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The University of Texas at Austin School of Law
  2. Course Schedule

Texas Marital Relations and Divorce

  • Semester: Spring 2010
  • Course ID: 257
  • Credit Hours: 2
  • Unique: 28464

Course Information

  • Professional Skills: Satisfies ABA Professional Skills Requirement

Registration Information

  • Upperclass-only elective

Meeting Times

Day Time Location
MON, WED 12:30 - 1:45 pm TNH 3.125

Evaluation Method

Type Date Time Location
None

Description

(2 Credit version, Spring 2010) Class meets February 22-May 3. This course emphasizes the Texas marital property regime and the economic consequences of divorce--rather than studying the policy considerations underlying the existing legal system found in the Texas Family Code and related case law. Initially, marriage in Texas and the grounds and procedures for divorce will be analyzed. Thereafter, four goals will emerge. First, understanding the Texas marital property regime; that is, the characterization of separate and community property and their management, control, and liabilities during marriage. Second, the primary focus will shift to the disposition of marital property on dissolution of the marriage by annulment or divorce. Special attention will be given to certain commonly held assets that cause significant problems in litigation, e.g., family homesteads, business interests, retirement benefits, insurance, etc. Third, the social and economic effects on children of the marriage when parents divorce are also dealt with through the initial decision, i.e., a divorce. Finally, the process of settlement of the issues in a divorce by agreement by the parties acting through their attorneys, rather than via contested litigation, will be examined. Note, post-dissolution enforcement of the divorce decree and agreement incident to divorce, and modification of custody and enforcement of family support are not covered in the course. Grading is based on a special project that will be completed during the last week in April, 2010. The project involves negotiating a divorce decree and property settlement agreement between a typical, upper-middle class couple (with children and modestly substantial property). Students may choose to negotiate one-on-one, one-on-two, or two-on-two. In addition, questions related to the legal issues integral to the fact situations are answered in individual essays. A student who does not wish to engage in the negotiation process is encouraged not tot to enroll. However, in lieu of engaging in the negotiation process a student may submit documents comprising an offer of settlement that either party would accept.

Instructors

Headshot of Sampson, John J. Sampson, John J.
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