When should I consult a divorce lawyer?

It's never too early in the process to get help from an lawyer. Sticking with legal counsel allows you to make educated choices and avoid possible pitfalls - raising your capacity to attain your targets. Keep in mind, consulting an Austin divorce lawyer doesn't intend you will be divorced; you might require info regarding the family law legal procedure. A frequent problem I see is customers wait too long to speak to an lawyer to obtain legal counsel and may have ended up having a much better outcome if they were educated about their choices earlier.

What should I bring with me into the first consultation?

Since family law issues can be quite stressful, it's a fantastic idea to write down any questions you've got and bring them to the very first meeting so nothing significant is forgotten. You might also need to bring some documents pertinent to your situation if accessible - such as national income tax returns, or files regarding your debts and assets. If you signed up a pre-marital arrangement or another type of property arrangement before or during your union, deliver a copy to your appointment.

I was only served with divorce papers. What if I do?

You need to retain a divorce lawyer as soon as possible in order that they may offer legal guidance regarding what's been asked and any hearings which were scheduled. Once kept, your divorce lawyer will file a response for your benefit.

My partner and I would love to hire 1 lawyer for divorce. Is that possible?

In Texas, 1 lawyer may not represent both partners. Nor can a divorce lawyer retained by one partner give legal information regarding the opposing party. Do a little investigating to learn if your state allows representation by a single lawyer.

I know that I must go through mediation because of my own divorce. Is that accurate?

In Travis, Williamson and Hays Counties, mediation is necessary before a last hearing will be held at a family law situation. In mediation, a trained, impartial third party acts a facilitator for its settlement negotiations between the parties and their respective lawyers. When an agreement can't be reached during the mediation procedure, the parties may opt to solve their problems via lawsuit.

How long can it take to obtain a divorce?

The time necessary to develop the last conditions of your divorce is extremely determined by the amount of issues to be solved and the openness of the parties to achieve an agreement. In Texas, there's a statutory waiting period of 60 days after the Petition is filed prior to the divorce could be finalized.

Do both partners need to agree to the divorce? Imagine if one of us doesn't want the divorce?

Texas has a "no-fault" divorce statue. This usually means that a divorce can be obtained, even though just 1 spouse needs it. You don't want the arrangement of your partner to submit the Original Petition for Divorce or to pursue a divorcelawyer.

What exactly does it mean when an Lawyer is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization?

A family law attorney who wants to become Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization applies to the Texas Board of Legal Specialization to take a day long written examination to become Board Certified in Family Law. Of the 78,032 lawyers licensed to practice law in Texas, just 691 are Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, or less than 1 percent of the attorneys in the state of Texas.