Get a Houston Divorce Attorney On Your Side

Texas Family Lawyers Supporting You Through a Divorce

Once you have decided to go through with a divorce, it is essential that you retain the services of a skilled lawyer. A Houston divorce lawyer from Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny has the vast amount of experience needed to successfully complete the divorce process. Because so much can depend on the way the divorce process is completed, our firm recommends retaining a qualified legal advocate to represent your rights and best interests.

Contact our Houston divorce lawyers for assistance.

Navigating the Divorce Process

The divorce process is much more complex than some people may assume. There are a variety of steps that must be completed before it can be finalized and the marriage can be fully dissolved.

They include the following:

• Petition for divorce - To start the process, one spouse must petition for divorce at the court clerk. The petition must include the reason for the divorce, which can be based on fault or no-fault (insupportability).
• Serving the divorce papers - The spouse who did not petition must receive the divorce papers. This can be done by personally giving it to them, mailing it to them, having a sheriff complete the delivery, or even publishing it in a newspaper.
• Responding to the petition - After being served, the spouse has 30 days to respond. This means they must use this time to get a lawyer, contest any terms in the divorce, or send an agreement.
• Temporary hearing - There may be a temporary hearing before the formal court trial, which may decide things such as child custody, alimony, child support, and division of property.
• Final hearing - The case is taken to court and all the final arrangements are decided. After this is completed, the divorce is finalized and the marriage is officially dissolved.

Types of Divorce

There are two main types of divorce in Texas, contested and uncontested. Depending on which type of divorce you proceed with, your experience can be very different. A contested divorce occurs when one or more of the terms outlined in the divorce papers are unacceptable to either spouse. An uncontested divorce is one where all the terms are acceptable to both spouses and they agree.

We Can Handle High Net-Worth Divorces

A high net-worth divorce happens when a large amount of money, property, or assets must be divided between the separating spouses. Because there are so many important things that must be divided, many of which both spouses consider precious, there is likely to be a number contentious debates. If you are attempting to go through a high-net divorce, it is essential that you have an attorney on your side. Without the protection that legal experience can afford you, you are likely to lose some important property.

About Alimony

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a payment that must be made to a divorced spouse to help support them during a divorce. This generally must be paid if a spouse cannot support themselves once the marriage is dissolved. During the court decision, a judge will generally select a time period that alimony must be paid until. If you are either expecting to receive or pay alimony, an attorney can help fight for a more favorable outcome in your favor.

Division of Property

Deciding who gets to keep certain properties during a divorce is another complex issue. An attorney can help make this process go as smoothly as possible while still striving for the outcome you desire. No matter your economic standing, your rightful property should remain yours even after a divorce. We can carefully account for all the assets and property you own and fight for you to keep them.

Mediation

Mediation is a method that allows for comprising the terms of a divorce settlement. During mediation, the divorcing spouses and their respective attorneys will meet with a neutral third party to work out difficult details. Mediation is a good idea for the majority of divorcing couples and can be used to save time, money, and bypass a good deal of unpleasantness.

Collaborative Divorce

A collaborative divorce is a relatively new method of divorce that allows for cooperation and avoids litigation. Both spouses and their lawyers agree to arrive at a comprised settlement together. This can completely avoid the need for any court involvement and allows for a greater amount of privacy during the divorce.

Contact a Compassionate Houston Divorce Lawyer

Though this process may seem easy to handle, especially in the case of an uncontested divorce, it is always a good idea to get legal support. You need an advocate who is an informed, experienced professional supporting you through the crucial phases of a divorce and ensuring that your future will proceed smoothly after everything is completed.

The Houston divorce attorneys at the Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny are willing to offer the caring, effective advocacy that you need during this trying time. From changing your name after the divorce to understanding how to make the divorce process easier for yourself, connect with our lawyers today to get the help you truly deserve.

Call (713) 936-2300 to get in touch with our Houston firm today!