Renken Law Firm

06/18/2026

Can you guess the occupations with the HIGHEST divorce rate?

Working in family law in Houston, Texas we have our own theories.

But according to the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), the top 10 occupations report a divorce rate of 47% or higher. They are listed as follows:

1. Other Healthcare Practitioners (48.3%)*

2. Telemarketers (48.0%)

3. Massage Therapists (47.9%)

4. Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity (47.8%)

5. Supervisors of Personal Care and Service Workers (47.6%)

6. Press Machine Operators (47.6%)

7. Correctional Supervisors (47.5%)

8. Ambulance Drivers and Attendants (47.3%)

9. Orderlies and Psychiatric Aides (47.2%)

10. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (47.2%)

While a career choice alone doesn’t determine marital outcomes, occupational conditions such as work schedules, stress levels, income stability, and work-life balance show measurable differences across professions that correlate with divorce rates.

What do you think of this list? Do you agree?

Let us know!

06/17/2026

Bet you didn't know that attorney Renken (and her entire family) were avid soccer players since they were kids. In fact, one of the Renken siblings received a full ride scholarship for soccer to Harvard University.

You could say soccer is in their blood.

So when the FIFA World Cup was coming to Houston, soccer's number 1 fans had to be there.

Here they are at the Portugal vs. Congo match.

Once a soccer player, always a soccer player.

06/16/2026

Nothing beats client reviews like this.

This client endured a toxic and destructive ex who tried to take advantage of her. We weren't going to let that happen without a fight.

And we won.

We can't guarantee results, but we can guarantee we fight for YOU.

06/15/2026

"Mediation is not about winning or losing, but about finding a resolution that works for everyone involved." — Unknown

In the state of Texas, mediation is required both before Temporary Orders and Final Orders. Many clients wonder why it is required and the answer is simple.

The courts would prefer families and individuals settle their own matters collaboratively. Only the individuals involved in the case really know what is going on, therefore, why let a judge decide your future when you can do it for yourselves.

The most successful mediations are a result of practical strategies:

*preparing in advance

*keeping an open mind

*using neutral language

*retaining composure and patience

*focusing on interests rather than positions

When we "prep" our clients for mediation, we remind them the importance of using active listening and being flexible, because these have a significant impact on the trajectory of discussions and whether they keep moving or stay stagnant.

Assisting the client in thinking about how THEY will approach the process gives them clarity and autonomy, which usually helps alleviate some of the emotional overwhelm that can occur.

While every mediation and dispute is different, having the right mindset when entering mediation can offer opportunities for alternative resolutions and meaningful dialogue.

06/10/2026

The biggest mistake we see people make when contemplating divorce is waiting too long to get information.

Waiting too long to get basic, clear information regarding your rights could be detrimental in the long run. The reason for this is simple, when you are operating under stress, making smart, rational decisions can be challenging.

Divorce seldom comes "out of nowhere".

Before things escalate to the point of no return, it's imperative to get the facts.

Facts from a licensed family law attorney (preferably) who can provide you with everything you need to know pertaining to YOUR matter. Facts to help you understand your options and next steps. Facts to quiet the overwhelm of the unknown. Facts to help you create your new life.

Of course we are always going to help clients, regardless of the timing.

We just know that getting the facts BEFORE everything hits the fan, makes for a smoother transition.

Call today to book your consultation.

06/09/2026

One of the biggest financial mistakes we see in the first few months after the finalization of a divorce is clients spending money they don't have yet.

The divorce settlement isn't a jackpot or stroke of luck.

It should be seen as a financial reset. A time to strengthen any financial weaknesses to help cultivate better financial choices. The way a client begins handling their money in the beginning, will set the pattern for their financial future.

When we are operating from a stressful state, it is seldom that we can make clear, rational decisions, that's why having someone there to mitigate consequential decisions is paramount.

Fortunately, Renken Law firm partners with Certified Financial Advisors that can help alleviate confusion and provide guidance to a better financial outcome.

Not all of our clients utilize these additional resources, but the clients who do, emphasize what a difference having someone guide them through the "financial" divorce process is.

By working collaboratively with a team of professionals, Renken Law is ensuring our clients have all of the resources to create the new lives they want.

Renken Law is here for you.

06/05/2026

Family law is ever evolving and if you don't adapt you might get left behind.

Technology and access to information has never been so easily available resulting in a new, informed client.

AI tools are popping up everywhere and we are seeing ChatGPT and the like being used more and more in our intial consultations.

In fact, this week, we had a consultation come in, a mother and son, asking about grandparents rights and revoking parental rights. They came in, sat down, and proceeded to hand the attorney 6 pages of ChatGPT prompted questions about the above issues.

Our attorney politely handed the papers back to the client and informed them that's not how this works. Our attorneys do not have time to answer EVERY question thought of by AI because ChatGPT doesn't know Texas Family Code and the judges in YOUR county. It doesn't know the local practice standards or how a judge usually leans in high conflict custody cases.

We can appreciate utilizing AI to help get some feedback, but AI isn't going to tell you like it is, they are there to be your "personal cheerleader". A good family attorney has the hard conversations with you and doesn't just tell you what you want to hear, they tell you what you NEED to hear.

And finally, AI isn't privileged information, everything can be used for or against you. AI is a great TOOL, but it cannot replace the professionals who been in family law for 25+ years, because family law is a human experience.

What are your thoughts on AI and how things are changing?

06/04/2026

Sometimes the bravest decision two people can make is to end their marriage.

Divorce is never what is expected when we get married. Nobody PLANS to get divorced, but life happens, circumstances change and people change.

Whether the divorce process is amicable or high conflict, Renken Law treats every matter the same: client centered.

We truly focus on OUR client and guiding them through the entire divorce process from start to finish.

Let Renken Law show how we are different.

06/03/2026

We had an initial consultation the other day that really stuck out to us.

This potential client came in really worried about the cost. Their situation: two kids, modest assests, an ex who "seems rather flexible and reasonable but you never know". We provided a realistic quote for the TOTAL of her divorce. They wrote down that number, then looked at us directly and asked:

"What do I need to do to keep MY divorce within the lower range of your quote?"

Without hesitation, we responded: be organized, responsive and flexible.

What we have learned in our practice: clients who come in organized and prepared to "do the work" are the ones that have the lowest overall costs. The clients who "get it" are the ones who know, the MORE you fight about inconsequential things, the higher the bill is. Being able to put feelings aside and think objectively changes everything.

Bottom line, those who recognize how their OWN behavior affects the outcome of their matter are the ones who spend less and thrive more.

If you or anyone you know is thinking about divorce, have them book an initial consultation to see how the Renken Law firm is different.

06/01/2026

Let's talk about "Parental Alienation".

According to Psychology Today, "Parental alienation occurs when a child refuses to have a relationship with a parent due to manipulation by the other parent, such as the conveying of exaggerated or false information. The situation most often arises during a divorce or custody battle, but it can also happen in intact families."

What are the signs of parental alienation?

Severely restricting the time a child can spend with the other parent, especially in defiance of court orders, is a core sign of parental alienation. Making negative comments about the other parent, blaming them for the divorce, making false accusations of abuse or neglect, and threatening to withhold affection if the child expresses positive feelings about the absent parent are hallmarks of parental alienation as well.

How common is parental alienation?

Some researchers estimate that between 11 and 15 percent of divorces involving children lead to parental alienation. Around 1 percent of children in North America may experience parental alienation.

Is parental alienation a crime?

Parental alienation is handled through civil proceedings; it is not an arrestable offense.

Parents can fight alienation in court, but they need to provide rigorous proof. A court may then mandate a reunification program, in which the child spends time with the alienated parent under supervision to rebuild the relationship.

For more on Parental Alienation, visit the following:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/parental-alienation

Parental alienation occurs when a child refuses to have a relationship with a parent due to manipulation, such as the conveying of exaggerated or false information, by the other parent. The situation most often arises during a divorce or custody battle but it can happen in intact families as well.