Resources for Texans Facing Family Law Issues
Texas Divorce LawDivorce is typically an upsetting and confusing process. The break up of one household into two involves much more than simply obtaining a divorce decree from a court. There may be complications such as domestic violence or paternity issues to deal with. Even if you and your spouse are honest with each other and on peaceful terms, it is can be painful and difficult to understand the laws and to make necessary decisions regarding child support, child custody and visitation, division of property and spousal support. At the Todd Law Firm, we encourage conflict resolution through mediation both during and after divorce. And, if negotiations fail, we stand ready to protect your rights in court. Read on for general information about divorce. Texas Divorce - An OverviewContemplating divorce is always difficult. Involving a knowledgeable Texas family law attorney as soon as possible in the divorce process is one of the best ways to preserve your own long-term financial and emotional health. Division of Property in TexasWhen there is little or no marital property, no children, no issues of spousal maintenance, amicable spouses can usually obtain a quick divorce by making a divorce agreement and having a judge approve it. Most divorces, however, are quite different and far more complex. The typical Texas divorce involves a union of many years with considerable marital property, both personal property and real estate, children, family businesses, large or concealed debts, trust funds, real estate in other states, joint and separate accounts, investments, insurance, pensions, and other assets. In these complex situations, the parties often cannot divide their property on their own and therefore may require court involvement for its ultimate division. Questions to Ask During DivorceConsidering whether you should end your marriage is one of the most important and difficult decisions you will ever encounter. It is important to approach the question from a rational perspective rather than solely an emotional one. In many ways, it is a business decision that requires you to evaluate many issues. Once you review this list of questions, you may rethink the direction you are headed, or you will be better prepared to move forward while working with your attorney. How to Move OnRecovering from a divorce is similar to the grieving process one experiences when a loved one dies. There are five stages in the process: shock and denial, anger, ambivalence, depression, and recovery. Many people expect to work through these stages one after the other, but that isn't usually how it happens. You can expect to move in and out of each phase over time and sometimes experience more than one phase at the same time. It is a difficult process and time consuming. Family counselors advise it may take as long as two years to fully recover. An Amicable DivorceDivorce is one of the most emotional experiences a person will ever face. The decision to end a marriage is not an easy one and it is often accompanied with anger, fear, and resentment. The negative emotions associated with divorce are responsible for more than hurt feelings; they affect the final outcome of settlement negotiations. Most important, if children are involved, they will generally suffer. It is in your best interest to approach divorce from an amicable perspective. This will allow you to put on your business hat, which is critical for reaching a successful settlement. It will also allow you to put on your effective parent hat, which is critical for helping your children through this difficult process. Texas Divorce Resource LinksTexas Attorney General's Child Support Interactive Web Page American Bar Association - Family Law Texas Divorce Law The Legal Information Institute FindLaw: Divorce and Family Law Divorce Care How to Divorce As Friends Divorce Finance Divorce Magazine If you are facing a Texas divorce, custody or modification case, protect yourself and your family. The Todd Law Firm - Helping Texas Families |