Barnhill Law FirmBarnhill Law Firm2026-06-29T18:37:16Zhttps://www.barnhillfirm.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1504205/2024/12/cropped-Favicon-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Barnhill Law Firm<![CDATA[Keeping private matters out of the public record during divorce]]>https://www.barnhillfirm.com/?p=467082026-06-09T17:39:29Z2026-06-09T17:39:29ZSome people who are considering a divorce may be wary of going through the process because they’re concerned about their private matters, typically finances, becoming part of the public record. High-asset divorces often contain sensitive financial records and information about assets. Court filings are typically available for the public to view unless a specific rule or court order limits that access. This means that anyone can look at financial disclosures, pleadings, exhibits, and hearing details. Those may have the ability to affect a person’s reputation, personal life, or business relationships.
How can privacy be maintained during a divorce?
One option that’s possible is having the records sealed, but this isn’t automatic. The court will likely require a legally valid reason to seal a case, and seeking financial privacy typically doesn’t meet that standard. All requests to seal records must be carefully tied to the facts of the case and applicable procedure. Confidentiality agreements during the discovery phase can also help to maintain privacy during a divorce. These agreements can limit which documents are used, who can view the documents, and how they must be stored. Divorces that include information about business matters, tax records, client lists, or other proprietary information usually include a confidentiality agreement. Another option is to use mediation to resolve matters. Communication during mediation has specific privacy protections under Texas law. This may make mediation a more attractive resolution option if both parties want to maintain privacy about matters related to child custody, property division, support, and everything else contained in the divorce.Privacy in divorce doesn’t mean hiding assets or avoiding the required disclosures. Instead, it means using lawful procedures to reduce publicly available information while ending a marriage.
]]>On Behalf of Barnhill Law Firm<![CDATA[Working with a forensic accountant to find hidden marital assets]]>https://www.barnhillfirm.com/?p=467072026-06-08T13:37:41Z2026-06-08T13:27:14ZWhat does a forensic accountant do?
A forensic accountant is a financial professional who has specialized training and experience assessing financial records. They examine bank statements, credit card bills, and tax returns to understand the finances of a divorcing couple.
They look for discrepancies when comparing various financial documents with one another. They also help trace income and marital assets. The tracing process can validate or disprove claims that certain assets are one spouse’s separate property.
Tracing can also help identify missing and undervalued assets, as well as income diverted from shared bank accounts. Forensic accountants can also analyze the financial conduct of the spouses throughout the marriage and in the months leading up to the divorce. They could potentially locate hidden bank accounts or other attempts to hide marital property.
They can help validate the marital standard of living and any questionable transactions before the divorce that may deviate from the standard financial conduct within the marriage. All of that together can help spouses identify financial misconduct and push for a fair property division decree. The Texas community property statute does not always require a 50/50 split of assets. Judges can diverge from that standard when doing so is fair, given the circumstances.
Attempts to hide marital income could convince the courts to address that misconduct in the final property division decree. Working with a high-asset divorce attorney can help spouses protect themselves as they prepare for property division proceedings accordingly.]]>On Behalf of Barnhill Law Firm<![CDATA[Splitting ranches and farmland in a Coryell County divorce]]>https://www.barnhillfirm.com/?p=467062026-06-05T00:20:41Z2026-06-05T00:20:41ZWho owns the land?
In some cases, married couples jointly own their farmland or ranches. In other cases, they may live on property that technically belongs to a family trust or to the parents of one spouse. The details of the ownership arrangement can influence how the courts ultimately address the farmland during divorce proceedings.
Trusts and family ownership arrangements can reduce the likelihood of a forced property sale but may also lead to much more complex property division proceedings. If the spouses cannot divide the parcel, they may require a standard of living analysis that calculates the value of the unpaid benefits derived from living on and working the land owned by an outside party or a trust.
What is the land worth?
The current assessed value for Coryell County farmland may not accurately reflect the true fair market value for the property. The tax assessment process allows for exemptions for agricultural land that can lead to the farmland appearing much less valuable on paper than it is on the market.
Spouses may need help determining what the land is truly worth. They may also need to consider how refinancing due to the divorce might affect tax exemptions and liabilities. Additionally, they may need to consider other people who rely on that land and the impact of changing ownership or subdividing the parcel on the long-term sustainability of farm or ranch operations.
Working with an attorney familiar with the unique approach to farmland used in Coryell County can help ranchers, farmers, and their spouses to better ensure that they protect their family farms while simultaneously pursuing a fair divorce outcome.]]>On Behalf of Barnhill Law Firm<![CDATA[50/50 is not always equal: Dividing a Texas business fairly]]>https://www.barnhillfirm.com/?p=466862026-03-26T19:33:49Z2026-03-26T09:36:45ZDividing property in a Texas divorce rarely means cutting everything down the middle. If you own a business in Central Texas, that idea can feel especially risky. A company often carries years of work, client relationships and future income, so splitting it in half could damage its value or even force a sale. Instead of relying on a rigid formula, Texas law follows a “just and right” standard, which opens the door to more practical solutions.
Keeping the business, balancing the rest
Because courts focus on fairness rather than an exact split, one spouse may keep full ownership of a business while the other receives different assets of similar value. This approach can help preserve daily operations and avoid disruption for employees and clients, which often matters just as much as the numbers on paper.In many cases, using asset offsets can create that balance without touching the business itself. For example, one spouse may retain the company while the other receives:
A larger share of the family home or other real estate
Retirement accounts such as a 401(k) or IRA
Investment portfolios or savings accounts
Vehicles, equipment or other high-value property
Assigning clear values and matching assets carefully can help both sides reach a fair outcome while the business stays intact. This method works especially well for service-based companies, family-owned shops or professional practices where continuity drives long-term success.
Looking beyond today’s numbers
Even with asset offsets, achieving fairness depends on more than adding up current values. Considering future income, tax consequences and existing business debt can shift what feels equitable. A company with steady revenue may justify a larger offset compared to one with unpredictable earnings. Evaluating these factors together can help prevent financial surprises down the road.Working with a board-certified family law attorney can support this process by structuring trade-offs in ways that protect each spouse’s interests. Legal guidance can also ensure valuations and agreements hold up if the division ever comes under review.
Protecting what you built
Keeping your business does not have to mean losing everything else. Exploring flexible solutions allows one spouse to retain the company while the other gains assets of equal value. This approach can safeguard your investment, protect employees and create a fair path forward for both parties.With thoughtful planning and legal support, you can preserve what you built while moving confidently into the next chapter of marital property matters.]]>