Texas Divorce: The Initial Consultation

Most people don’t envision a divorce consult as they walk down the aisle on their wedding day. However, at one point, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that over 50% of American marriages would end in divorce.

This number has been on the decline. However, the truth still holds that many marriages will not make it. The reality is that those who are contemplating or living through a divorce could care less whether the statistic is 50% they are more interested in getting through the Texas divorce process.

How Do I Choose a Texas Divorce Lawyer?

The first step in this journey is finding and meeting with a Texas divorce lawyer. What should you look for in your divorce attorney? It is best to find a lawyer who does nothing but divorce and family law or at least has divorce as a large portion of his/her law practice.

Sometimes people incorrectly believe that divorce is nothing more than filling out some forms. Those people usually have never actually filed a divorce case or if they have, do not know enough to know that they don’t know enough.

The Legal Ramifications of Marriage and Divorce

While I was writing the blog post. A consult came by and I explained the divorce process to him. After the consult was over he commented that people should be forced to take a marriage course regarding the legal ramifications before they can get married.

He was not alone in his sentiments I have had more than one consult say the same thing. This is because many people do not realize that a divorce involves more than just turning someone from a married person to a single person. A divorce is really three lawsuits involving at its most basic level:

1. The Divorce
2. Property and Debts
3. Children

What I tell people in my consults to help them understand is that in a lot of ways, marriage is literally a partnership. If you talk to a business lawyer about legal entities for doing business in Texas, you will be cautioned about doing business as a partnership.

This is because with a partnership:

1. There is no or very little protection against assets being the subject of lawsuits
2. A partner can enter agreements for debts and loans and the other partner can be liable for these agreements and debts
3. Unless there is a partnership agreement dividing up assets and debts can be expensive and convoluted should the partnership dissolve.

Much like a little partnership dissolving a marriage can be just as confusing but often to a greater degree. Unlike a partnership dissolving a marriage often involves other family law issues such as children.

What Makes a Good Client

I have written a few other articles on the initial divorce consult. This is a time for you to interview your potential lawyer and for the divorce lawyer to interview you to see if you would be a good client.

What makes a good client? A good client is totally honest with the lawyer and responds timely to requests for documents and information. You must realize that active involvement in the divorce process is essential, as you cannot simply submit your bills and disengage. It is crucial for you to participate in every step of your divorce case.

The Initial Divorce Consult

During the initial consultation, you will gather information about the different kinds of divorce—uncontested versus contested—and gain an understanding of what the process will entail in your specific situation.

The attorney/client privilege applies to the initial consultation so feel free to discuss all of your concerns with the attorney.

Being open and honest with your lawyer will help you avoid problems during your divorce case. Never assume that an asset is protected or that disclosing information to your lawyer is unnecessary. Disclose everything and your lawyer will advise you on the best steps to take.

You should leave your initial consultation with a good idea about the issues in your divorce case, what the general divorce process involves, and a general idea of what divorce will cost in your case.

Some clients who come in to meet with us have already considered making the leap and are ready to file their case. If you are not sure, take your time, talk to your lawyer, and get a game plan in place that will best suit your situation.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a well-prepared divorce consult can set the stage for a smoother Texas divorce process. By knowing what to expect and gathering the necessary documents in advance, you can make the most of your “Texas Divorce: The Initial Consultation” and foster clearer, more effective communication with your attorney. This first step is essential in navigating the complexities of divorce with confidence and clarity.

Key Takeaways for Your Texas Divorce ConsultationEbook

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Other Articles you may be interested in:

1. Questions to Ask in Your Initial Divorce Consultation in Texas
2. 6 Tips for Getting a Free Divorce Consultation
3. Virtual Divorce Consultations and How They Work in Texas
4. Can I sue my spouse’s mistress in Texas?
5. 6 Tips – On How to Prepare for a Texas Divorce
6. Roadmap of Basic Divorce Procedure in Texas
7. Child Custody Basics in Texas
8. 6 Mistakes that Can Destroy Your Texas Divorce Case
9. 10 Quick Tips About Parental Visitation
10. Does it Matter who Files First in a Texas Divorce?
11. What to expect during your initial consultation
12. How to Prepare for a Meeting with a Divorce Attorney