If you’re thinking about a divorce, or have already taken the first steps to file for a divorce, you may have a lot of questions about the process.
One of the best resources for answers is a qualified Texas divorce lawyer. At the Tidwell Law Firm, PLLC, our Texas divorce lawyer can guide you through your divorce and represent your best interests.
As you navigate the process, here are some of the most pressing questions to ask a divorce lawyer – for more information, please reach out to our law firm directly.
How Will You Charge?
Perhaps one of the first questions to ask a divorce attorney before hiring them is how they charge. Depending upon the lawyer, you should expect to be billed by the hour (most common) or at a fixed rate.
What Part of the Divorce Process Can I Handle on My Own?
Working with a lawyer is highly recommended, and may have a positive effect on the outcome of your divorce case and your divorce settlement.
That being said, working with an attorney can be expensive, especially if you are being billed hourly. With that in mind, don’t be afraid to ask your attorney what elements of your divorce case you can handle on your own, which can help you to cut down on legal fees.
What Are the Laws Regarding Property Division, Alimony, and Child
Custody?
Remember that before your divorce can be finalized, you and your spouse will need to come to a determination about various issues in your divorce, including the division of any community property and debt, alimony/spousal maintenance, and child custody and child support.
These issues can be negotiated between you and your spouse outside of the courtroom without the counsel of an attorney; however, if an agreement cannot be reached, a judge will issue a determination.
A judge will approach your case through the lens of Texas’ family laws – it’s important that you understand these laws and how statutes will be applied in your case.
What Should I Be Doing Now?
If you are thinking about a divorce or have already started the process of filing for divorce, you may be wondering what things you should be doing in the interim and what the next steps are.
Your attorney can advise you of things to do (and not to do), such as gather evidence, put your finances in order, avoid social media, etc.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer?
You may be wondering whether or not you really need a lawyer to help you navigate the divorce process. While working with an attorney is not required, a lawyer will act within your best interests, and may help you to achieve a more favorable divorce judgment. Working with an attorney is especially helpful if you have a complicated divorce case, such as one that involves children, is particularly acrimonious, is a high-asset divorce, or involves another complex matter.
At the office of the Tidwell Law Firm, PLLC, our Texas divorce lawyer is ready to assist you. Please contact us today with all of your divorce-related questions and we will sit down with you to provide you with the answers that you need.
Reach us online or by phone to get started.