Going through a divorce can be one of the most emotionally trying times of your life. Nobody ever gets married with the intent or expectation of divorce. Unfortunately, sometimes life has other plans. The first and most important step of the process is to hire a competent divorce lawyer. If you’re in Houston, Texas, contact us here at Skillern Firm. We have a team of experienced attorneys with the capabilities to help you through the divorce process.
Here at Skillern Firm, we specialize in divorce and family law, and we have the skill and know how that can help you make this challenging time in your life as stress- and anxiety-free as possible. You might wonder when it’s appropriate to hire a lawyer for your divorce. To be blunt, if you’re going through a divorce, you need a lawyer. However, there are certain situations where it’s absolutely essential to hire a lawyer.
11 Situations Where You Definitely Need a Divorce Lawyer
1. You Have Children
One of the most challenging situations to deal with during a divorce is those that involve children. In fact, children up the complication factor exponentially. Now, you’re not just dealing with divorce, but also custody and visitation, too. At Skillern Firm, our expert attorneys are not only ready to fight for your behalf, but they’re also compassionate when it comes to dealing with children.
We understand how much you love your family, and we’re ready to look out for your best interests. Your kids come first, and we get that. That’s why we approach every case with the ferocity and passion it takes to attain the goals you want, particularly when it comes to keeping your children’s best interest.
2. You Anticipate a Nasty or Complicated Divorce
Divorces are one of the hardest things to deal with for a reason: they can often become quite complex or nasty. When love and emotions are involved, things have a way of escalating quickly. Unfortunately, we have seen firsthand how spiteful people can be during a divorce. If you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse have a history of arguments or nasty fights, it’s crucial to have a lawyer on your side if you’re divorcing.
3. Your Relationship Has a History of Abuse
If you’ve been living in an abusive relationship, you most certainly need the services of an expert divorce attorney. Here at Skillern Firm, we have experience dealing with abusive spouses and the complicated divorces that ensue when those relationships end. If you’ve experienced abuse in your marriage, you can significantly benefit from the services of our expert divorce attorneys. We can help you get the counseling and services you need while fighting for you and standing up for what you deserve.
4. There are Marital Assets
The division of marital assets adds to the general stress and complexity of a divorce. If you gained assets during your marriage, those need to be split up during the proceedings. Typically, most of those assets will be split evenly, but one spouse might feel more entitled, which can complicate the process. The entire proceedings generally require negotiations and a resolution from a judge.
If you do have numerous assets, the skilled team of attorneys at Skillern Firm can help. We have the experience and knowledge to help you split up your assets as amicably as possible. Many times, couples get stuck arguing over the little things. We will help you keep your eye on the long-term goals that you want to achieve from your divorce and help you avoid getting bogged down with the petty stuff.
5. There’s No Prenup in Place
Another situation where you need a divorce lawyer in Houston, Texas is when you don’t have an official prenuptial agreement. A prenup is a legal contract that usually states the terms of the marriage and what occurs should the couple split up or divorce. If you don’t have a prenup, your divorce could get very messy.
When you need superior legal help with your impending divorce, we’re just a phone call away and ready to help. Our attorneys have years of experience with divorces of all kinds, including those without prenups. When you need help with a divorce, contact us immediately for a consultation.
6. You’ve Made End-of-Life Plans
If you’ve made end-of-life plans since being married, then you will require the services of a divorce attorney to help you during proceedings. Most end-of-life plans ensure that your family will be protected in the event of a loss. However, once divorced, there’s a good chance you’ll want to alter those plans. Whether it’s changing a will or life insurance beneficiary or assigning a different power of attorney, we can draw up the proper documents for you, ensuring that the old versions are null and void.
7. You’ve Been Served with Divorce Papers
Even if you’re ready to split up with your spouse (or you already have split up), being served with divorce papers is not a good feeling. If you’ve been officially served, it’s vital you call us at Skillern Firm right away. If your ex has started divorce proceedings against you, it’s crucial to respond promptly. With a lawyer, you can get a handle on your half of the divorce and help expedite the entire process.
8. Your Spouse is Hiding Marital Assets
If you suspect your ex is intentionally hiding marital assets, you need to contact the Skillern Firm right away. Hiding assets is a very severe transgression during divorce proceedings and should be investigated immediately. Assets can include stocks, investments, business interests, real estate, savings, and other income or property types. You deserve your rightful half of the assets or whatever your prenup states you’re entitled to, and we can help you fight for it.
9. Your Spouse Has Hired an Attorney
If your spouse has hired an attorney, then you want to reciprocate. While you could technically represent your own interests, this is not advisable. As with any other legal issues, you need an experienced attorney who has the skills and expertise to help you navigate the complicated divorce process. When you have an expert on your side, you’ll feel much more confident during the entire process.
10. Both Parties Agree
Even if you expect an uncontested divorce, it’s still recommended to have an attorney. Here at Skillern Firm, our years of experience mean that we’ve seen it all regarding divorce proceedings. Even when you think that your divorce will be uncontested, there’s still the chance of your spouse changing their mind at the last minute and surprising you. If that happens, we’ll be here to fight for you and protect your best interests.
11. One Spouse Will Need Support
Another situation where you need a divorce attorney in Houston, Texas is if one spouse needs support. Whether you’re going to be asking for support or giving it, it’s crucial to have a skilled lawyer’s expertise so you can get a fair deal.
We know how complicated and emotionally charged divorces can be, and we’re prepared to be there for you when you need it most. Contact us today at Skillern Firm for exceptional, quality representation.