Updated on August 24, 2022
Divorce is a complicated legal process that can feel never-ending. Breaking divorce down into four distinct stages, however, can help you better understand the process, which can help you face it head-on. While your divorce will not be exactly the same as anyone else’s, the four stages of divorce remain the same for everyone.
Because your divorce will be unique, you need an experienced Killeen divorce lawyer that will understand your situation and guide you through each of the stages of divorce. Contact a lawyer now for a FREE consultation.
Stage One: Planning Ahead
Before you rush headlong into the divorce process, it’s important to take the time necessary to ensure you’re making the right decision for you. Rushing into divorce is never a good idea, but if you have taken your time and come to the conclusion that a divorce is the right choice for you, consulting with an experienced Killeen divorce attorney is the next step.
Even if you remain uncertain regarding divorce, an experienced attorney can help you better understand what a divorce is likely to mean for you, which will leave you better prepared to make a well-informed decision overall.
Stage Two: Filing for Divorce and Serving Your Spouse
The next phase of your divorce involves your initial divorce filing, which will include basic information about all the following people and assets:
You
Your spouse
Your shared children
Your marital property
Once your divorce is filed, it will be assigned to a specific judge and will be given a case number, and your spouse will need to be served with copies of these original documents (unless he or she waives the right to be served). At this point, your divorce process begins in earnest.
Filing an Original Petition for Divorce can be a big step. Thankfully, a Killeen divorce lawyer can help you work through the necessary information and paperwork. Fill out our online contact form to get help with your divorce.
Stage Three: Determining Temporary Orders
After filing, you can address temporary orders, which, in essence, set the ground rules for your divorce while it is pending, including the following arrangements (as applicable):
How you and your spouse will divide your time with your shared children
How child support will be addressed
Who will remain in the family home with your shared children
Who is responsible for paying which bills
Whether spousal maintenance (temporary alimony) is needed
If you and your divorcing spouse cannot hammer out your own temporary terms between yourselves, you can address the matter in a hearing regarding temporary orders.
Stage Four: Going to Mediation and Possibly Trial
Those divorce terms that you and your divorcing spouse are able to resolve (with the skilled legal guidance of your respective divorce attorneys) will need no further attention, but any terms that remain unresolved can be addressed at mediation.
The vast majority of divorces are settled out of court, which means that most disputes are resolved before proceeding to trial. However, if there are any issues that you and your spouse are unable to ultimately iron out, the court will make the necessary determinations for you at trial.
Seek the Legal Guidance of an Experienced Killeen Divorce Attorney Today
Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is an accomplished divorce attorney who is committed to advocating for your legal and parental rights throughout the divorce process. To learn more, please do not wait to contact us online or call us at (254) 781-4222 today.