Unfortunately, in our society, a relationship that began with intense intimacy and the hope and promise of love, personal happiness and long term stability, all too often degenerates to the point where the couple (or at least one of them) decides to end the marriage. Coming to terms with getting a divorce is one of the most difficult and frightening things a person can go through. in most cases, emotions such as anger, fear, and resentment come into play and can cloud one’s better judgment. This is particularly true given that for most people nothing is more important to them than their children and financial stability. That is why it is important to have someone on your side looking out for your best interests who has the wisdom and experience to understand and appreciate your concerns and guide you through the difficult process of divorce.
Divorce Attorney Houston, TX
As an experienced Houston family law attorney handling divorce cases, I am not here to judge you or criticize you for any decisions you have made. My goal is to protect your interests and guide you through what may very well be one of the loneliest, most difficult, upsetting, and frightening times in your life. I am committed to providing you with the time and personal attention you need in order to help you develop realistic goals and objectives, and to understand the divorce process, your options, and ease your worries and concerns, as you make difficult and life changing decisions that will affect your financial well being and future well being of your children.
Even when both parties have already decided that they want to be divorced and go their separate ways, the process can be very difficult. As they begin the process of divorce, the parties often find that there are issues they may not have considered. Thus disagreements often arise over what is best for the children and over the property division.
Disagreements concerning children arise over may things including who will make parenting decisions, how parenting time (visitation) will be allocated, who will have the right to designate the primary residence of the children, whether or not there will be a geographic residence restriction on where the children live, determining child support, providing medial support for the children (including health insurance and the payment of medical expenses not covered by insurance), long-distance travel and international travel, to name just a few).
Disagreements over the division of property have to do with characterizing the property (separate or community), determining the value of property, liabilities, taxes, and how the marital estate will be divided. In every divorce case, the court must make a “just and right division of property.” But what is a just and right division? In order to make a property division, the starting place is to determine what is or is not community property subject to division. Sometimes people have significant property that is not part of the community estate and is his or her separate property. All of this must be taken into consideration. Once the community estate is determined through characterization, it must be valued. In valuing the community estate, liabilities must be taken into consideration. Once this process has been completed, the parties can work toward an agreement for their property division. If it is not possible for the parties to reach an agreement, the decision will need to be made by the Court.
As a skilled family law attorney licensed to practice law in the state of Texas since November, 1986, I have handled many divorce cases involving complex estates as well as very simple divorce cases in which the parties are able to agree on most issues. I believe there is a time to be aggressive and a time to not be aggressive. The divorce process is not easy, and only with a bit of wisdom and experience can an attorney know and understand what to do in representing a client’s interests.
When both parties are represented by experienced and ethical attorneys and set aside some of the bitterness they may feel over the fact their marriage is ending, it is usually possible for the parties to reach an agreement. I most instances, the parties will attend mediation as a form of alternative dispute resolution. Mediation is a formal negotiation process. Some cases are well suited for handling through the Collaborative Divorce process. In the Collaborative Divorce process the parties are able to work at their own pace and are not as tied to the court schedule. The Collaborative Divorce process is particularly well suited to the needs of professionals, people who may have significant public recognition, and other individuals who may have very substantial estates and schedules that demand the kind of flexibility that the court typically does not allow. The Collaborative Divorce process also affords a much greater degree of privacy with regard to personal and financial matters, and in many cases can save the parties considerable money in terms of legal fees and related expenses.
Experienced Texas Divorce Attorney
As an experienced Texas divorce attorney, it is my goal to make your divorce process flow as smoothly as possible. I understand the importance of educating my clients about their rights in regard to getting a divorce in Texas, listening to them, discussing the various alternatives and options available to them as they go through the divorce process.
If you are considering divorce, if you have been served with a divorce petition, or if believe your spouse is considering divorce, and you wish to discuss your rights, what your are entitled to, and the various alternatives that may be available to you, please call us today to schedule your initial consultation.
