Chris A. Spofford

Chris A. Spofford is a Houston-based divorce and family law attorney with over 30 years of experience. He has assisted thousands of Texans in navigating the complex waters of divorce and family law matters.

Chris was among the first lawyers in Texas to be trained in Collaborative Divorce in 2000. He has distinguished himself in both intense courtroom trials and through innovative alternatives such as divorce mediation and collaborative family law.

  • 7 Common Divorce Mistakes to Avoid in Texas

    ByChris A. Spofford

    Divorce in Texas can get financially and emotionally costly if you make common mistakes like hiding assets, overlooking retirement accounts, or letting emotions guide decisions. There are some common divorce mistakes to avoid that will save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. Whether you are just beginning the process or already knee-deep in paperwork and negotiations, here are some of the most common divorce mistakes I have seen people make—and how to avoid them. 1. Letting Emotions Drive Legal Decisions Divorce is emotional—it is also a legal process. Many people make the mistake of acting out of anger, resentment, or fear, which can lead to decisions that are not in their best long-term interest. For example: Tip: Work with a calm, experienced attorney who can…

  • Pets in a Divorce: What Texas Law Says About Your Furry Family Members

    ByChris A. Spofford

    TL;DR: In Texas, pets are considered property. Courts don’t typically offer pet custody or visitation, so it may be best bet to negotiate a pet agreement outside of court.  For many couples, pets are more than just animals—they are family. So, when a marriage ends, one of the most emotionally charged questions that can arise is: Who gets the dog? What about the cat? Or even the iguana? If you’re going through a divorce in Houston or anywhere in Texas, and you and your spouse share a beloved pet, it is important to understand how Texas law treats this issue—and what you can do to protect the bond with your four-legged companion. Pets Are Property in Texas It may surprise (or even upset) some people…

  • Can You Have A Child-Centered Divorce?

    ByChris A. Spofford

    If you have children, you essentially already have a child-centered divorce because your child should be the most important part of your divorce process. When considering a child-centered divorce, the focus invariably shifts to addressing the needs of the child, particularly in cases where primary custody is under discussion. Situations involving children with special needs, varying from mild to severe conditions, require specific attention during a divorce. A child with physical disabilities, such as being wheelchair-bound, becomes a pivotal concern in the divorce proceedings. Ensuring that they have adequate provisions becomes a central focus. Additionally, emotional issues in children might be exacerbated during divorce. While some children may navigate this period relatively well, others may require extra support or professional intervention to cope with the…

  • Can I Date During My Divorce?

    ByChris A. Spofford

    One of the often-debated topics involving divorce is dating.  It’s a topic laden with various implications, especially when children are involved. Let’s address the elephant in the room: dating during a divorce when children are part of the equation. Here’s the crux—if you’re vying for custody of your children, engaging in dating during the divorce can inadvertently create hurdles. It might send the message that your focus is divided, potentially affecting your credibility as a dedicated parent in the eyes of the court. Introducing a new partner (especially to the kids) during this legal process could significantly impact custody negotiations, as it might confuse or distress the children further, leaving them in a precarious emotional position. However, even if custody isn’t an issue, there are…

  • Rules For Using Social Media During the Divorce Process

    ByChris A. Spofford

    There are some important considerations for using social media during your divorce process.  Social media can have significant implications for your case. While as a rule, I would recommend not using social media during the divorce process, if you just can’t turn it off here are some rules that I recommend. In summary, social media can significantly affect your divorce case. It’s crucial to exercise caution, be mindful of what you share, and consider the potential implications of your posts on your legal proceedings. In many cases, limiting your social media activity during the divorce process is a wise choice to protect your interests. For more information or to schedule a consultation call (713) 526-2400. The office of Chris A. Spofford, Family Lawyer is located at 3000 Weslayan,…

  • How Do I Communicate Proficiently with My Divorce Attorney?

    ByChris A. Spofford

    Effective communication with your divorce attorney is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful legal process. When discussing how you want your attorney to communicate with you and what kind of information they should provide, consider the following points: Effective communication and a strong attorney-client relationship are vital during divorce proceedings. By setting clear expectations and maintaining open and confidential communication, you and your attorney can work together more effectively to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. For more information or to schedule a consultation call (713) 526-2400. The office of Chris A. Spofford, Family Lawyer is located at 3000 Weslayan, Suite 365, Houston, TX 77027.

  • Reimbursement of Assets at Divorce for Funds Spent from an Inheritance

    ByChris A. Spofford

    Texas Legislature Passed New Law That Will Change How Inherited Assets Are Treated in a Divorce Originally posted June 1, 2023.  Updated June 28, 2023. The law was passed by the legislature and signed into law. It takes effect September 1, 2023.  Over the years, many clients have asked me if they can be paid back at divorce for assets they spent from their inheritance during the marriage. This would be called reimbursement. Inherited money is separate property in Texas. Texas is a community property state and separate property is protected by the Texas constitution. Please refer to my blog on Characterization of Property for a more in-depth discussion of separate property vs. community property. In some instances, the law provides that a party to a divorce may be reimbursed for separate…

  • Spousal Maintenance and Alimony in Texas Family Law

    ByChris A. Spofford

    Many people believe that, with the passage of the Texas Spousal Maintenance statute in 1995, we now have alimony in Texas. That is not the case. Spousal Maintenance is not “alimony” in the traditional sense and that is why it is not called alimony in Texas Family Law. We do have contractual alimony in Texas, which I will discuss later in this blog. Contractual alimony, as you can presume by its name, must be agreed to between the parties, a judge cannot order it. However, a judge can enforce contractual alimony once the parties have agree to it. For the purposes of this legal update, I will refer to spousal maintenance for final orders. In Texas Family Law, before a divorce case is final, the Judge has the power…

  • Required Disclosures in Texas Family Law

    ByChris A. Spofford

    Texas Legislative Updates that affect Texas Family Law In the 2020 Session, the Texas Legislature passed a law that required all parties in suits filed after January 1, 2021, to provide certain information and documents to the other parties regardless of whether a party formally requested that information. That law was modified for Family Law cases in 2023, at which time the disclosure of this information was only required if formally requested. Civil cases (all cases other than criminal cases that are not governed by the Texas Family Code) are still governed by the 2020 rule requiring the disclosure of information without written request In 1999, the legislature overhauled the discovery process in Texas. As a part of that overhaul, Rule 194 Request for Disclosures…

  • Child Custody Modification Under Texas Family Law

    ByChris A. Spofford

    Why you may want to file for a Child Custody Modification In the legal world, “child custody modification” can mean a number of different things. It might mean that you want to change the rights and duties that each parent has, according to a previous order. It can also mean that you wish to change which parent has “possession” of the children most of the time. Or it can mean restructuring the visitation schedule. In order to make any changes to your previous order regarding child custody, you must file a Petition for Modification.  In Texas Family Law, this is a new lawsuit but it must be filed in the same court that rendered the order you are seeking to change. If your most recent custody order was granted…