If you are a divorced individual or considering ending your marriage, you need to find the right attorney to help you protect your legal rights and assets. The right lawyer can help you resolve issues regarding alimony, child and spousal support, and property division as well as establish parenting plans. Some attorneys are experienced in both contested and uncontested divorces while others specialize in particular aspects of family law. You can also hire attorneys who are knowledgeable about alternative dispute resolutions like mediation and arbitration. If you have significant assets, you may want to work with an attorney who is familiar with high-value divorce cases.
The Law Offices of Davis and Associates helps individuals in Fort Worth and the surrounding area resolve issues related to a divorce or dissolution of a domestic partnership. Managing attorney Brandy Austin has experience with complex legal matters including child and spousal support, custody, debt and property division, and obtaining restraining orders for victims of domestic violence. She is a member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and has been awarded the Texas Family Lawyer of the Year award from the Academy of Family Law Attorneys.
You can hire an experienced family lawyer to handle your divorce by following some tips. First, you should do your research and evaluate potential candidates. You can ask friends and neighbors for recommendations or search online to find an attorney with a good reputation. Once you have a list of potential lawyers, schedule an in-person consultation to see how you mesh with the person and ask questions.
During your meeting, the attorney should listen to your concerns and goals to understand your situation. He or she should then provide level-headed advice that can help you secure the outcome you deserve. A good lawyer will also help you navigate complicated legal matters such as business valuations and taxes.
Once you have a good understanding of your case, the attorney should draft a petition for divorce. This is a formal filing that contains biographical information, historical information about the marriage, establishes jurisdiction, and identifies the grounds for the divorce. The petition must be served on the other party – known as the Respondent – who must file an answer within 20 days of being served.
A contested divorce can lead to lengthy litigation that requires public court hearings. However, a skilled attorney can often use alternative dispute resolutions to help you resolve your case quickly and cost-effectively. These methods are especially helpful when your spouse is refusing to cooperate or hiding assets.
A contested divorce can be difficult to navigate, especially when you and your spouse disagree about issues such as child custody or property division. You should hire an attorney who is familiar with all the available options to help you find a solution that meets your needs. The best attorney will take the time to investigate your spouse’s financial information and gather evidence such as tax returns, bank statements, credit card bills, loan applications and employment records. He or she will then prepare your case for a final hearing called the “prove up” process. During this hearing, the attorney will present your Final Decree and other supporting documents to the judge for approval.
