Jenkins & Kamin, LLP Laces Up for a Good Cause

 The 38th Annual HBA John J. Eikenburg Law Week Fun Run took place this past weekend at Sam Houston Park Downtown, and Jenkins & Kamin, LLP laced up their sneakers to participate in the event.

Taking pride in recognizing admirable causes that are impactful to Houston and the surrounding communities, Jenkins & Kamin LLP is proud to support the HBA John J. Eikenburg Law Week Fun Run for another year. The event has raised over $1.6 million since 1986 for The Center for Pursuit, a private, non-profit corporation & United Way agency based in Houston, Texas that promotes choice, growth, and independence for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, or similar conditions. One hundred percent of the entry fee for the HBA John J. Eikenburg Law Week Fun Run is contributed directly to The Center for Pursuit and helps support a variety of programs designed to provide education, job training, socialization, community living, and health care for the agency’s clients.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP is one of the most respected family law firms in Texas. The firm is noted for its “team” approach by pairing skilled attorneys, paralegals and other support staff to enhance each client’s experience in difficult life transitions.

In addition to the “team” approach, Jenkins & Kamin, LLP strives to personalize case strategies for each individual client, including identification of every particular legal issue and effective explanation of the law with respect to those issues.  The firm endeavors to achieve a resolution that is appropriate for each client, while aggressively advocating on their behalf when necessary. Having a dedicated and experienced team working with you in any family law matter is of utmost importance to achieve the best result possible.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP represents clients in the following aspects of family law practice: Marital Property Agreements, Divorce, Complex Property Issues, Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Parentage, Modifications, Family Law Appeals and Dispute Resolution Alternatives. To learn more about the firm, visit www.jenkinskamin.com or contact our office at 713-600-5500.

Jenkins & Kamin, LLP Proudly Supports HBA John J. Eikenburg Law Week Fun Run

Jenkins & Kamin, LLP consistently contributes to charitable causes that positively impact the greater Houston community, including The HBA John J. Eikenburg Law Week Fun Run – an annual event that has raised more than $1.6 million since 1986 for The Center for Pursuit.

The Center for Pursuit, a private, non-profit corporation, is a United Way agency which promotes the pursuit of choice, growth, and independence for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, or similar conditions.  All adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, or similar conditions will realize their potential in a world in which they are fully integrated.  Each contribution to The Center helps toward the goal of ensuring that every person is given the opportunity to live his or her best life having the opportunity to contribute to their community.

The 38th Annual HBA John J. Eikenburg Law Week Fun Run is set for Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Sam Houston Park Downtown.  One hundred percent of the entry fee for the John J. Eikenburg Law Week Fun Run is contributed directly to The Center for Pursuit and helps support a variety of programs designed to provide education, job training, socialization, community living, and health care for people with intellectual disabilities.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP is one of the most respected family law firms in Texas. The firm adopts a “team” approach by utilizing experienced attorneys, paralegals and other support staff to support their clients through difficult life transitions.

Jenkins & Kamin, LLP strives to personalize case strategies for each individual client, including identification of every legal issue and effective explanation of the law with respect to those issues.  The firm endeavors to achieve a resolution that is appropriate for each client, while aggressively advocating on their behalf when necessary. Having a dedicated and experienced team working with you in any family law matter is of utmost importance to achieve the best result possible.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP represents clients in the following aspects of family law practice: Marital Property Agreements, Divorce, Complex Property Issues, Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Parentage, Modifications, Family Law Appeals and Dispute Resolution Alternatives. To learn more about the firm, visit www.jenkinskamin.com or contact our office at (713) 600-5500 to schedule a consultation.

How to Financially Prepare for Divorce as a Stay at Home Parent

Getting prepared for a divorce requires a lot more than simply placing a call to an attorney. There are many emotional, legal, parental, and financial aspects to consider. A divorce can be especially daunting for mothers who are stay-at-home parents. Concerns regarding present and future income can easily become overwhelming when a parent relies exclusively on their spouse’s income. With proper planning, you can more confidently pursue the next chapter of your life. Here are a few tips to simplify the path ahead and stay on track with your finances.

Open Your Own Bank Account

If you do not currently have a bank account in your name, it is imperative that you set one up immediately. If you are planning to divorce, it is crucial that you are financially prepared for any potential fallout after filing, such as your spouse making it difficult to access funds. Make sure to begin setting aside some money each month to pay your expenses and attorney fees.

Keep An Eye on Your Credit Score

Monitoring your credit score is vital for everyone, but even more so if you are contemplating divorce.  The earlier you begin taking control of your credit, the better position you will be in. Request a copy of your credit report and review it thoroughly and periodically. Be sure to promptly dispute any inaccuracies that you discover. You should also consider opening a credit card in your sole name if you do not already have one. Start making small purchases on this credit card and pay off the balance in full each month to help build your credit if prior history is lacking or non-existent. If you already have a credit card or other debts in your name, it is easy to accidentally miss payments when going through such a significant life transition; so be sure to continue to make timely monthly payments to maintain a good credit score. Setting up automatic minimum monthly payments for credit card accounts is advised.

Keep Your Financial Documents Organized

Begin sorting your financial documents and make note any missing information. Anything relating to finances should be collected, even if you think it may not be relevant. Gather your tax returns, pay stubs, investment account statements, bank statements, retirement statements, mortgage statements, and any information relating to debt your household may have. If you do not have access to certain accounts, or tax returns, your attorney can assist you by requesting this information from your spouse or your spouse’s attorney.

Create Your Own Email Account

If you share an email with your spouse, or if they have access to your current email inbox, you should create a new one as soon as possible for purposes of communicating confidentially with your attorney or other professionals engaged to assist you in the process. Select a secure password that would not be easy for anyone, especially your spouse, to guess.

Establish a Secure Place for Mail

In addition to establishing a separate email account, you will also need a place to securely receive written correspondence. Consider opening a post office box for sensitive mail to be delivered to that you would not want your spouse to access.

Create a Budget

Make a list of monthly income and recurring debts and expenses, to the best of your knowledge. Then, identify what resources you have available and those expenses that are specific to you so you can realistically prioritize what need and what is superfluous. You may be surprised to discover that many expenses you consider essential are not necessary and can easily be cut out. Be sure to prioritize those services and expenses that you feel are indispensable for you alone, such as medical care, prescriptions, and insurance. Once you have a clear picture of your current expenses, you can begin to create a prospective budget for yourself that you can stick to, both during and following the divorce.  

Determine Your Future Income

In most cases, parties receive certain property in a divorce at or around the conclusion of the case. Often, each party is awarded a combination of liquid assets (i.e., cash on deposit in accounts), real property (or sales proceeds from a marital homestead), as well as tax-deferred assets (i.e., retirement accounts). With the assistance of your attorney and a savvy financial advisor and/or CPA, you need to establish your long-term financial goals with respect to your marital estate and what you might have available to you for income and resources, post-divorce. Any temporary support you receive during the divorce should  be viewed as temporary in nature.  You may need to consider full-time or part-time employment if there are insufficient assets in your marital estate for your future support. Perhaps you would like to pursue further education or start a business on your own? Depending on prior work history and education, you should explore these options proactively. Bottom line – giving due consideration to your financial future ahead of time will curtail a lot of undue stress.

The divorce process can be overwhelming so it is best to work through it at your own pace and be organized before you file for divorce. Working with an experienced attorney is essential. Jenkins & Kamin LLP cares about their clients and endeavors to insure that each client’s case goes as smoothly and favorably as possible.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP is noted for its “team” approach by pairing skilled attorneys, paralegals and other support staff to enhance each client’s experience in difficult life transitions. Jenkins & Kamin, LLP strives to personalize case strategies for each individual client, including identification of every particular legal issue and effective explanation of the law with respect to those issues.  The firm endeavors to achieve a resolution that is appropriate for each client, while aggressively advocating on their behalf when necessary. Having a dedicated and experienced team working with you in any family law matter is of utmost importance to achieve the best result possible.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP represents clients in the following aspects of family law practice: Marital Property Agreements, Divorce, Complex Property Issues, Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Parentage, Modifications, Family Law Appeals and Dispute Resolution Alternatives. To learn more about the firm, visit http://www.jenkinskamin.com or contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Avoiding the Unhealthy ‘Divorce Diet’

 Many of us are happy to suddenly shed some pounds after the holidays, but unexpected weight-loss can have devastating effects on your overall health. Especially during a divorce, most infamously known as the “Divorce Diet.” While you may welcome fewer pounds, these losses are usually the result of too much stress and brought on by skipping meals or poor nutrition during a difficult time.

Many people going through a divorce say they feel so stressed out that they do not have a desire to eat or often simply forget to sit down for routine meals. The taste of food may make them gag and the idea of cooking a healthy meal can feel overwhelming. This involuntary starvation only adds to your stress levels and impairs your ability to concentrate and make the best decisions. Good decision-making ability during a divorce is more important than ever as you want to begin your new life as a single person or single parent on the best foot possible. Here are some healthy ways to cope with this added stress and ensure that you do not fall into the ‘Divorce Diet’ trap.

Do Not Neglect Medical and/or Psychological Care

If you normally have doctor or therapy appointments, it is important that you make time to keep them. The stress of a divorce can cause any person to neglect their usual self-care routines. Insomnia is often a side-effect of divorce and combining that with a decreased appetite may cause depression. Your medical or mental-health professional can help ensure that your body is functioning properly, and the path ahead will feel much more manageable when you are operating efficiently.

Eat Frequent, Small Meals

If the thought of food makes you feel nauseous or stressed, it is understandable to skip meals. Instead, you should opt to take in smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. Smaller meals are less daunting to prepare and will ensure your body is receiving the sustenance it needs. Stock your kitchen with healthy items such as nuts, cheese sticks, hummus, yogurt, and vegetables that are easy to snack on. Try to eat something every few hours, even if you don’t feel hungry. Simple grab-and-go foods are easy to digest and keep your mind and body sharp.

Ensure Your Coping in Healthy Ways

Divorce brings a lot of challenging feelings and a wide range of emotions. While there is nothing wrong with spending the occasional night at home binge-watching your favorite show, but routinely seeking solace in isolation can inhibit your ability to stay on task with your family and work obligations. Also, avoid spending hours on social media and find constructive ways to engage emotionally. Developing new hobbies or exercising routinely can help boost your endorphins naturally while also sending signals to your body when it is time to eat.

Do Not Allow the Divorce to Deplete Your Energy

Any weight you lose from meal skipping will most likely reappear, and often be accompanied by even more unwanted pounds once the stress of this life transition has passed. When you visit the grocery store be sure to grab some nutritious snacks such as fresh fruit or even pre-packaged protein bars so that you have a healthy supply of food on hand at all times. Eating consistently and properly will be a huge help as you navigate the stress of divorce, but it will provide the energy you need to manage it.

It is important that you learn as much as you can about divorce early in the process. Information is power and will help you feel more comfortable and make the decisions that will serve you and your children the best. Working with an experienced attorney can help guide you through the process of a divorce. Jenkins & Kamin LLP cares about their clients and wants every stage of their divorce to go as smoothly and favorably as possible.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP is noted for its “team” approach by pairing skilled attorneys, paralegals and other support staff to enhance each client’s experience in difficult life transitions. Jenkins & Kamin, LLP strives to personalize case strategies for each individual client, including identification of every particular legal issue and effective explanation of the law with respect to those issues.  The firm endeavors to achieve a resolution that is appropriate for each client, while aggressively advocating on their behalf when necessary. Having a dedicated and experienced team working with you in any family law matter is of utmost importance to achieve the best result possible.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP represents clients in the following aspects of family law practice: Marital Property Agreements, Divorce, Complex Property Issues, Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Parentage, Modifications, Family Law Appeals and Dispute Resolution Alternatives. To learn more about the firm, visit http://www.jenkinskamin.com or contact one of our offices in the greater Houston area.

 

 

 

Mediation Services

 Mediation is not only required in family law cases but is also a beneficial alternative to parties who wish to resolve their legal issues in a more artful and amicable way without court intervention. Jenkins & Kamin can assist if you require the services of a mediator in your case.

Divorce Advice for Women

 Facing a divorce is a difficult process regardless of the surrounding circumstances. A chapter of your life is closing and a new one is set to begin. With some preparation, women facing a divorce can limit the stress and uncertainty of their lives both during and post-divorce. While we have provided advice for both parties during a divorce, this article will focus specifically on women who are amid divorce.

Begin Saving Money

You are going to need your own funds during a divorce, and you should be prepared to support yourself and your children for some time while the divorce is pending. If you are dependent on your spouse’s income, be aware that there is a possibility that they could suddenly cut off the support with which you are accustomed.  If you establish a separate bank account or credit card prior to or during the divorce, understand that your spouse will have the right to obtain copies of those statements. 

Educate Yourself about Family Violence

Family violence, including physical violence and threats of the same, exists in many marriages.  If you have experienced it, you owe it to yourself and your family to share this information with your attorney.  Your attorney will be able to suggest different types of protections that may be available to you and your children.  Additionally, being transparent about what you have endured during your marriage will help your attorney prepare a case tailored to your own experiences and needs.

Protect Your Digital Life

Unfortunately, divorce can bring out the worst in spouses.  Fear and distrust lead reasonable people to act irrationally and start spying on people they once trusted.  To protect your privacy, turn off geo-location services on your phone and other electronics.  Be aware that your spouse may already have access to all of your bank account passwords, e-mail passwords, Facebook, iCloud and Google passwords.  Also recognize that these accounts could also be active on old devices, like the children’s iPad or your old phone.  While you may have thought to change your passwords, remember that your spouse also knows all the answers to your security questions—change those too.  Also consider getting a new email address that is just to be used for correspondence with your attorney—that way, your spouse is much less likely to know where to look if he intends to spy on you.

Avoid Social Media

Practice extreme caution before you post anything on social media. While it may seem harmless to vent about your current situation or boast about your newfound freedom, it could negatively affect you during the divorce process. The best policy is to log off entirely and prevent the urge to argue with anyone online or post things that you may later regret.

Establish a Routine

Keeping your life as normal as possible during a divorce will help you and your children. Do not skip meals or alter your sleeping habits – these routines help keep you focused and create a comforting sense of normalcy during a tumultuous time. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and do your best to maintain a social life by visiting friends and family. If you are able to speak to a therapist, you should do so as well as they are a neutral source to act as a soundboard for you during a divorce.

Be Positive

It is remarkably easy to fall into a negative mindset during a divorce. Try to maintain a positive outlook and do not allow yourself to be lured into conflicts with your spouse. You will need to work together to resolve the divorce as amicably as possible and reach a mutually beneficial settlement. If you have children, you will need to co-parent for years following your settlement and avoiding conflicts will only serve you in your life ahead. Choosing to converse with your spouse through email provides the opportunity to slow the pace of a conversation and gives you both time to fully consider what you wish to say and the best way to say it.

Research

It is important that you learn as much as you can about divorce early on in the process. Information is power and will help you feel more comfortable and make the decisions that will serve you and your children the best. Working with an experienced attorney can help guide you through the process of a divorce. Jenkins & Kamin LLP cares about their clients and wants every stage of their divorce to go as smoothly and favorably as possible.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP is noted for its “team” approach by pairing skilled attorneys, paralegals and other support staff to enhance each client’s experience in difficult life transitions.

In addition to the “team” approach, Jenkins & Kamin, LLP strives to personalize case strategies for each individual client, including identification of every particular legal issue and effective explanation of the law with respect to those issues.  The firm endeavors to achieve a resolution that is appropriate for each client, while aggressively advocating on their behalf when necessary. Having a dedicated and experienced team working with you in any family law matter is of utmost importance to achieve the best result possible.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP represents clients in the following aspects of family law practice: Marital Property Agreements, Divorce, Complex Property Issues, Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Parentage, Modifications, Family Law Appeals and Dispute Resolution Alternatives. To learn more about the firm, visit http://www.jenkinskamin.com or contact one of our offices in the greater Houston area.

Divorce Advice for Men

 The erosion of a marriage is a difficult time for all parties involved. There are general tips for anyone going through divorce, but this article will focus specifically on men who find themselves seeking, or facing an upcoming divorce.

Tips for Men Seeking Divorce

Tell Your Wife in a Respectful Way

Sadly, there is no correct way to break the news that you are wanting to end a partnership, but there are several wrong ways you can avoid. It is unlikely that you have suddenly decided you want a divorce, so it is best to not suddenly break this news. Do not wait for emotions to boil over and scream your desires during an argument. Instead, schedule a planned conversation with your spouse where the children will not be present, and she will have time to mentally prepare for a difficult conversation. This will allow you to practice what you will say and prepare for her possible reactions. The smoother this process begins the better.

Give Your Wife Time and Space After Breaking the News

Men tend be action-oriented so you may wish to get the process started as quickly as possible. However, patience after the initial conversation will allow your spouse time to process the upcoming change. Do not pressure her into action immediately.  Instead, your conversation about seeking divorce should be separate from any action-oriented conversations. There are special circumstances which may surround your divorce, and jumping immediately into addressing these will likely only lead to further conflict. Keep the initial conversation solely focused on informing your spouse that you are desiring a split.

Reassure Your Wife That You Reached This Decision with Plenty of Consideration

Your wife may not yet be in the same place that you are and may still hold on to hope that your marriage can be saved. If you know for certain that your marriage cannot be fixed, take the time to inform your wife that this decision was a long time coming and that you are resolved to move forward. The more she understands your point-of-view, the more likely she will be able to move forward in the process amicably and work for an outcome of mutual benefit.

Put your Family First

Even though your marriage is ending, if you and your wife have children together or your families are close, she will likely remain a part of your life for many years to come.  Give serious thought to caring for her vulnerabilities, whether it be financial insecurity or worries about how the change will affect the children.  Show her that you care about her wellbeing and that, despite everything, you want what is best for her and the children.  Be transparent with her on financial issues, and—to the extent possible—ensure that funds available for her to hire her own attorney or establish a temporary residence.  Reassure her that you want to continue parenting your children as a team and that no one will take her place.  By directly addressing your wife’s biggest fears in the divorce, you can minimize conflict, restore communication, and set your family up for a calm transition. 

Take Responsibility

Divorce has a way of reversing traditional gender roles in a marriage.  The person who has always been the breadwinner suddenly can no longer focus primarily on work because he is responsible for the kids half of the time.  The person who has always been the stay-at-home-mom suddenly has to find on work outside the home just to help make ends meet.  Both you and your wife are going to have to take on responsibility for your new normal, so be proactive.  For example, start taking your children to school, pack the kids’ lunches, attend or volunteer with their extracurricular activities, get to know their friends and teachers, and offer to stay home with your children when they are sick.  The effort you put in to care for your children now will pay dividends later—both in your connection with your children, but also in your spouse’s appreciation for and trust in your parenting skills. 

If you have any reason to doubt your spouse’s ability to care for your children after your separation—due to alcoholism, drug abuse, mental-health issues, anger problems, negligence, or any other reason—it is imperative that you take responsibility for your children’s daily care.  Do not abdicate responsibility for your children to your troubled spouse in the hopes that this will ease conflict.  Instead, if you want to be the primary parent after the divorce is granted, be the primary parent in the years leading up to the divorce.  This will greatly improve your ability to show the judge that you are the parent who can best care for the children.

Lower Your Emotional Reactivity

Being hit with the news that your partner wishes to end your marriage is a difficult thing to accept. Do your best to keep a cool head and not allow your anger to guide you moving forward. The more amicable you can keep your relationship the easier it will be to co-parent or interact with each other post-divorce.

Working with an experienced attorney can help guide you through the process of a divorce. Jenkins & Kamin LLP cares about their clients and wants every stage of their divorce to go as smoothly and favorably as possible.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP is one of the most respected family law firms in Texas. The firm is noted for its “team” approach by pairing skilled attorneys, paralegals and other support staff to enhance each client’s experience in difficult life transitions.

In addition to the “team” approach, Jenkins & Kamin, LLP strives to personalize case strategies for each individual client, including identification of every particular legal issue and effective explanation of the law with respect to those issues.  The firm endeavors to achieve a resolution that is appropriate for each client, while aggressively advocating on their behalf when necessary. Having a dedicated and experienced team working with you in any family law matter is of utmost importance to achieve the best result possible.

Jenkins & Kamin LLP represents clients in the following aspects of family law practice: Marital Property Agreements, Divorce, Complex Property Issues, Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Parentage, Modifications, Family Law Appeals and Dispute Resolution Alternatives. To learn more about the firm, visit http://www.jenkinskamin.com or contact one of our offices in the greater Houston area.