Going through a divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences someone faces. Not only are you dealing with the emotional impact of ending your marriage, but you’re also facing major legal issues around division of assets, child custody determinations, and financial disentanglement from your spouse. While some couples are able to reach an uncontested divorce settlement amicably on their own, the majority of situations require the expertise of an experienced divorce lawyer in Texas. Here are some key reasons why:
Fair Property Division
Texas is a “community property” state, which means there is a presumption that most assets and debts acquired during the marriage belong equally to both spouses. However, there are many exceptions and complexities, such as separate property owned before marriage, inheritances, gifts, etc. A divorce attorney understands these nuances and how property/debt should be characterized and divided, ensuring you receive your fair share of marital assets and aren’t taking on improper liabilities.
Child Custody & Support
For divorcing parents, issues around child custody, visitation schedules, and child support are often the most emotional and vitally important. An attorney is an advocate for protecting your parental rights and establishing custody arrangements that serve your children’s best interests, not just in the short-term but long-term as well. They handle complex legal details like child support calculations.
Enforceability of Agreements
Even if you can work out initial terms of your divorce with your spouse, you need to ensure those agreements are drafted properly and will be legally enforceable and binding by a court. A divorce lawyer ensures all documentation is done correctly to avoid future conflicts.
Texas Laws & Court Procedures
Each state has its own unique divorce laws around grounds for divorce, property characterization, alimony calculations, and other area-specific requirements. Trying to navigate this alone is extremely difficult. An experienced Texas divorce attorney intimately understands the local laws and court processes to handle all legal proceedings properly and advocate effectively on your behalf.
Reducing Conflict
Even if you want an amicable split, many divorces become adversarial as emotions run high. A family law attorney serves as a neutral party to defuse conflict and negotiate reasonable resolutions rather than costly, drawn-out court battles over disputes. Their objectivity is invaluable.
The financial and emotional stakes of divorce make hiring a divorce lawyer a wise investment. With a legal professional protecting your rights and interests from start to finish, you can move forward more confidently into your new life after dissolution of the marriage.