The Divorce Process Starts with a Divorce Petition
If you have come to the very difficult realization that your marriage is no longer sustainable and that you are ready to begin the next chapter of your life independently, you are likely at a loss regarding how to begin. The first step in every Texas divorce is to file a divorce petition, and understanding exactly what this entails can help you move forward with the confidence and commitment you will need. If you are facing a divorce, it is in your best interest to obtain the professional legal services of an experienced Central Texas divorce attorney today. (Is It Time to Call a Texas Divorce Attorney?)
Your Divorce Petition
Filing your divorce petition in your Central Texas county makes your quest for a divorce official. Your petition, in essence, tells the family law court that you are prepared to legally end your marriage. Once filed, your spouse must be served with the divorce petition, which lets him or her know that you are moving forward with divorce proceedings. (8 Important Considerations Before Filing for Divorce)
What the Petition Entails
Before filing a divorce petition in Texas, there are some administrative issues to take into consideration, including that one of you must have resided in Texas for at least six months prior to filing. Generally, your petition will include specific information related to your marriage and impending divorce:
Each of your full names
Your home address
The location and date of your wedding
The names of your shared children
Your reason for seeking a divorce
Obviously, the final attribute – your reason for seeking a divorce – is likely to be complicated. The fact is, however, that the vast majority of divorces in Texas are no-fault divorces based on insupportability, which is also known as irreconcilable differences.
Temporary Court Orders
Filing for divorce can have significant consequences in your life, and many people find it necessary to ask the court for specific temporary orders to help carry them through until the divorce is finalized. Temporary orders can address a variety of issues in the interim:
Monetary issues, including spousal maintenance and child support
Whom the children will reside with and the child visitation schedule (Click here to read more about holiday visitation schedules)
Who will remain in the family home (if you separate during the divorce process) (Related: Divorce & Moving Out of the Family Home)
Who will be responsible for paying specific bills and for handling other financial responsibilities
If your request for temporary orders is approved by the court, the orders will go into immediate effect and will remain in effect until your divorce is finalized.
If You Are Ready to Begin the Divorce Process, Consult with an Experienced Central Texas Divorce Attorney Today
Divorce is complicated at best, and because your divorce petition will set the stage for your divorce proceedings, you want to begin on solid ground. Attorney Brett H. Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Central Texas is here to help guide your case toward its most positive resolution. Mr. Pritchard has the experience, dedication, and compassion to help you, so please contact or call us at (254) 220-4225 today.
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