While there are guidelines in Texas regarding child custody, alimony and other family law issues, ending a marriage in court never looks the exactly the same. What works for one individual may not necessarily be applicable to another divorce proceeding. However, there are several issues that are common to most cases, and keeping these issues in mind can be helpful while preparing for mediation or litigation.
It is surprising how many people are not fully aware of exactly what assets they own and what debts they owe. A first logical step to take to prepare for divorce is to gather all financial information, including bank statements, tax returns, credit card statements and more. It is a good idea to make a list with two columns, one for assets and one for liabilities.
Another part of preparing for divorce is to think ahead to the immediate and long-term future. Heading to mediation or into court without a solid plan as to what one hopes to get out of a settlement, as well what one’s new lifestyle will look like places a spouse at a disadvantage during proceedings. The clearer of an idea a spouse has, particularly one that is a parent, the better able he or she will be to focus on achieving a comprehensive and just result.
When children are involved, it is helpful if both parents can come to an agreement without litigation. This is not always possible, however, which is why family law attorneys in Texas provide support to those in need of advocacy on child custody issues. An attorney can also provide assistance if a legal issue arises after a divorce decree has already been made.
