In a high-asset Texas divorce, the infighting between the spouses can get downright nasty. It is natural to want to get as much value as possible in the divorce settlement. But there is no point in wasting time and energy pursuing impossible outcomes.
Such may be the case for those seeking the country club membership in divorce. Let’s review why that might be likened to tilting at windmills for some spouses.
Member spouses retain the memberships
The way that country clubs are designed is that one spouse is designated as the member. Their spouses and minor children can then be listed as associate members with all the privileges afforded to them.
But when divorce rears its head, the associate member spouse has no right to the membership. Some may say that this unfairly affects the female half of the couple, as most members are male. But as private clubs, they are free to set these terms for their members.
Associate members still have right to the membership’s value
Even though you might not leave your marriage with the country club membership, that doesn’t mean that you aren’t entitled to half of its value in your property settlement. But first, you have to determine the value of your half of the membership.
In exchange, depending on where you are in your life, you might derive equivalent value from the Galveston beach house or a larger slice of the retirement assets.
Ideally, when you exit your marriage, you will have sufficient assets and resources to move forward into the next chapter of your life. Legal guidance can increase the chance you will.
