One on Wednesday™ – Divorce in a Pandemic
Video Transcript:
Jill O’Connell:
Hi, I’m Jill O’Connell, this is One on Wednesday™. I’m the owner and attorney at O’Connell Law Firm in Lewisville. My number is 940-497-5454. And today I want to give you a few tips based on questions I’m getting in the office right now.
Jill O’Connell:
One is, are we still meeting with clients and are we still able to work? Yes, I am still meeting with clients by telephone, by electronic conferencing, using any of the available methods and then I’m emailing a lot. In that respect, it’s not a whole lot different than what I did before all of the coronavirus.
Jill O’Connell:
And I am still working for clients. Attorney’s are essential services and I am still working within the courts provisions and ways that they’re providing to us to get cases concluded and keep cases moving forward and if you find yourself in that position of you are considering divorce before all of this happened and you are not sure what can happen now, give me a call. I’m happy to visit with you about options available to you.
Jill O’Connell:
I’m also revamping all of my fixed fee offerings. Offering some new things to clients, some new methods of meeting as a normal course of business and some new ways to work through your case.
Jill O’Connell:
If you’ve got any questions call me, Jill O’Connell, O’Connell Law Firm in Lewisville Texas, 940-497-5454.
One on Wednesday™ – Divorcing Parents
Video Transcript:
Jill O’Connell:
Hi, I’m Jill O’Connell. This is One on Wednesday™. I’m the owner and attorney at O’Connell Law Firm at our new location in Lewisville, 405 State Highway 121, Suite A250.
Jill O’Connell:
And today’s topic is going to be dealing with issues for those going through divorce who are parents. And, uh, I will also touch on some topics if you’ve already gone through divorce that may come up.
Jill O’Connell:
If you’ve got temporary orders or a final decree, the- the two areas that typically are questions I hear a lot this time of year are about spring break and, uh, notices for summer possession. And spring break, if you’ve got temporary orders, you need to review your orders and see if it’s in there. If it’s not, this might be the time to discuss that question with your attorney. And for, if you’ve got a final decree, review, start with, my favorite tip, review your decree and see what is in the orders that apply to you. And if you have a decree, you’ll find out. And, if you don’t yet have a decree, again, this is the time to either contact my office, contact your attorney and begin to think about what’s going to happen with your children for spring break.
Jill O’Connell:
The other area that people start to think about and have questions about are the notice provisions for summer possession. Both parents typically have deadlines to make certain notices. Again, my first favorite tip, review your decree, find out what’s in the orders that apply to you, and if you have questions when you’re reading through there, then contact either your attorney or you can contact my office.
Jill O’Connell:
I meet with people frequently and review decrees with them to help them understand and implement what’s in their decree into their lives and follow it so that they are doing what they need to do to get the best time, uh, with their kids.
Jill O’Connell:
These a- two areas are ones that are very easily, um, forgotten until it’s too late, and then it creates a lot of stress for both parents and kids.
Jill O’Connell:
So get ahead of the curve, review your decree, look at your spring break provisions, and deadlines and notices for your summertime with your kids. If you’ve got any questions, call our office. We’ve got two numbers, 940-497-5454 and 972-203-6644.
Jill O’Connell:
I’m Jill O’Connell, O’Connell Law Firm in Lewisville.
One on Wednesday™ – Fault and No Fault Divorce
Video Transcript:
Jill O’Connell:
Hi, I’m Jill O’Connell, this is One on Wednesday™. I am the owner and attorney at O’Connell Law Firm, and my practice is focused in Denton County family law and divorce cases. You can reach us at 940-497-5454 with questions, and advice specific for your case if you need it.
Jill O’Connell:
Today I’m going to briefly talk about fault and no fault divorce. No fault divorce is something we hear a lot about, and what that means is that in Texas, you do not have to allege or include grounds for divorce. You do not have to say that one party is at fault for the divorce. You do not have to give a reason. That allows, uh, your divorce attorney, allows me to include language that says, this is a breakdown of the marital relationship, and then we don’t have to say anybody engaged in any wrongdoing, any bad acts. We don’t have to burn those bridges, and make public record your private life.
Jill O’Connell:
Fault, we can also prove fault if we want to, and if we need to. And in specific cases that, that might be something we need to do. But we don’t have to do it. And when we use fault grounds, when we use, uh, di, grounds for divorce, we include certain bad acts, certain actions, certain things that one party has done that says this is grounds for a divorce.
Jill O’Connell:
So again, Texas is a no fault state, we don’t have to say that someone’s done something wrong in order for a divorce to be granted. And that is the difference between fault and no fault. If you’ve got questions about divorce, you find yourself in that spot that divorce is where you are, and is the right choice for you at this time, call the office, I’m happy to meet with you. 940-497-5454, Jill O’Connell, O’Connell Law Firm.
One on Wednesday™ – The Language of Divorce
Video Transcript:
Jill O’Connell:
Hi. I’m Jill O’Connell. This is One on Wednesday™. I am the owner and attorney at O’Connell Law Firm. With my practice focusing on Denton County family law and divorce cases.
Jill O’Connell:
Today I want to discuss with you some general family law, legalese, legal terms, language of divorce, those things that are used and sometimes we as lawyers forget that normal people don’t know what they always mean. And sometimes there are abbreviations.
Jill O’Connell:
So, the first one I want to talk about are, is the term standing orders. Denton County and most counties in Texas have orders that go into effect when the first pleading in a divorce and family law case is filed, and for Denton County, you can find a link to those standing orders on our website, and you can find, ah, those standing orders on the Denton County website.
Jill O’Connell:
And there are also some common terms that are used, ah, when we s- when lawyers are talking about the parties, that is typically the, the spouses only in a divorce case, it does not mean the children. The children are not parties to the case, only the husband and wife, ah, this, the two spouses are, ah, the parties to the case. If we are using an abbreviation, IMOM, it means in the matter of the marriage of. Sometimes that abbreviation is a little bit different. ITIO, in the interest of. And that’s in, ah, family law cases, ah, when we’re talking about in the interest of minor children. Um, opposing counsel is the lawyer on the other side, ah, and if they’re, someone is representing themselves, you might see the words, pro se, P-R-O space S-E. Or pro per, P-R-O space P-E-R, and that means representing themselves. A self-representer.
Jill O’Connell:
These are few of terms that we come across and that I get questions about frequently, ah, just for information only, and if you want specific advice for your case, call the office, we’re happy to set up an appointment and consultation for you, ah, 940-497-5454. I’m Jill O’Connell, this is One on Wednesday, and um, we will see you next time.
One on Wednesday™ – Review Your Holiday Orders (Temporary Orders / Final Orders)
Video Transcript:
Hi, this is One on Wednesday™. I’m Jill O’Connell with the O’Connell Law Firm in Lake Dallas, Texas.
Today’s edition of One on Wednesday is going to be a little different. I want to check in with you guys and see if you have reviewed your orders as we move into this holiday season. I was going to say progress but that… As we move into this holiday season. We are already approaching Halloween and Thanksgiving is right around the corner and then we’ve got Christmas. So a couple of things that I want to touch base on. Review your orders, whether they’re temporary orders or your final orders, decree of divorce. When are you going to have possession of your kids and when are you not going to have possession of your kids? You probably need to make sure you know when school is out this year for Thanksgiving holidays and for Christmas holidays.
One other big pointer, big tip this time is that Halloween is on a Thursday night. Make sure that you are touching base with the other parent about Halloween. If your kids have an idea about what their Halloween is going to look like, you and the other parent need to be talking about what that’s going to look like for them. Start that conversation now. You don’t want to be having that conversation on October 30th. This is the time when conflicts unexpectedly come up. To avoid that, take a look, start managing your schedule and your kids’ needs right now.
If you’ve got questions about your case, some unexpected things have come up in this holiday season, I’m happy to talk to you about those. We do that in a consultation in our office, so I can give you some tips specific to you and legal advice specifically for you. You can reach us at (940) 497-5454.
Contact An Experienced Denton Family Law And Divorce Attorney
One on Wednesday™ – Divorce And Family Law Common Abbreviations
Video Transcript:
Hi. I’m Jill O’Connell. This is One on Wednesday™. I am the owner and attorney at O’Connell Law Firm in Lake Dallas, Texas. Thanks for joining me today.
Today my topic on One on Wednesday is just for general information. I’m going to talk to you a little bit about abbreviations that are commonly used in emails or other correspondence in divorce cases, and other types of cases, that sometimes leave people feeling like the legalese that’s being spoken, they don’t understand, and I’m going to just explain a few of them.
One of them that you might see is the abbreviation OPD. Generally in our office that stands for, “original petition for divorce.” And sometimes that is easier to use than writing that all out every time.
Another one is ITIO, all caps. And if there is a modification case that’s going on, or another kind of case that deals with strictly children after a divorce, that could mean, “in the interest of.”
The other type of one that’s similar to that could be ITMO or ITMOMO. Both of those are used in the legal field to mean, “in the matter of the marriage of [blank].”
So if you’re referencing a divorce case in our world, we talk about it the way that the court would look at it on a pleading, “in the matter of the marriage of.”
One other one is, all caps, QDRO means, “qualified domestic relations order.”
And another one you might often see, sometimes in relation to a divorce decree or child support, is, all caps, SDU, “support disbursement unit.” And that is generally used when talking about child support disbursement.
These are a few of the abbreviations that we give information to our clients about. And if you’ve got more questions about your case, divorce, or post divorce issues, call our office (940) 497-5454. We are conveniently located right smack dab in the middle of Denton County.
One on Wednesday™ – Dealing With Divorce And Custody Issues Around The Holidays
Denton Divorce And Family Law Attorney – O’Connell Law Firm, P.C.
Video Transcript:
Hi, I’m Jill O’Connell, this is One on Wednesday™. Thanks for joining me. Today’s tips are about strategizing and planning to have the best holiday that you can if you’re going through a divorce or family law case.
The best way to make sure that you have a good holiday is to plan. So, begin to read whatever orders you have now and if you have questions, contact your lawyer now. Don’t wait until the last minute because everybody is going to be stressed during the actual holiday, and if you get your answers now you can begin to plan.
The other thing is communicate as well as you can. There are tools to let you communicate better, and if you need some of those this is also a great time to talk to your attorney about those.
And the third thing is remember that, uh, if you have children this is a great time to have a special time with your kids. Forget about the divorce, forget about the issues that are going on with the other person, with your soon-to-be ex spouse, and don’t focus on whatever problems there might be there. Focus on the holidays, make some new traditions, enjoy your time with family and friends and enjoy the holidays, uh, on your own in this new normal for you.
One on Wednesday™ – What is Going to Happen To Your House During & After The Divorce
Video Transcript:
Jill O’Connell:
Hi, I’m Jill O’Connell with the O’Connell Law Firm, bringing you One on Wednesday™ today, and we can be reached at 940-497-5454. We’re going to give you some general divorce information today. One of the questions I get asked frequently is, “What’s going to happen to my house?” The very short answer is I don’t know, but here’s some things to look at to help you and your lawyer get a streamlined plan for what you want to do with your house.
Jill O’Connell:
Look at when the house was purchased, what the purchase price was, who is on the purchasing documents and the financing documents? How much is it valued now and what is your budget now? What is your budget post-divorce? And ultimately, look at some longterm goals. Where do you want to live? What type of place do you want to live in? And use all of that information, work with your divorce attorney to come up with a plan to determine what will happen with you and your house.
Jill O’Connell:
Again, general information for you, if you’d like more advice about what is going to happen to your house in your divorce, call our office. I’m happy to meet with you. 940-497-5454. Thanks so much.
One on Wednesday™ – Time And Deadlines In Divorce
Video Transcript:
Jill O’Connell:
Hi, thanks for joining us today. I’m Jill O’Connell with the O’Connell Law Firm. We are going to be talking about one issue today on Wednesday at one o’clock, and this is our One on Wednesday™ video. Today what I’m going to talk about is a couple of questions about time deadlines that I’ve gotten recently. The first one is, what about the 60 days? Does that mean that once I file for divorce, I’m automatically divorced in 60 days? The answer to that is a quick no. The 60 days is actually a waiting period. And it means the very quickest, the very soonest, if everything came together perfectly, you could be divorced on day 61 after you filed your original petition for divorce. But you are not automatically divorced in 60 days. For more information about that, and if you have questions about that, call the office. I’m happy to meet with you and consult specifically about your case and give you some specific advice.
Jill O’Connell:
Our number is (940) 497-5454. And the second quick question is, what about the 30 days after I’m divorced when you tell me I can’t get remarried? You can’t get remarried within the 30 days after your divorce is final. You’ve got to wait more than 30 days to get remarried. So if you are dying to be remarried after your divorce is finaled, also come see me. We can see what we can do. I’m happy to discuss that issue with you. Call to make an appointment for your questions, to get specific legal advice on your case at (940) 497-5454. Happy Wednesday.
One on Wednesday™ – Agreed Divorce & Uncontested Divorce
Video Transcript:
Jill O’Connell:
Hi, I’m Jill O’Connell. This is my video show. Thanks for joining me. This is One on Wednesday. We are starting off 2020 strong, and we are going to start with the topic that is very basic. What is the difference between an agreed divorce and an uncontested divorce? An agreed divorce is a divorce wherein you and your soon to be ex-spouse are both in agreement on the fact that divorce is right for both of you at this time, and then all of the terms of the divorce as well. So everything that has to do with your estate, property, assets, debts, liabilities as well as all of the provisions regarding your children. And that includes child support, child possession schedule, conservatorship, the rights and duties. So an agreed divorce is exactly what it sounds says, but it includes much more than most people think about. It’s being in agreement on everything in the divorce as well.
Jill O’Connell:
An uncontested divorce is one where both parties are in agreement that divorce is right for them at this time. However, it also can leave open the possibility that there are issues that you are not yet in agreement with your soon to be ex-spouse on. Whether that’s provisions regarding the children, child support, possession schedules, conservatorship, rights and duties for the children. Or does it have to do with your marital estate, your property, your assets, your debts, your liabilities? All of those can fall into the area that you do not yet have an agreement on.
Jill O’Connell:
So to sum up, you can have an agreed divorce or you can have an uncontested divorce, but they very often do not mean the same thing. If you’ve got questions about an agreed divorce or an uncontested divorce or even anything having to do with the fact that you find yourself in this position and that divorce is something that you need to get more information about. Please call the office. I’m happy to visit with you. (940) 497-5454. I’m Jill O’Connell. The O’Connell Law Firm. This is One on Wednesday.
One on Wednesday™ – Starting A Divorce in North Texas (Denton)
Denton Divorce And Family Law Attorney – O’Connell Law Firm, P.C.
Video Transcript:
Jill O’Connell:
Hi, I’m Jill O’Connell with the O’Connell Law Firm. It is One on Wednesday™, and I am bringing you one topic, general information, for about one minute today. What I want to talk to you about is how a divorce gets started. Very often the question is how do we start all of the process once I’ve got somebody that I’m visiting with in the office? The way that a divorce gets started in the state of Texas is the filing of an Original Petition for Divorce. In Denton County that Original Petition for Divorce is going to also include, or have attached, the Denton County Standing Orders. The Standing Orders apply from the beginning of the case until the conclusion, unless there are orders entered that say something different. If you’ve got more questions about how a divorce gets started, about the Denton County Standing Orders, and/or about your situation, your case, I’m happy to visit with you and give you some more specific advice. This is just general information today. You can reach us at (940) 497-5454, and I am happy to visit with you in a consultation. Thanks so much.
One on Wednesday™ – Back To School Tips (Dealing With Divorce and Custody)
Video Transcript:
Jill O’Connell: Hi, Jill O’Connell with the O’Connell Law Firm and our One on Wednesday™ for you. Today I’m going to talk to you a little bit about back to school tips. If you’ve got kids and have a standard possession in a Texas divorce these are some things that are specific to you, although they’re tips, general tips for everybody and not specific to anybody’s case. If you’ve got a question about your case, call us and we’ll get you in so we can visit with you about that. (940) 497-5454.
Jill O’Connell: Here’s the information I’d like to give you. One is, as the summer’s winding down, go ahead, get ahead of the game and get onboard to the website and check out your school’s calendar. What’s the first day of school? How does that affect your possession? When does the child have to be exchanged from current parent to another parent? How is all that going to play out in the next four weeks?
Jill O’Connell: The other thing to remember is Thursday nights come back into play when school starts. Then we need to start looking at fall holidays. Do you have any special provisions for Halloween? What’s going to happen on Halloween? What day of the week is Halloween? Is that going to affect your possession? Then look at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Start to plan ahead because those things, as we all know as parents, are going to hit you really fast after school starts.
Jill O’Connell: Again, some general tips, information only. If you’ve got questions, I’m happy to visit with you more about your specifics in your case. Call us today. (940)497-5454. Thanks.