Love, Money & the Law

What does a judge or jury look for when a witness testifies? This episode helps you appreciate the value of a seasoned litigation expert at your side during a contentious  family law case.  If you're facing trial in a contentious divorce or other types of litigation such as a modification or temporary orders hearing, this is a do not miss episode.  

Rick discusses how to relax into the experience so that you can control your emotions while testifying and show up as the best version of you and as a parent.   You'll also learn how to avoid creating "bad evidence" by taking ownership of your actions. You'll also get a peak into a moment in time in the courtroom when he reveals how one of his most famous clients, Anna Nicole Smith, fumbled on the witness stand, potentially costing her the fated outcome of her case.

Find Litigation Consultant and Trail Psychologist Rick Goldberg at www.rickmgoldberg.com.

We discuss the following:

• What does "custody" really mean?
• The difference between joint custody and sole custody in Texas 
• What issues are important to a court when considering a determination of custody?
• Do dads get a fair shot at custody in today's courts?
• Custom visitation and access schedules - the new creative frontier
• How does mediation play a part in settling a custody case?
• Child support and health insurance issues
• What happens when one parent doesn't follow the court's Final Order?

Here are just some of the topics you'll hear about ...

• What happens in a divorce if your marital home is mortgaged? Can one party stay in the home, anyway? Why it's not always necessary to sell!
• How do you qualify for a loan? When is the best time to do it?
• How to raise your credit score in order to qualify for a loan.
• How can a stay at home mom refinance so your kids can possibly stay in their home? How and when does spousal support and child support figure into the equation? When do you begin to document?
• Issues to consider when dividing the assets.
• Learn how debt can be excluded from from the spouse who's on the note after divorce.
• Some insights into the underwriting and qualifying process.

... and more! 

Find Noel Cookman at www.TheMortgageInstitute.com and 972.724.2881.

Thank you, Noel Cookman!

In this narrative Houston family law attorney Cindy Hide encourages to consider:

• Dreams and aspirations for your marriage
• Short and long terms goals
• Communication skills
• Creating a safe atmosphere to dialogue
• Intimate disclosures
• Rules for your partnership
• Surprises after the wedding
• Creating your own laws, not those of the state
• Reducing legal fees in the event of divorce
• Securing your privacy

In this narrative Houston family law attorney Cindy Hide discusses:

• 4 “Must Ask” questions about your finances - Residence, Budget, Work-Life, and Income
• The sexier side of your marriage agreement – Getting Clear about What You Like and Who You Are

In this narrative Houston family law attorney Cindy Hide discusses:

The five most common objections to prenups and how to address them

• The value of creating a prenup and why it can bring you closer together as a couple
• How to value a stay at home partner
• A prenup conversation template

In this narrative Cindy Hide discusses:

• The meaningful nature of a marital agreement and good reasons for having one
• What a prenuptial agreement is and the most common reasons for creating one
• How much it costs to create a prenuptial agreement

Here’s just a few issues in the long checklist of things to consider if you chose cohabitation over marriage:

• Health care 
• Business transactions and businesses
• Asset protection
• Retirement benefits
• Life insurance issues
• Powers of Attorney
• What spousal equivalents are NOT entitled to enjoy

Here's a peek at just a few of the issues that can be included in a cohabitation agreement presented in this episode:

• Clearly state that you’re not married
• Define the boundaries and issues of home ownership, taxes and improvements
• What happens in the event of a split or death?
• Defining the financial framework for the relationship
• Dealing with your debts, loans and gifts
• What about the kids…and the pets?

Cindy Hide introduces you to issues and solutions that are part of creating your cohabitation agreement, such as:

• What should be included in the financial obligations of your partnership?
• What about a stay at home partner’s financial needs?
• What happens is one of you suddenly dies?
• What happens if you split?
• How courts consider children and their issues as part of your agreement
• How courts view cohabitation agreements
• Questions to ask yourself before drafting your agreement
• Under what circumstances you have no legal rights without an agreement

Cindy Hide includes the following points in her narrative:

• Why a cohabitation agreement is especially important in states where common law marriage is recognized
• What consideration is needed for a cohabitation agreement?
• Why you may need a cohabitation agreement, including points about gifting, reimbursement rights, financial support, payment of debts, and children
• What states in the United States of America recognize these agreements
• Types of cohabitation agreements
• What a cohabitation agreement is NOT

Abuse is a unique issue and recourse is available to victims of domestic violence. Learn how the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) can protect you if you qualify, even if you're from another country.

Some of the issues in this episode include:

• Does it matter whether you marry abroad, come to the U.S. on a fiancee Visa or by some other means, if you find yourself in an abusive relationship after you arrive in the U.S?
• What about confidentiality with respect to your legal status?
• What are your law enforcement options?
• Is deportation a possibility if you report abuse?
• What if you're being forced to have sex against your will with your husband, or, you're being forced by your husband to have sex with someone else?
• What if you don't have money for attorney's fees?
• How long does it take to get through the legal system if you qualify for protection under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)?
• Can you work while your case is being processed?
• What happens if one party files for divorce during the process or afterwards?
• What happens if an abusive spouse dies after the victim has reported during separation or after divorce?

If this is you, someone you know or you work with an agency that can help, join me for a discussion with Houston, TX immigration attorney Kathryn N. Karem https://www.immisolver.com for an in-depth look into these questions and more.

Nothing here is legal advice. Copyright LML Media, LLC 2019

Actively affirming your partner's value is key to maintaining the spark that makes your relationship shine over time. What does that look like? What kinds of words do we use? How do you express your heart's desires?
In this episode, you'll learn tips for ...
- How to rebuild a relationship that that's falling apart
- Examples of how to keep the love alive
- Some big "no nos" to avoid sabotaging your relationship
- How to express feeling loved and desired
- Some healthy communication tips
- Tools for neutralizing hot buttons that triggger reactions
- How to create deeper levels of intimacy

Some of the topics we discuss include:

• Deportation
• Criminal penalties
• Illegal entry to the US
• Shocking examples of sham marriages
• Employer liability for employing illegal immigrants
• The importance of being truthful with your attorney
• Immigration service interviews and background checks

Nothing here is legal advice.

If you're thinking about getting married, but you're still not sure about what your bank statements might look like in the future, then a prenup may be the way to insure a good night's rest. But wait...there's more! Did you know that you can also include a fidelity clause, parameters for personal appearances, birth control methods, marriage lifestyles and so much more? You're sure to learn about things you may not have thought to ask, and, get some answers to the more common issues that are typically a part of these contracts.

For an in-depth discussion about prenups check out the video series at www.LoveMoneyLaw.com.

If breaking up is hard to do, leaving your precious pet behind makes it even harder. This episode highlights some issues that a court will consider if the two of you can't agree on who will be the human in your pet's life. Did you know that it makes a difference if you live in a separate property state or a community property state? Cuddle up with your pet while listening and be sure to SUBSCRIBE to catch our next feature!

This is a must listen if you're living in fear for your safety because of your partner, especially if you have children. Is there someone you know who needs to hear the following information? ... What is a Protective Order? How do you get one? Is it completely confidential? What if something happened only one time? How much does it cost to get one? Where do I go? How long can I wait to get one if the abuse happened a while ago? What's included in a Protective Order? How is is enforced? If you live in the United States, there is help.

The unregulated state of affairs of sperm banks in the U.S. leaves recipients who conceive through Invitro Fertilization with many unanswered questions and a lifetime of doubts. Aside from a contagious disease test required by the FDA, no more information is required of donors, leaving families no choice but to play a high risk game of "trust the registry." Listen carefully for the valuable hidden issues you may not have ever considered before moving forward with this method of having a child. You'll be glad you did!

The latest stats reflect that about 60% - 70% of couples live together before marriage. Listen to why living together without marriage may or may not affect a relationship long term. Psychotherapist Tobie Oidtmann includes information for adults of all ages, as well as, the effects cohabitation has on children who are a part of these modern unions. You'll also get a peak into how genders differ with respect to their expectations for the arrangement. It's a do not miss episode if this includes you or someone you love!