Divorce is the dissolution of a legal contract, but it is also a difficult emotional hurdle. Your divorce will be singular to you and your situation, but there are 4 important basics that it is important for every person pursuing a divorce to know. One of the most strategic steps you can take before moving any further with the divorce process is consulting with an experienced divorce attorney in Williamson County.
One: Your Divorce Will Very Likely Be a No-Fault Divorce
Texas is what is known as a no-fault divorce state, and the vast majority of divorces in Texas are not based on fault. Instead, most divorces are predicated on insupportability, which is similar to what you may think of as irreconcilable differences. If your divorce is fault-based, however, it can affect the division of your marital property.
Two: Your Divorce Will Take at Least 60 Days
There is no quickie divorce in the State of Texas. There is a mandatory waiting period of 60 days from the time you file. Because it’s far more important to obtain divorce terms that support your financial and parental rights than to attach an artificial deadline to your divorce, it is a good idea to be more concerned with getting your divorce right – rather than obtaining a speedy divorce.
Three: You Might Face Temporary Orders
If you and your divorcing spouse are unable to agree on issues related to your living situation, finances, or parenting, the court may issue temporary orders to decide them for you while your divorce is pending. These orders may relate to:
Determining who will remain in your family home and who will move out
Determining who will be paying for what, including credit card bills, the mortgage, utilities, car payments, and more
Determining who will take possession of which vehicle
Determining a parenting time schedule that divides your time with the children
Determining temporary child support
Determining temporary alimony
Determining matters related to any family pets
Four: It Is Very Likely that Your Case Will Not Go to Court
Many divorcing couples believe their temporary orders will segue directly to court, but the truth of the matter is that the vast majority of divorces are settled out of court. As long as you and your divorcing spouse are able to negotiate terms related to all of the following, you will not need the court to intervene on your behalf:
The division of your marital property
Child custody arrangements
Child support
Alimony
Your respective divorce attorneys will guide you in the negotiations process, and there are also alternative dispute resolution options (ADR), such as mediation, that can help you reach mutually acceptable divorce terms.
Turn to an Experienced Williamson County Divorce Attorney for the Help You Need
Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Williamson County, Texas, is a trusted divorce attorney who is committed to protecting your financial and parental rights throughout the divorce process. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 today.