former wife’s home without her permission.
In that case, Sanford admitted that he was in violation of the agreement. He claimed that he entered the property in order to watch a Super Bowl game with one of his sons. Sanford settled that legal matter and agreed to pay his former spouse $5,000 for her legal fees and to refrain from entering the property again. The judge, in that case, agreed to hold off on any form of sentencing in that case, with the stipulation that she would monitor Sanford’s compliance with the divorce agreement in the future.
With this recent claim, Sanford could face serious legal consequences, including a range of sanctions that might be imposed by the judge. For those in Texas who face a similarly contentious divorce, it is important to remember that compliance with one’s divorce agreement is crucial. Failure to do so can lead to a return to court, an outcome that is costly and could lead to serious negative ramifications, up to and including jail time.
Financial considerations during a Texas divorce
Far before a Texas spouse files for divorce, he or she has been thinking about it and weighing the available options. This process of mentally working through the details of one’s divorce is a wise step, and many spouses can avoid negative outcomes by devising a divorce strategy before the process begins. Finances are among the most important topics to consider before filing divorce papers, and there are many facets that should be included.
It is essential to have a firm grasp of the current state of the family’s finances before initiating a divorce proceeding. This can help ensure that your attorney can construct the best negotiation strategy possible, and can give you a leg up on working through the various pros and cons of which assets you would like to aggressively pursue. In addition, documenting existing assets before filing can help ensure that your spouse does not try to conceal assets once the divorce is underway.
The next step involves creating a working budget for your post-divorce expenses and income needs. This begins by documenting what you are currently spending each month, then projecting what your expenses might be in the months and years following the end of the marriage. Knowing where you need to be in a financial sense can help you remain focused during the negotiation process, which can lead to a positive outcome.
When considering financial matters and divorce, it is never too early to begin planning for your financial future as a single person. Even before the decision to file has been made, a divorce attorney can meet with you and give you an idea of your divorce options, as well as the probable breakdown of the division of marital assets. Having this information allows Texas spouses to make fully informed decisions about the course of their marriage, and the potential outcomes of divorce.