Divorce for Athletes in Austin

Since professional athletes usually have significant assets, they need comprehensive legal assistance to navigate the divorce process. From applying prenuptial agreements to discussing child custody, divorce for athletes in Austin can be hard when it comes to achieving a fair outcome.

If you are an Austin athlete who is planning a divorce or a spouse of such an athlete, you need to speak with a qualified family attorney. Our legal team can explain your rights and help you protect them. Since divorces are usually highly emotional, having a professional lawyer on your side can keep you from making mistakes.

Complicated Asset Division

One of the main elements of a divorce for athletes is asset division. Since professional athletes tend to have substantial marital assets, they need to take a careful approach to distributing them.

In Texas, most of the property acquired in a marriage is jointly owned. This means that both spouses have equal rights to it. However, there is a difference between community (joint) and separate property.

For example, if a professional basketball player signs a lucrative endorsement deal during the marriage, the income from that deal would likely be considered community property. Even if the athlete was the sole earner, Texas law sees the income as jointly owned.

However, if the athlete purchased a home before the marriage and kept it in their name only, that property might be considered separate. But things can get complicated if community funds are used to pay the mortgage or make improvements. This could give the spouse a claim to a portion of its value.

Spousal Maintenance

Spousal maintenance is periodic payments to support a spouse to meet one’s basic needs. When it comes to divorce for athletes, the non-athlete spouse is likely to request such payments. However, in Austin, they can only receive them in certain circumstances.

For example, the spouse may receive alimony if the athlete committed an act of violence against them or their child within two years of the time the divorce was initiated. Another example is the non-athlete’s spouse’s inability to earn sufficient income. This may happen if that spouse has a disability or has to care for a child with a disability.

The court may award maintenance only if the marriage lasted for 10 years or longer. The amount of maintenance cannot leave the athlete’s spouses without a sufficient amount to care for themselves.

Child Custody

Since professional athletes in Austin have to deal with frequent travel during the season and juggle complex off-season obligations, they may face custody complications during a divorce.

When creating a custody agreement, the legal team has to consider all the nuances and create a contract that protects everyone’s rights. The Texas court will prioritize the child’s well-being. However, both parents have an opportunity to present evidence and achieve the desired outcome for themselves.

Discuss Divorce for Athletes With a Competent Attorney in Austin

If you are an athlete or an athlete’s spouse who is planning a divorce, you need to navigate multiple nuances. An experienced family attorney can help protect your rights in a divorce without unnecessary complications. Proper legal guidance is key to avoiding mistakes.

At Kimbrough Legal, PLLC, we have already handled many divorces for athletes in Austin. We are here to fight for your and your children’s rights. Call us to schedule a consultation at any convenient time.