Divorce can be an emotional and difficult process, which is why it’s important to find the right lawyer to guide you through this tough time. In this blog post, we will introduce you to some of the key considerations when hiring a Houston divorce lawyer. From experience to education, read on to find out all you need to know in order to make a wise decision.
Why Hire a Houston Divorce Lawyer?
When you’re ready to divorce, there are a few things you need to do: gather all of your paperwork, find an attorney, and make arrangements. Here’s what to look for in a divorce lawyer in Houston:
Experience. You want someone who has experience handling divorces. This isn’t just something to worry about during the interview; it’s important to choose someone who is well-equipped to help you navigate the process.
Knowledge of the law. Obviously, your lawyer should be familiar with Texas divorce laws. But they should also be knowledgeable about laws in your state or country, as well as any relevant case law.
Patience and empathy. A good divorce lawyer will have both patience and empathy for their clients. They won’t get angry or frustrated when things don’t go according to plan; they’ll understand that things can take time and that you may need some support along the way.
Negotiation skills. A good divorce lawyer should be able to negotiate a settlement that is fair for both parties. If one party feels like they’re being taken advantage of, they may not feel comfortable proceeding with the divorce proceedings.
Different Types of Divorce in Houston
Houston has a variety of divorce types that can be handled by a qualified lawyer. The most common type of divorce in Houston is the “Decoupling” or “Separation” divorce, which is when spouses decide to live separate lives but remain legally married. A second common type of Houston divorce is the “Custody and Visitation” divorce, in which parents fight over custody and visitation rights for their children. A third type of Houston divorce is the “Modification of Marriage” divorce, which is used when one spouse wants to get divorced but they still want to keep some aspects of their original marriage, such as joint property ownership or child support obligations. Finally, a fourth type of Houston divorce is the “Divorce by Agreement” or “Petition for Separation with No Demand for Divorce” in which spouses come to an agreement on how they want their marriage to end without going through a formal court process.
Houston lawyers can help you complete any type of divorces in Texas including:
-Decoupling/Separation: This type of divorce involves separating but still living under the same roof.
-Custody and Visitation: This type of divorce concerns who gets custody and visitation rights with regards to children from the marriage.
-Modification of Marriage: This type can be used when one spouse wants out of their marriage but doesn’t want everything to end.
-Divorce by Agreement: If you
What to Expect when Hiring a Houston Divorce Lawyer
When you are ready to divorce, it is important to find the right lawyer. A Houston divorce lawyer can help you through the process and make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are some things to expect when hiring a Houston divorce lawyer:
- Have a definite goal in mind. It’s important to have an idea of what you want your divorce to achieve, whether that means financial stability or reconciliation. A good Houston divorce lawyer can help you figure out what steps need to be taken in order to achieve your goals.
- Spend time researching lawyers. Although it’s important to have a clear goal in mind, it’s equally as important to choose someone who will respect your decision and put your best interests first. Do your research and find a lawyer who has experience in family law andDivorce law specifically.
- Be prepared for paperwork and court appearances. Divorce can be expensive, so be sure to budget for the cost of attorney fees and other associated expenses such as filings fees and travel costs for court appearances. If you cannot afford these costs, consider reaching out for legal aid or working with a mediator instead of hiring an attorney directly.
- Ask questions from the beginning until the end of your appointment…and beyond! If there is anything you don’t understand about the process or what will happen next, don’t hesitate to ask your Houston divorce lawyer or another family member or friend for clarification or advice. You’ll get the
How to Negotiate a Divorce Agreement in Houston
Houston divorce attorneys specialize in helping couples navigate the legal minefield that is a divorce. Here are some tips on how to negotiate an agreement with your spouse:
1) Know what you want and need. Don’t be afraid to be upfront and honest with your spouse about what you would like from the divorce process, including financial compensation, custody and visitation arrangements, and property division. However, don’t expect them to agree to everything right away – compromise is key in any negotiation.
2) Set clear boundaries. Agree on when and where negotiations will take place, as well as any ground rules for discussing personal matters (e.g., talking about cheating). Be clear about who will make decisions if one of the spouses disagrees with the other.
3) Be prepared to compromise. If your spouse offers a proposal that you simply cannot accept, be respectful of their wishes and offer a solution that meets both of your needs. Remember: Both sides have legitimate interests in a successful resolution to the divorce proceedings – don’t let emotions get in the way of finding an equitable solution that works for both of you!
The Final Steps of Your Divorce in Houston
If you are divorced in Houston, the following are the final steps of your divorce:
- File for a judgment of divorce. This documents that your marriage has ended and is legally recognized by the court. The filing fee is $255 cash or certified check. You can also file online at www.houstondivorceonline.com
- Serve your spouse with a copy of the judgment of divorce and any other papers filed in the case (such as financial disclosure forms). If you cannot find your spouse, contact the courthouse to locate their address or inform them that service has been served on them.
- Apply for a divorce decree, which will state the terms of your divorce (e.g., property division, child custody, spousal support). The court may require you to provide additional evidence in support of certain claims (such as income). The application fee is $215 cash or certified check, and it must be filed at least four weeks before the hearing date. You can apply online at www.houstondivorceonline.com
- Attend a hearing to show cause why your requested decree should not be granted (i.e., because your spouse did not attend court proceedings or refused to sign a consent decree). The hearing fee is $50 cash or certified check, and it must be filed at least four weeks before the hearing date*. If your spouse does not appear at the hearing, the judge may grant you a default decree** without further
Conclusion
Thank you for reading our comprehensive guide to hiring a Houston divorce lawyer. We hope that this article has given you everything that you need to make an informed decision when it comes to finding the right lawyer for your specific needs. Remember, not all lawyers are the same and it is important that you find someone who will be able to provide the support and guidance that you need during this difficult time. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at our office or online. We would be happy to help in any way that we can!