Texas was one of the first states to realize that human trafficking was a major problem. As the state with the largest border with Mexico, Texas is a prime entry point for smuggled humans. The “coyotes” or smugglers of Mexican citizens have been operating for years. The coyotes’ customers are often there by choice; trying to make a new life in the United States, but because of the nature of the illegal smuggling they are involved in, many die on the way and once they get get into America get scammed or involved in illegal activities.

Because of the illegal nature of their customers, the smuggled people are at the mercy of the coyotes. At any time they could be reported to the authorities and deported. Some victims even believe the smuggler’s lies about how they must work to pay off the debts accrued in the cost of their smuggling. In most cases, these debts will never be paid. Along with the smuggling of Mexican citizens, the long Texas border has become a port for many other human trafficking schemes.

Texas accounts for a full fifth of all human trafficking in the Unites States. Of course modern day slavery is illegal, but human trafficking has only been illegal in Texas since 2003. The main hubs for human smuggling are El Paso and Houston. The new Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force’s main aim is to connect the law enforcement, government workers and nonprofit organizations involved in human trafficking so they can communicate where the smugglers are as they move people around the state.

As these people are smuggled in and bought and sold for slavery, the task force will try to monitor these activities and disrupt them when possible. Some ways that modern day slave traders control their victims, other than through force are by isolating them from the public and their family. They also threaten the victim’s family in their home country with violence and controlling the victim’s money for safe keeping or to repay debts. Most victims are female and many will be forced into prostitution. Because in most cases both the smuggler and the victim have committed a crime, the victim is afraid to go to authorities. Without any oversight, the victims are in complete control of the smuggling gangs.

When you are experiencing a marital conflict with your spouse and want to take a step towards divorce, some couples consider legal separation as a viable option. Legal separation is beneficial if both spouses believe that they no longer want to live together but would still like to remain married, whether it is a fear of going through divorce proceedings or the hope of eventual reconciliation. In some states, this is legally recognized and spouses can request alimony, child support/custody and division of property under this classification. However, Texas has no provisions for legal separation, so a divorce must occur to legally separate the above factors. Texas, however, does recognize temporary orders to be filed at the time the divorce is filed. This can help you make impermanent changes while the proceedings are going on.

Because there is no official documentation recognizing a legal separation in Texas, you are still technically married to your spouse during this time. In that instance, you do not have the legal right to divide assets or demand child support, even if the spouse agrees. This may be harmonious if both spouses agree to the same terms but, if one changes his or her mind; you will not have legal protection without a divorce. You can also not remarry unless the court grants dissolution of marriage.

In cases of abuse, either to a spouse or child, a divorce is extremely important in protecting the safety of the victims. Not only should this be brought to court under marital processes, but under criminal law, as well. Though Texas does not recognize separation, the state does offer a “no fault divorce” law, which allows one spouse to file for a divorce without providing grounds, such as adultery or cruelty. In this case, the spouse only has to prove “irreconcilable differences” and that the marriage cannot be saved any more.

Whether you are going through a separation or a divorce, the help of an experienced attorney can help you navigate this often-confusing process. Because each state has different laws regarding marriage and the dissolution of marriage, you will want to work with a lawyer who has a specialization in your state’s laws. Divorce can often be a difficult, stressful time in one’s life, but you can alleviate some of those worries knowing that you have intelligence and experience on your side in the form of a divorce lawyer.