Get Years of Experience in Your Corner
Deciding to file for divorce – or being served with divorce papers – can stir up a range of emotions. Some feel freed, others feel crushed, and many, regardless of the emotions, simply do not know where to turn. At Adams Law Firm, we are proud to have represented countless clients during the past 35 years who we assisted in obtaining favorable resolutions to their divorce proceedings. Our team of Katy divorce attorneys stands ready to provide you with the outstanding representation you deserve. Whether you are filing for divorce or have been handed divorce papers, you can count on our team to assist you.
Divorce in Texas
Texas is a “no-fault” divorce state, so you do not need to prove that the other spouse did anything wrong (otherwise known as “grounds”) to get a divorce. Instead, the petitioner will allege “insupportability” which can imply dischord or simply a difference in personalities.
Some spouses will allege fault, however, which could impact the division of property in some circumstances. Some common grounds for divorce in Texas include:
- Living apart
- Insupportability
- Cruelty
- Adultery
- Conviction of a felony
- Abandonment
- Confinement in a mental hospital
The most common ground for divorce is the claim of insupportability, which means that a court can grant a divorce if evidence is proven that the two spouses cannot reach agreeable terms in their relationship. In these cases, the couple may have attempted to salvage the marriage through counseling or marital support but simply could not succeed together.
Types of Divorces
Our firm assists clients who can agree on everything and want to remain outside the court system (collaborative divorce), those who can agree on almost everything and simply need the input of mediators or the court system to resolve the last few items of contention (agreed divorce), and those who cannot agree on much of anything and need to take their case before a judge or jury to have the case resolved (contested divorce). We are here to guide you in your determination of the best path forward for you and your family and can help you accomplish your goals using one or more of the methods described above. Do not hesitate to contact our team today to speak with a Katy divorce attorney and ensure that you receive the support you need during your divorce proceedings.
Reasons to Hire a Divorce Attorney
Divorce can be an incredibly complex process with a myriad of applicable laws, deadlines, and paperwork – all of which can carry a large margin for error. Even simple clerical mistakes when filing divorce papers can have massive consequences, resulting in setbacks or even causing you to lose out on a portion of your entitled marital property. At Adams Law Firm, we are intimately familiar with the process of divorce and can help you navigate through its complexities with accuracy and utmost care.
Our divorce lawyers can provide the following services and benefits:
- Gathering necessary documents
- Accurately and promptly completing paperwork
- Presenting dispute resolution options
- Meeting all legal deadlines
- Protecting your assets
- Negotiating child custody arrangements
- Preparing visitation orders
- Accompanying you to court-appointed conferences
- Informing you of all developments in your case
Helping You Prepare for Divorce
If you are considering divorce, or if you have just been served with divorce papers, it is vital you take certain steps to prepare for the road to come. Your first priority should be to get organized and begin collecting the necessary documentation. This includes financial documents, property deeds, bank statements, birth certificates of any children you and your spouse may share, business documents, tax returns, and any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements you may have. Our attorneys can help you with this process and provide you with a full list of required documents.
In addition, it is important you watch what you say and do during this time, especially online. Electronic communications such as text messages, social media posts, and emails can be submitted as evidence during divorce and impact the outcome of divorce proceedings. For example, badmouthing your spouse on Facebook or posting photos with a new significant other during divorce can prompt a judge to favor your spouse and see you in an unsavory light, potentially impacting issues such as spousal support, asset distribution, or even child custody. As a general rule of thumb, do not post or send anything that you would not want a judge to see.
Modifying Your Divorce Arrangement
While a divorce decree carries the enforceability of law, it is by no means set in stone forever. Post-divorce modifications may be issued if a considerable change in circumstances should present itself for either spouse. Issues that may be renegotiated include spousal support, child custody arrangements, child support, and visitation.
A modification may be requested for numerous reasons, including:
- Loss of Employment
- Substantial Increase or Decrease in Income
- Remarriage of a Spouse
- Illness or Disability
- Criminal Incarceration
- Relocation of a Spouse
The Impact of Divorce on Your Children
Most parents’ main concern during divorce is the impact their separation will have on their children’s lives. As family dynamics shift and parents change residences, it is imperative to keep in mind the best interests of your children during this tumultuous time. At Adams Law Firm, our Katy custody lawyers understand fully the importance of your children’s safety and happiness and are prepared to do everything within our power to ensure a smooth transition for them during your divorce. From determining child custody to negotiating visitation arrangements, we are prepared to make every effort to secure an outcome that ensures their wellbeing and protects your right to maintain an active presence in their lives.
To learn more about how an attorney can help you, contact us at (281) 391-9237 to schedule a consultation.