Divorce Mistake #3: Taking legal advice from family and/or friends. They can be your emotional rocks to lean on, but don’t even begin to think they are a substitute for an attorney.  The ONLY person who can – and should – tell you what is in your best interest during the dissolution of your marriage is your lawyer!   Divorce Mistake #4: Forcing the kids to take sides.  It is a painful time – you are angry and just want to hurt your spouse, but never, ever use your kids as pawns in the process.  The best thing you can do for...

As a firm that practices Family Law, a large number of our cases involve divorce and it is no wonder - the common statistic is that 50% of all marriages end in divorce. Tessmer Law Firm brings you 20 Divorce Mistakes.  Bookmark our Facebook page so you don’t miss any!   Divorce Mistake #1:  Believing your spouse will be fair and amicable.  Most people facing divorce are emotionally vulnerable and upset; some are in a state of denial.  You may think your spouse will treat you well throughout the process, but chances are things will become antagonistic.  Look out for yourself and...

Biker 101: We have all heard the roar of a group of bikes arriving….. Are those loud pipes legal? Technically, no, but the law is rather vague.  Texas Transportation Code 547.604 states that “A motor vehicle shall be equipped with a muffler in good working condition that continually operates to prevent excessive or unusual noise.”  “Excessive or unusual” is left up to debate.  You probably won’t be stopped and ticketed unless you are being really obnoxious about it!   Biker 101: Are you safer riding in town or out on the open highway? The usual thought is that slower is safer, but...

Biker 101: Remember those hand signals you learned for bicycle riding? Extending or flexing your arm is an effective way to raise your visual profile in addition to using your turn signals. Just be sure you're able to effectively control your bike while doing so, and never take your hands off the handlebars when the turn is underway.   Biker 101: When riding as a group, a staggered riding formation allows a proper space cushion between bikes so each rider has enough time and space to maneuver and react to hazards. The leader rides in the left third of the lane, while...

“Get your motor runnin’…. Head out on the highway…“ It’s summertime in the Texas Hill Country and that means time to gas up the bike and hit the road.  This week, Tessmer Tips will focus on motorcycle laws and safety tips – “Biker 101”.  We will start with the obvious:  BE ALERT for motorcycles!  They are not always easy to see, especially in an age where distractions inside our vehicles are numerous.  So pay extra attention this time of year.   Biker 101: As a motorcyclist, make sure you can see the drivers of the cars around you when riding; if you can...

Final tips for Dads going through divorce:   Divorcing Dad Tip #9:  Understand the custody arrangements and laws available. Each state has different rules and laws, but there are some common types of custody arrangements such as joint custody or partial custody. Understand the language as far as what each type of custody arrangement means.   Divorcing Dad Tip #10:  Do not agree to anything you don’t think is fair unless the court mandates you do so.  While you may want to just end the custody battle, especially if it drags on for a long time, don't give up custody of your child without a...