Wilson Whitaker Rynell

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972-248-8080 DALLAS
713-830-2207 HOUSTON
512-691-4100 AUSTIN
wilson whitaker rynell attorneys and counselors at law logo
972-248-8080 DALLAS
713-830-2207 HOUSTON
512-691-4100 AUSTIN

Divorce for Professional Athletes in Texas

ATTORNEYS IN DALLAS

An estimated 85 percent of professional athletes divorce making a prenuptial agreement before marriage the best defense to protect you.

Divorce for Professional Athletes

Individuals who pursue professional sports careers have prominent and often well-paying positions. Although they represent a small fraction of the population, professional athletes have a higher divorce rate than the general population, with approximately 70% of their marriages ending in divorce. Divorces involving professional athletes tend to be more contentious than other family law cases, with higher stakes for both parties.

Professional Athletes and Prenuptial Agreements

Many professional athletes have prenuptial agreements in place that outline their respective property and spousal support rights in the event of a divorce. It is important to note that prenuptial agreements cannot establish child custody or child support rights. To be considered legally binding in Texas, a prenuptial agreement must be in writing and signed voluntarily by both parties. In situations where either spouse was not fully informed of the other spouse's financial situation or did not waive the right to such information, a court may deem the prenuptial agreement unconscionable and choose not to enforce it. However, if there was financial disclosure and voluntary agreement, Texas courts will generally uphold prenuptial agreements.

Property Division in Divorce for Professional Athletes

If the parties do not have a prenuptial agreement, the courts will usually divide the property. In Texas, community property encompasses any property acquired by either party during the marriage, including income and real estate, except for a few exceptions like gifts, personal injury damages, and inheritances. Conversely, separate property is property owned by either party before the marriage, which remains their own after the divorce. For example, if one spouse owned a house prior to the marriage, it is generally considered separate property.

Community property assets may be divided between the spouses in a way the court deems equitable. However, equitable does not always mean an equal distribution, but instead one that is considered fair and just. The court will consider various factors, including whether either spouse is at fault for the divorce, each spouse's current income and earning potential, which spouse cares for the children, and the health of both parties.

Determining Spousal Maintenance

When it comes to divorce cases involving professional athletes, it's common for the non-athlete spouse to ask for spousal maintenance, which Texas refers to as alimony. However, in Texas, spousal maintenance is only granted under specific circumstances. For instance, it may be awarded when the spouse from whom maintenance is sought committed an act of family violence against the requesting spouse or their child within two years of the divorce action's initiation or while the suit is pending. It may also be given when the spouse who seeks maintenance lacks the ability to earn sufficient income to provide for their reasonable needs, either due to a disability or because they are caring for a disabled child.

Furthermore, spousal maintenance may be granted in cases where the marriage has lasted for ten or more years, and the spouse requesting maintenance can't earn enough to meet their needs. If the court decides that spousal maintenance is necessary, it will consider various factors to determine an appropriate amount, such as the duration of the marriage, each spouse's assets and liabilities, and their employment history and health.

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Best Texas Divorce Lawyers

Our Dallas Divorce Attorneys Serve Clients Throughout Texas


In order to best prepare yourself during the divorce process, it is vital that you have a qualified divorce attorney by your side. Our divorce law firm is dedicated to providing knowledgeable, professional, and effective legal counsel for all types of family and divorce matters. When you work with our experienced Dallas family law attorneys, you can trust that we will have your best interests in mind.

Speak with an Experienced Divorce Attorney

Although professional athletes lead exhilarating and lucrative lives, they unfortunately experience high rates of divorce. The experienced lawyers at Wilson Whitaker Rynell are skilled in assisting clients involved in complicated marital dissolutions, and we are dedicated to protecting your rights and advocating for you every step of the way. Our firm represents clients in divorce cases in various Texas cities, including Dallas, Austin, Houston, Fort Worth, and all cities within Dallas County, Tarrant County, Collin County, and Denton County.

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By Leigh Whitaker January 28, 2025
Female Divorce Attorneys in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area In many instances, divorce cases are challenging and emotionally taxing experiences. For this reason, it’s common for people to prefer working with an attorney of the same gender because they feel as though the attorney can empathize and understand their situation more. At the end of the day, the gender of your attorney may not affect the outcome of your case, but it’s important to feel as comfortable as possible while navigating through the process. At Wilson Whitaker Rynell, our experienced female divorce attorneys offer compassionate and empathetic approaches while they develop a comprehensive legal strategy to represent you. Why Should You Choose a Female Divorce Lawyer? There are many reasons why hiring a female divorce attorney can help you throughout your divorce. For one, they often have experience working on issues that disproportionately affect women in divorce such as spousal support (alimony), child custody disputes, and asset division. Additionally, female divorce lawyers offer a unique level of empathy, understanding, and communication. As a result, many clients feel that they are more approachable and compassionate, which is beneficial when dealing with the emotional turmoil of the process. More importantly, female divorce attorneys are more familiar with how the court treats women in divorce cases and use this knowledge to strategically protect their clients’ interests, whether male or female. Why Our Female Divorce Attorneys May be Right for You At Wilson Whitaker Rynell, our female divorce attorneys are skilled, knowledgeable professionals, they also have many years of experience in handling complex divorce cases. Whether it’s issues surrounding custody of children, alimony, or asset division, our female divorce lawyers ensure each client receives high-quality legal advice. Our firm’s female divorce attorneys provide the highest level of personal attention, ensuring that each client’s unique needs and concerns are addressed through every step. Unique Challenges Women Face in Family Law Disputes in Texas Family law disputes can be emotionally charged and legally complex, especially for women navigating the process in Texas. Women often encounter unique challenges due to their roles in the marriage and family dynamic, particularly when it comes to child custody, child support, and the division of marital assets. Child Custody Challenges In many marriages, women take on the primary caregiving role for their children. However, when it comes to custody decisions, courts in Texas prioritize the best interests of the child over parental gender. While this often works in favor of mothers, women may still face hurdles in proving they are better suited to provide the stable environment the child needs, especially if their ex-spouse disputes custody. Factors such as work schedules, living arrangements, and financial stability can come under scrutiny. Child Support Issues While Texas law allows women to seek child support, collecting these payments can sometimes prove difficult. Women awarded child support may find themselves dealing with ex-spouses who delay payments, make partial payments, or refuse to pay altogether. Enforcing child support orders often requires legal intervention, which can add to the emotional and financial strain. Division of Marital Assets In Texas, a community property state, marital assets are typically divided equitably during divorce. Women who are awarded assets such as the family home may face challenges related to maintaining the property, refinancing a mortgage, or covering associated expenses. Additionally, women who sacrificed their careers to support their spouses or raise children may feel disadvantaged during the division of assets if their earning potential is limited compared to their ex-spouse. How Your Divorce Attorney Will Support You Each divorce case is unique, and having an experienced attorney standing by you is vital. Whether you’re dividing assets, negotiating child custody, or managing other complex legal issues, the female divorce attorneys at Wilson Whitaker Rynell are here to protect the interests of you and your family. Our attorneys will take the time to understand your unique circumstances and empower you to make informed decisions that support your career, family and future. When you choose a female divorce attorney from Wilson Whitaker Rynell, you can trust that they will: Prioritize your family’s best interests. Negotiate with integrity, ensuring fairness and transparency. Clearly explain all your options and their potential outcomes. Help you create the future you want by offering trusted legal advice. Use efficient methods to minimize unnecessary costs and keep the process manageable. Navigating family law disputes requires a thorough understanding of Texas family law and strong advocacy. Women facing divorce or other family law issues are encouraged to seek an experienced family law attorney who can provide personalized guidance. A skilled lawyer can help craft a strategy that protects their rights and ensures a fair resolution. This includes representing their interests in court, negotiating settlements, and helping enforce orders such as child support or spousal maintenance.
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