Get a Houston Divorce Attorney On Your Side
Texas Divorce Lawyers - Guiding Houston Families Since 1985
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. We have 30+ years' experience and are ready to use
it for your case!
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).
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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.
The Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny also handles:
-
High net-worth divorce:
Whn 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. To see if you qualify
for this type of divorce,
contact us.
-
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.
-
Mediation:
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.
Things to Keep in Mind During the Divorce Process
-
Alimony /
Spousal Support
This 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.
Think of the Children
If you are considring divorce, think about your children too. The divorce
process also means deciding who gets
child custody,
child support payments, and making
visitation schedules. Make sure your rights and the future of your family is proteted
by retaining an experienced divorce attorney in Houston.
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 the Law Office of Kathryn Marteenytoday!