Houston Divorce Lawyers

Contested Divorces

After a long period spent together, your lives become extremely commingled, and dividing property, deciding custody, and calculating spousal support can all be topics of contention for most divorcing couples. Contested divorces can get expensive and may take a long time to resolve. A skilled attorney will help you work through these issues and will use their experience to convince the other party that your claims are reasonable and fair and should be agreed upon.

Your attorney may utilize mediation or arbitration when necessary to move your case forward. Sessions involve separate rooms for each party, with the mediator as the primary communicator, fostering focused discussions for a mutually agreeable resolution. Every attorney at our law firm is a skilled negotiator, which can save you in the long run emotionally and financially.

High-Asset Cases

When it comes to higher-asset cases, it can become more complicated to divide property between spouses. All assets will need to be valued and categorized into either community or separate property. Any property obtained during the marriage is presumed to be community property as Texas is a community property state. To prove otherwise, you will need to show evidence. Separate property under Texas law is property obtained by a spouse before marriage or property received from inheritance or as a gift during the marriage. You will need to show evidence of this type of property. 

Child Custody

Determining who has primary custody of the children can be a sensitive subject, one where tempers can run high. For divorcing couples, it can be very difficult to reach an amicable child custody agreement. Remember, nothing is more important than your children, and it is essential to put their well-being above the need for anything else.

A way to navigate this sensitive area is to mediate with a skilled attorney Houston families trust. We will prioritize your children from an unbiased standpoint and will ensure they are protected during agreements.

Mothers’ and Fathers’ Rights

As either a mother or a father, both parents have certain rights. In the state of Texas, these rights are equal, and this means neither has the advantage when it comes to seeking custody. This can bring about disagreements when both parents are fighting for custody, and unfortunately, it can be the children who suffer in a prolonged dispute.

To avoid this, seek the help of a skilled Houston divorce attorney, one who has experience in family matters and has a strong attitude toward protecting your father’s rights, your mother’s rights, and your children. Our job as family lawyers is to ensure that your rights are protected.

We will help you protect your custody plan if you have primary custody, and we will fight to ensure you can see your children if you do not. We believe that in situations where both parents want to see their children, both parents deserve that right unless proven otherwise.

Modification of Orders

When it comes to a court order, an order is not set in stone. If your circumstances substantially change, you can ask the court to modify your order. The court may also modify your order if you feel that your children are no longer safe with the other party. If you have grounds for this request for modification, the Judge will listen and may change your custody agreement.

It can be difficult to get a modification of a custody order. You will need a good cause, and for the best possible outcome, you should make sure you hire the representation of a skilled lawyer who has experience dealing with child custody disputes.

Enforcement

When it comes to property division, child custody or spousal support, orders have to be followed and respected by all parties. Instances that violate these orders include withholding the children from the other party or refusing to meet support obligations. When this happens, the law is on your side, and this means you have the right to seek help.

We firmly believe we can help ensure that your rights are protected and your court order is enforced. If the other party is being unreasonable and is violating the order, this can be grounds to seek an enforcement of the order. Your lawyer will be able to show the court that the other party is acting in contempt of court and its orders.

Property Division

It is a common misconception that in Houston and the rest of Texas, the property is divided equally between the two parties, but this is not necessarily the case. Texas is a just and right division state. This means that both parties have the right to their ‘fair’ share of the marital estate. However, ‘fair’ doesn’t mean equal.

There are numerous factors the court can consider in a disproportionate share of the marital estate. The court can consider your ability to earn as well as any debt you have. They can also consider the fault in the break up of the marriage. For example, if one spouse committed adultery during the marriage.

Recovery of Attorney Fees

Sometimes a spouse may have a larger financial pool to use for their attorney fees. When this happens, they may use such to prolong the process. If you think this is the case, your lawyer may be able to request the Judge to order them to pay your attorney fees. This is not guaranteed, and it will be up to the Judge. If divorcing your spouse is becoming a financial burden through your spouse’s misconduct, you should consider asking your lawyer about it.

Domestic Violence

Unfortunately, domestic abuse and violence are on the rise and becoming common occurrences. When you seek the representation of a skilled and reputable lawyer, we are available to help immediately. As soon as you bring the matter to our attention, we can apply for an order from the court for your protection. This can bring peace of mind as you move forward with filing for divorce while you and your family are in a place of safety.

When it comes to domestic abuse, never hesitate; please seek immediate assistance from the authorities for your safety. False domestic violence allegations are also on the rise, and it is not unheard of for spouses to accuse their partners in an attempt to ensure custody. 

We have experience in dealing with these types of claims, and each of our experienced lawyers can help you fight these accusations to the fullest extent. With the right attorney, you can overturn these accusations, discrediting your spouse in the process.

Spousal Support

Spousal support is crucial for many people divorcing their spouses. To obtain it, you and your attorney will need to prove to the court that you qualify for such. Your attorney will help you put forward your qualifications and factors to the Judge. If there is a huge disparity in your income, or you sacrificed your career prospects to take care of your children and family, your lawyer can use these reasons in your request to the Court.

Call (713) 229-8855 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced Houston divorce lawyers.