Four social advocacy groups recently released a report called, "Collateral Consequences" to draw attention to an increasing number of teenagers being arrested in Texas on charges of making terroristic threats and firearms violations. The report notes that this increase appears to be a result of recent shooting incidents in Santa Fe and Parkland. While some believe this increased vigilance keeps schools in Texas safe, others believe the juvenile defense and incarcerations could worsen the issue.
Understanding constructive possession
Facing drug charges in Texas is no laughing matter. Depending upon the type and quantity of drugs you allegedly possessed at the time law enforcement officers arrested you, you could spend a considerable period of time in prison and/or be required to pay substantial fines if convicted.
Consider college expenses in parenting plans
When couples divorce with young children, paying for college may be far from their minds. However, child custody plays an important role in a person's eligibility for financial aid in university. Some Texas colleges will consider the income and assets of both parents' households, including shared assets with new spouses, while others only look at the custodial parents' finances. Different divorce agreements and a parenting plan may also result in different obligations to pay for college expenses.
Retirement accounts may be only way to avoid 2019 alimony taxes
Divorces can often drag out over a long period of time, but high asset individuals may want to take steps to finalize their agreements sooner than later. Under new tax laws, people who divorce after Dec. 31, 2018 will no longer be able to deduct alimony payments unless they use retirement accounts to transfer funds. Trying to get ahead of this change may be best for many individuals in Texas, especially those with a high net worth.
Can your child lose financial aid because of a drug conviction?
If you live in Texas and are preparing to send your son or daughter off to college for the first time this year, you may have concerns about how he or she might behave in your absence. Often, kids who go out on their own for the first time experiment and test boundaries, and while sometimes, it proves harmless, it can also have considerable effects on your child’s future.
