In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, it’s crucial to confront and correct common misconceptions about divorce in Texas. This article aims to provide clear, accurate information to help individuals navigate through the complexities of divorce proceedings, debunking prevalent myths and offering reliable guidance. Let’s set the record straight and empower those facing this challenging life event with knowledge and clarity.
Misconceptions on Texas Divorces: A Divorce Attorney’s Perspective
As a family law attorney, I run into people, clients and non-clients alike, who hold views on divorce and child custody cases that are sometimes so off from what the reality of the situation is that I need to take a step back and consider how should I approach the person that I am talking to. The scenario usually breaks down as follows: the person I am speaking to tells me some off-the-wall experience that a friend’s cousin’s brother experienced in their divorce, and it has the person I’m talking to all shook up.
A bad experience with an attorney or judge or a crazy ex-spouse has led this person to believe that every divorce is hell on earth and that all attorneys are corrupt and money-hungry. As a person who tries to preach sanity and rational thought as much as possible, I have my work cut out for me in this situation.
I will usually take a breath and attempt to address every point raised by the person. I’ll go through what a typical divorce looks like and discuss an attorney’s role in the case. With any luck, the person will have calmed down enough to begin to admit that they have never been through a divorce but are just relaying to me what was told to them.
Regardless, I can tell from these conversations that there is a certain degree of mythology surrounding divorces in our society. If you are in a position where you believe that you need to file for a divorce hearing, a story like the one I described above may be enough to cause you to postpone the divorce- to the detriment of you and your children.
It’s Normal to Have Apprehension About Divorce
Let’s begin by acknowledging the natural anxiety surrounding divorce. It’s a misconception that divorce is a desirable or easy process. The truth is, it’s a complex and often painful chapter in one’s life. It’s normal to have mixed feelings about ending a significant relationship. However, it’s essential to distinguish between reasonable apprehension and unfounded fear.
Fear often stems from misconceptions on divorces or a lack of evidence. We tend to inflate worst-case scenarios in our minds, fearing outcomes that are rarely realized. This fear can lead us to believe myths about divorce, perpetuating our anxieties. Common fears include the belief that our children will never forgive us, that being divorced makes us unlovable, or that we’ll never love again. These are not realities, but fears sown by our subconscious to trap us in indecision.
But there’s a brighter perspective to consider. In today’s blog post, we’ll explore alternative approaches to handling divorce. We aim to demystify the process, dispel common myths, and provide practical strategies to manage divorce-related anxieties. Let’s embark on a journey towards understanding and empowerment, challenging the misconceptions on Texas divorces that cloud our perceptions of divorce.
Permit Yourself to Feel the Way You Do- But Be Reasonable With Your Expectations
It’s essential to confront the fear associated with divorce. While it’s unrealistic to simply ‘snap out of it,’ understanding and addressing these fears is vital. Acknowledge your feelings as valid, but critically examine them. Are these fears rooted in reality, or are they based on misconceptions on Texas divorces?
Consider talking to a trusted friend or therapist to unpack these feelings. Often, fears dissipate when analyzed rather than left unchecked. For instance, why worry that your children won’t forgive the divorce or that future relationships are off the table? It’s crucial to identify if these fears have valid bases or stem from deeper issues like shame over a perceived failure. Addressing these underlying concerns is key to moving forward. In this discussion, we’ll delve into analyzing and overcoming the common fears associated with divorce, providing a clearer path towards resolution.
Consider the Truth of Your Feelings and Fears
Please do your best to be objective about your fears to determine how much time you need to examine them. Is there any shred of truth to your fears? How sure of that are you? What reactions do you have to the thoughts that are bothering you? Finally, ask yourself what position you would be in if you were not experiencing these thoughts.
Does thinking that specific thought does anything positive for you? For your children? If not, it is probably something you need to work on discarding or at the very least pushing into the periphery of your mind.
Divorce Is Tough, but Your False Beliefs Can Make It Even More Challenging
If you are considering a divorce from your spouse, you have likely already overcome several obstacles to get to this point. So much of our identity is tied up in our family and the relationships we share with our family members. Your spouse is the foremost person in your family that you have a relationship with, so it should come as no surprise that in many instances, we will attempt to hang on to that relationship as long as possible- sometimes past the point where it is healthy for us.
The bottom line is that if you are to overcome your fears and move forward in life, you need to examine the source of your thoughts and determine if those fears and doubts are based on fact or if they are a creation of your inner self-doubt. Permit yourself to feel the way you do but do not let your fears hold you back. Again, those fears are likely based on false evidence and not reality. Once you come to grips with this, you will be better off and begin making the kind of decisions that will benefit you and your family.
Questions about divorce and family law? Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC
If you have any questions about divorce or are simply wondering if you are making the right decision to consider a divorce, please contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC. Our licensed family law attorneys would be honored to meet with you in a free-of-charge consultation to address your questions. We represent clients across southeast Texas and are eager to do the same for you and your family.
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.