If you and your spouse are considering divorce, there are numerous things that you need to think about, ranging from where each of you will live while the divorce is pending to with whom any children will live to what your divorce settlement will look like and more.
As you make these important decisions about the future and start the divorce process, do not overlook the value of hiring an experienced Texas divorce attorney.
The experienced Waco, TX divorce lawyers at the offices of Simer & Tetens are prepared to help you navigate your divorce and protect your best interests.
Reach out to our law firm today to get started.
Navigating Complex Issues in a Waco, TX Divorce
Our Waco, Texas divorce attorneys will help you to understand the various issues, and the laws surrounding those issues, that you and your spouse will need to reach an agreement in regards to before your divorce can be finalized.
Property Division
All couples who are getting a divorce in Texas must make a determination about how property and assets are to be divided.
Parties retain the autonomy to make these decisions without the intervention of the court; indeed, spouses are encouraged to work together and pursue alternative dispute resolution methods (such as mediation) in order to reach an agreement. If an agreement cannot be reached, the issue will be turned over to a Texas court, which will issue an agreement that is within the parameters of the law.
Texas property division law holds that property that is acquired during the marriage by either spouse is community property, and must be divided in a manner that is just and right, or equitable.
Child Custody
One of the most emotional and most contentious issues in a divorce case may be child custody. Again, parents are strongly encouraged to work together to reach a child custody agreement. However, there may be disagreement regarding with whom the child will live, what the visitation schedule of the other parent will be, how the child will be transported between homes, and multiple other things.
If a child custody arrangement cannot be reached, the court will make a decision. In making its decision, the court will prioritize the best interests of the child.
Child Support
Both parents have a responsibility to provide for their child financially.
The court assumes that the custodial parent is doing this by virtue of having custody, and therefore will order the non-custodial parent to make child support payments. Child support is calculated by considering the number of children, the payor’s gross wages, medical support provided for the child, and any special circumstances.
Alimony
For couples who make an inequitable amount of income and situations where one party in the marriage is financially dependent on the other, alimony, also called spousal support or spousal maintenance, may be part of the divorce settlement.
Why You Should Work with Skilled Divorce Lawyers in Waco, TX
The issues outlined above are not only contentious for many couples, but complex and intricate, too. In order to reach an agreement that is fair, or in order to obtain a ruling from a divorce court judge that is in your favor, you’ll need to work with a skilled Waco divorce lawyer.
A lawyer can investigate your case, hire experts to work on your behalf (including forensic accountants), represent you during negotiations, gather evidence to support your case, file any legal documents on your behalf, and represent you should your case go to court.
Your divorce lawyer will also be available to answer any questions you have about filing for divorce, as well as advise you regarding how to protect your best interests.
For example, remaining amicable and polite, staying off of social media, and fully disclosing all assets during the discovery process are all things that can help your divorce case, and ultimately make you look more favorable to a judge.
Call Our Divorce Lawyers in Waco, TX Today for Assistance
Filing for a divorce is a major event, and one that is life-changing and complicated.
When you are leaving your spouse and your marriage is dissolving, working with a knowledgeable, trained, and experienced divorce lawyers can have a positive effect on the outcome of your divorce case and your overall legal experience.
At the law offices of Simer & Tetens, we recognize how sensitive divorce cases can be, and know how to maintain your confidentiality, protect your interests, and aggressively represent you.
Please schedule your consultation by contacting our Waco, Texas divorce lawyers directly at 254-412-2300 or send us a message online. Let’s get started on your case today.