It’s not uncommon for potential clients to seek assistance from the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC just a day or two before a Temporary Orders hearing in their divorce or child custody case. The impending hearing can be intimidating, raising various questions and concerns. This article marks the first installment in a series designed to assist parents and spouses who are unfamiliar with the legal process in preparing for this significant event in Texas family law.
How to Assist Your Lawyer in Preparing for a Temporary Orders Hearing
1. Compile a list that outlines reasons why your spouse should not be designated as the primary conservator of the children. Imagine presenting your case directly to the judge, emphasizing why your child should not live with the other parent and why that parent shouldn’t have more decision-making authority.
2. Develop a list of reasons why you should be named the primary conservator of the children. If you had the opportunity to plead your case to the judge, what would you highlight about yourself?
3. Being designated as the primary conservator entails managing your child’s daily life, both during the school year and vacations. Be ready for this responsibility.
4. Complete the financial forms provided by your attorney, detailing your and your spouse’s financial status, including assets, debts, property, and their values.
5. List potential witnesses for the temporary orders hearing, including their names, addresses, phone numbers, and a brief summary of their testimony.
6. Provide a chronological timeline of events during your marriage, helping your lawyer better understand the issues and piece together vital information.
7. If possible, schedule an in-person meeting with your attorney to fine-tune your arguments and establish rapport before the hearing.
Necessary Financial Documents for a Temporary Orders Hearing
Temporary Orders hearings involve both emotional pleas and financial considerations. Ensure you have the following financial documents ready:
– Previous year’s tax return.
– At least the past three pay stubs from your job.
– W-2s from the previous tax year.
– Any other tax documents to verify your income (e.g., 1099s for independent contractors).
– Health insurance and car insurance documents.
– Breakdown of insurance costs for the entire family versus just the child.
While not having these documents won’t necessarily harm your case, it can affect the judge’s perception if your spouse presents them.
Honesty is Key
Be honest with your lawyer from the start. Concealing information can negatively impact your case, as illustrated by a recent case where a client failed to disclose a crucial living arrangement, resulting in unfavorable settlement terms. Sharing relevant information with your attorney allows for better preparation and negotiation.
Stay tuned for Part Two of our series on Temporary Orders Hearing Preparation. For any family law-related questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC for a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
Ebook
If you want to know more about what you can do, CLICK the button below to get your FREE E-book: “16 Steps to Help You Plan & Prepare for Your Texas Divorce”
Other Articles you may be interested in:
- Do I need Temporary Orders in my Texas Divorce?
- Temporary Orders and Temporary Restraining Orders in Texas
- Getting Ready for a Hearing On Temporary Custody Orders
- The Divorce Temporary Orders Guide
- Temporary Orders and Temporary Restraining Orders in Texas
- What Wikipedia Can’t Tell you About Texas Divorce and Marital Property Division
- Texas Divorce Property Division Enforcement
- Separate Property in a Texas Divorce?
- Does it Matter Whose Name is on Title or Deed of Property in a Divorce in Texas?
- When is, Cheating Considered Adultery in a Texas Divorce?
Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC | Houston, 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 important to speak with one of our Houston, TX Divorce Lawyers right away to protect your rights.
Our divorce lawyers in Houston TX are skilled at listening to your goals during this trying process and developing a strategy to meet those goals. Contact 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 Houston, 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.
Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.
Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.
His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.