Divorce Information CenterCall us now or use the form below. Try Our Child Support Calculator Finders Frequently Asked Questions about Texas DivorceQ: What is a legal divorce? A: A divorce is a method of terminating a marriage contract between two individuals. From a legal standpoint, divorce will give each party the legal right to marry someone else, to divide and share marital assets and debts, and to determine matters related to the care and custody of their children. In Texas, divorces are either fault-based or no fault. Q: What is a no fault divorce? A: Traditionally, divorce was granted only in cases of marital misconduct such as adultery or physical abuse. In these cases, the "guilty" spouse was punished by getting a smaller share of the couple's property or being denied custody of their children while the "innocent" spouse was rewarded for being faithful to the vows of marriage. In a no fault divorce, however, both parties agree that there is no "fault" involved in the grounds for divorce. In Texas, married couples can get no fault divorces if the marriage has become "insupportable" because conflict has destroyed the legitimate ends of the relationship. No fault divorces can also be granted if a couple has been living separately without cohabitation for three years. Two-thirds to three-quarters of divorces are initiated by women. North Texas Divorce LawyersAt Loughmiller Higgins, we believe in being honest and up front with our divorce clients from the very start. This means straightforward talk about what divorce really means, what the division of property actually entails, and what happens to children when mom and dad cannot find a way to resolve their differences outside of court. We feel it is important for clients to understand that litigation is not the only way to resolve a divorce, and that alternative methods of dispute resolution can be just as effective in solving their problems. However, we are more than ready and willing to go to trial when other methods of resolving difference are not successful. The following articles are intended to provide you with a broad overview of divorce and its related legal issues. For information on topics specific to your situation — contact our McKinney, Texas, law offices. Texas Divorce - An OverviewContemplating divorce is always difficult. Involving a knowledgeable Texas family law attorney as soon as possible in the divorce process is one of the best ways to preserve your own long-term financial and emotional health. Division of Property in TexasWhen there is little or no marital property, no children, no issues of spousal maintenance, amicable spouses can usually obtain a quick divorce by making a divorce agreement and having a judge approve it. Most divorces, however, are quite different and far more complex. The typical Texas divorce involves a union of many years with considerable marital property, both personal property and real estate, children, family businesses, large or concealed debts, trust funds, real estate in other states, joint and separate accounts, investments, insurance, pensions, and other assets. In these complex situations, the parties often cannot divide their property on their own and therefore may require court involvement for its ultimate division. Questions to Ask During DivorceConsidering whether you should end your marriage is one of the most important and difficult decisions you will ever encounter. It is important to approach the question from a rational perspective rather than solely an emotional one. In many ways, it is a business decision that requires you to evaluate many issues. Once you review this list of questions, you may rethink the direction you are headed, or you will be better prepared to move forward while working with your attorney. How to Move OnRecovering from a divorce is similar to the grieving process one experiences when a loved one dies. There are five stages in the process: shock and denial, anger, ambivalence, depression, and recovery. Many people expect to work through these stages one after the other, but that isn't usually how it happens. You can expect to move in and out of each phase over time and sometimes experience more than one phase at the same time. It is a difficult process and time consuming. Family counselors advise it may take as long as two years to fully recover. An Amicable DivorceDivorce is one of the most emotional experiences a person will ever face. The decision to end a marriage is not an easy one and it is often accompanied with anger, fear, and resentment. The negative emotions associated with divorce are responsible for more than hurt feelings; they affect the final outcome of settlement negotiations. Most important, if children are involved, they will generally suffer. It is in your best interest to approach divorce from an amicable perspective. This will allow you to put on your business hat, which is critical for reaching a successful settlement. It will also allow you to put on your effective parent hat, which is critical for helping your children through this difficult process. Texas Divorce Resource Links
Texas Attorney General's Child Support Interactive Web Page
American Bar Association - Family Law
Texas Divorce Law
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