When beginning a relationship with your spouse, getting a divorce is most likely never a considered possibility. But sometimes, several things can happen during a relationship that can drastically change things. Unfortunately, some changes are for the worse and just hurt your relationship. So much so that, as much as it isn’t wanted, getting a divorce then becomes an option.
Just like how deciding on getting a divorce can be difficult, the process of getting one can be equally as tricky. This is especially true if you don’t know what’s ahead of you. While you might think that your divorce might be pretty much straightforward, there are still a lot of minor details that can drastically affect its outcome if overlooked or mismanaged. That’s why, even if you think your situation doesn’t call for it, seeking legal counsel would be highly recommended.
What Do I Have To Take Into Consideration?
Among the many things that you’ll have to take into consideration during your Texas divorce, there are a few that would be more important to look after. Some of these would be your grounds for divorce, matters of residency, property division, spousal support, and child custody.
Grounds for Divorce
In the state of Texas, there are two main grounds for divorce that you can choose from. First, there are grounds for a no-fault divorce, and then there are at-fault divorces.
When you say divorce is a no-fault one, these usually pertain to separations that are typically mutually agreed upon. This kind of divorce is more straightforward, not requiring proof of any misconduct by either spouse. The spouses then sort out their property division on their own.
For at-fault divorces, there is a need to prove that your spouse has acted unlawfully. Reasons for this kind of divorce would include cases of adultery, a conviction, or any other unlawful conduct by a spouse. These kinds of divorces would require proof, such as testimonies or documentation, effectively making the divorce process a little more complicated.
Matters of Residency
Different states require a residency requirement for spouses to be eligible to file for a divorce. In the state of Texas, the minimum requirement is that you have been a resident for at least 90 days. Depending on your situation, you could file for a divorce even if you aren’t in the state or if only one of you is a Texas citizen. This will also have to be determined before moving on.
Property Division
When it comes to divorces in Texas, it is assumed that all properties are community property. This means that assets are usually divided equally. But, in some cases, this is not possible. For example, there may be reasons why one spouse may get a more significant share of the other. This also covers things like who gets a certain amount of debt and other finance-related matters. Depending on how complicated things get, this could take a long time to settle.
Spousal Support
Aside from property division, there is also the matter of spousal support. While this is not required in every divorce, other divorces may call for a form of support to help the other be able to meet their minimum needs after the divorce. Again, this may be a one-time payment or one for an extended period depending on what is negotiated.
Child Custody
For divorces with children involved, there is also the need to settle where the child will stay. This is where the child’s well-being is considered in relation to which parent can help raise them and how the other parent can support them. This will also require a lot of negotiating, especially with child support payments.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me?
Going through a divorce is never an easy process. You will need to prepare many requirements and many things that you will have to do throughout the entire ordeal. Aside from that, there will be several legal dealings that you will have to attend to during this process. By getting legal counsel, you can make this already complicated process more bearable.
A lawyer can help brief you on all the legal proceedings that come during a divorce. They can help you file all the necessary paperwork as well. Then, if there are any hearings or a need for negotiation, your lawyer can walk you through that and represent you and your best interests. By getting yourself a divorce lawyer in your Texas divorce, you’re ensuring the best possible outcome for yourself.
Lawyers are there to help make an already difficult situation easier to deal with. With your best interests in mind, they’ll do what they can to make sure the outcome of your divorce is favorable for you. As divorces in Texas aren’t exactly a walk in the park, finding the right divorce lawyers in Sugar Land can ensure that even the most minor of details are covered, and you have a helping hand throughout the entire divorce process.
