Sam M. (Trey) Yates, III
Sam M. (Trey) Yates, III, based in Houston is a Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Trey is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a national organization of skilled family law litigators and negotiators whose mission purpose is “to provide leadership that promotes the highest degree of professionalism and excellence in the practice of family law”. There are currently 1650 fellows in all of the 50 States.
Trey has been serving residents of Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, and Galveston counties since 1986, primarily in the area of complex family law matters and probate litigation. Trey also is a Certified Family Law Mediator and as a certified as a Collaborative Law divorce attorney.
Trey has served as president of the Houston Bar Association Family Law Section, as president of the Burta Rhodes Raborn Family Law American Inn of Court and as president of the Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists.
Trey is the recipient of the David A Gibson Award of Excellence in 2023 by Gulf Coast Family Law Specialist and The American Inns of Court Mentorship Excellence Award for the years of 2019, 2020, and 2021. Both prestigious awards were voted on by Trey’s colleagues in the Family Law Bar.
Trey is the creator of the highly successful The Guide to Good Divorce℠ program and seminar series launched in 2011. The Guide to Good Divorce℠ was created to offer women information and guidance from uniquely qualified experts on the law of divorce in Texas, divorce financial planning, life skills, and physical and spiritual wellness.
Trey has also served on numerous non-profit Boards of Directors in the greater Houston area and continues to volunteer his time to many causes that capture his current interest.
Trey is an Eagle Scout, enjoys CrossFit and traveling, and is the proud parent of rescue dog named Moxie.
For more information, visit www.treyyateslaw.com or call 713-932-7177.
“It is also my hope that our program will bring women together to support and encourage each other as they transition into the next phase of their lives. Divorce is difficult, but it can be a transformative experience.”
The law of divorce in Texas – an overview
The laws in Texas pertaining to divorce, spousal maintenance and the division of a couple’s marital property are complex and can be confusing.
The court is required, by law, to divide all of the community property that has been accumulated by the spouses during the marriage that is in existence at the time of divorce and not necessarily on an even basis – 50/50.
Fault in the breakup of the marriage, fraud and/or infidelity by a spouse oftentimes can influence a judge on what is “a just and right division” of a particular community estate.
A judge will look at the unique facts of each case and the particular history of a marriage as s/he decides on how much of what community asset should be awarded to a spouse.
It is also important to secure the right percentage of the right asset at the time of divorce. In other words, a dollar in a retirement account is different than a dollar in cash or in the equity of the marital residence.
The laws have changed dramatically regarding court-ordered spousal maintenance (alimony). The amount a spouse might receive is now based on the length of a marriage at time of divorce, as well as many other factors.
There are now laws to help an innocent spouse “reconstitute the community estate” if the other spouse has transferred community assets out of the marriage or otherwise financially misbehaved during the marriage.
It is also extremely important to know something about the judge who may be hearing your divorce case and making important decisions that can affect your financial situation post-divorce and ultimately your quality of life.
All of the foregoing topics may be covered by a Board Certified Family Law Attorney by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization at The Guide to Good Divorce℠ educational seminar.
Attendees will have access to a family law expert to ask questions regarding their particular legal situation and will benefit from other women in the audience as critical information is exchanged between those attending.
No matter where you are in the divorce process, or even if you are just considering your legal options, valuable practical information about the law of divorce in Texas will be presented at The Guide to Good Divorce℠ seminar.
Remember, knowledge is power; no truer words were ever spoken than when it comes to being familiar with the law and the legal process known as divorce in Texas.
After attending the legal presentation at The Guide to Good Divorce℠ you will leave the seminar with:
- Knowledge of necessary legal terms pertaining to the law of divorce in Texas.
- An understanding of what facts are relevant to achieve a “just and right division” of your unique community estate.
- Strategies for securing financial support from your ex-spouse once the divorce is final.
- Clarity on how your spouse’s bad behavior or fraud during your marriage can affect your ability to receive more than half of your marital assets at time of divorce.
- Skills at selecting the best legal representation for you and your unique situation when divorcing.
- Having had the opportunity to ask and have answered your legal question from a Board Certified Family Law attorney with years of trial experience in your community.
