It only takes one of you or your spouse to file for divorce. No matter if you filed or your spouse did- a divorce is staring you in the face, and it is time to begin the process of ending your marriage. While this time in your life is undoubtedly emotional and unsettling, there are ways to best ensure that it does not have to be as bad an experience as you may be fearing.
If you think back to meaningful experiences in your life, you will probably agree with me that it is much easier to start something on the right foot rather than to have to spend a great deal of time making up for early mistakes. With that said, the attorneys with the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, would like to take this opportunity to discuss with you some of our tips for avoiding substantial mistakes early in your divorce process. While we cannot guarantee the success of your divorce, there are specific actions that we have seen repeatedly cause problems in divorces. Avoiding those problems and keeping your eye on the goal of a completed divorce can ensure this unpleasant time in your life is kept to a minimum.
Consider therapy and counseling to handle issues in your divorce.
The best way to avoid mistakes in a divorce is to prevent the divorce altogether. No need to check the website’s name you’re reading- you are still on the attorney’s webpage. While our office would be more than happy to discuss your case with you and plan a strategy to accomplish whatever goals you may have, it is not our desire to end families and relationships. If there is any chance for reconciliation between you and your spouse, I would advise you to seek those alternatives rather than seek the counsel of an attorney.
While you can always remarry a person, the result of a property division or bitter child custody battle will leave permanent scars and changes to the topography of your family. If your spouse has done something to upset you, the best response is to wait to address the issue until you are calm and rational. Address the problem with your spouse directly and seek clarification or whatever you need from them. If that is not forthcoming, you can attempt to set up a time to speak to a counselor or therapist. You may be surprised to learn that your spouse has issues they would like to address with you in a non-hostile environment.
Bottom line: keep your powder dry and aim to settle issues with your spouse before even talking to a lawyer. Once you permit yourself to think about divorce, it is hard to put those thoughts away and not revisit them the next time you find yourself upset with your spouse.
Once you speak to an attorney- be careful which one you hire.
When potential clients walk into the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, for a consultation, I will always ask if they have spoken to any other attorneys or if I am their first. Regardless of what they say, I will always advise a person to seek multiple viewpoints on advice on their divorce before hiring someone to represent them. Your divorce is an intimately personal matter. You should trust and feel confident in the person representing you.
Another word of caution is to be aware of lawyers telling you what you want to hear to win your favor. Part of being an attorney is advocating for your client and placing their interests before your own. Another essential part of being an attorney is giving advice and guiding your client as best as possible.
That sometimes means telling your client things they may not want to hear but need to hear. Having an attorney who is rational, honest, and capable of speaking to you honestly is the best-case scenario. You can find that person by learning about family law attorneys, their services, and what sort of personality you need in your attorney.
Do not ignore opportunities to settle your case before trial.
Television and movies have probably led you to believe that all divorces end up in a courtroom where a judge makes decisions for the participants’ lives. This is far from the actual truth. Most divorces end in mediation, with the parties settling their issues outside of court. This is a desirable result in that your judge, no matter how well-intentioned, will not have an opportunity to learn about your case and your lives to a sufficient degree to make a decision that will incorporate all of your lives’ circumstances.
You and your spouse will always be the best judges of what is best for yourselves and your family. Putting aside your differences and the hurt that you may feel to settle a case when that is possible may be difficult, but it is the right thing to do.
You are finding an attorney who supports you in your desire to settle your case, and then making sure that this stance is communicated effectively to your spouse and their attorney is crucial. You can save time, money, and sanity by settling rather than litigating your divorce.
More mistakes to avoid will be posted tomorrow by the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC.
Other mistakes that are easy to make will be posted tomorrow here on our website. While a perfect divorce isn’t possible, you can avoid problems if you plan ahead of time. If you have questions about common divorce mistakes or any other subject related to family law, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC. A free-of-charge consultation is available to you six days a week with one of our licensed family law attorneys.
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Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC | Spring, Texas Divorce Lawyers
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, routinely handles matters that affect children and families. If you have questions regarding divorce, it’s essential to speak with one of our Spring, TX Divorce Lawyers right away to protect your rights.
Our divorce lawyers in Spring, TX, are skilled at listening to your goals during this trying process and developing a strategy to meet those goals. Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC by calling (281) 810-9760 or submit your contact information in our online form. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, handles Divorce cases in Spring, Texas, Cypress, Klein, Humble, Kingwood, Tomball, The Woodlands, the FM 1960 area, or surrounding areas, including Harris County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, Chambers County, Galveston County, Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, and Waller County.