Are you considering putting an end to your marriage? The first step in the process is finding the right Tomball divorce attorney to guide you through this challenging time. But how do you know you’ve made the right choice?
We will discuss five essential questions to ask a divorce attorney during your first appointment. These questions will help ensure that you make an informed decision and receive the support and guidance necessary during this emotional journey.
1. What Should I Know About Texas Divorce Laws?
In Texas, there are two main types of divorces: fault-based and no-fault. A fault-based divorce means that one spouse is claiming that the other spouse did something wrong which led to the end of the marriage. Examples of grounds for a fault-based divorce include adultery, cruelty, abandonment, or felony conviction.
On the other hand, a no-fault divorce can be granted based on irreconcilable differences between you and your spouse leading to an irremediable breakdown of the marriage. This is typically the most common type of divorce in Texas.
An experienced divorce lawyer in Tomball will explain all the relevant aspects of a divorce regulated by the Texas Family Code, including:
- Division of marital property
- Spousal support (better known as alimony)
- Child custody
- Child support
2. How Can I Reduce the Cost of My Divorce?
Divorce can be a financially draining process. It’s natural to want to find ways to reduce the financial burden as much as possible. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help minimize the cost of your divorce.
Communication is key. Being open and honest with your attorney about your finances and goals will allow them to provide appropriate guidance on how best to proceed. By being transparent from the beginning, you can avoid unnecessary surprises down the road that may lead to additional expenses.
Consider prioritizing issues that are most important to you rather than pursuing every potential battle. By focusing on what truly matters, you may be able to reach a more amicable settlement with your spouse, saving both time and money in the long run.
3. What Should I Expect during the Divorce?
During the divorce process, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of what you can expect. While every case is unique, there are certain common elements that typically arise during a divorce. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Who will file the Petition for Divorce
- Ensuring that the other party is duly served the divorce papers
- Getting a temporary order from the court while the divorce case is pending
- Collecting the necessary evidence to present in court
- Your Tomball divorce attorney will attempt to negotiate an agreement with your spouse’s lawyer
- If no agreement is reached, the judge will issue the final decision.
An experienced lawyer will attempt to make the entire process as smooth and short as possible. They have negotiation skills that allow them to come up with a fair plan for the division of marital property. This will ensure that each party gets a fair deal and has a chance to retain the assets they want to keep after the divorce.
4. How Much Do You Charge?
The cost of getting a divorce is an important consideration for many individuals. When meeting with a divorce attorney, it’s crucial to discuss their fees and charges upfront. While the exact cost will depend on various factors such as the complexity of your case and any additional services required, asking about the attorney’s fees during your first appointment is essential.
During this discussion, you can ask the attorney about their billing structure. Do they charge by the hour or offer flat-fee packages? Understanding how they bill for their services will help you plan financially.
Additionally, inquire about any other potential costs associated with your divorce. Will there be filing fees or expenses related to experts or consultants? It’s crucial to have a clear understanding of all possible expenses before moving forward.
5. What Are the Next Steps after This Appointment?
After your first appointment with a Tomball divorce attorney, you may be wondering what comes next. In some cases, you may want to proceed with the divorce right away. Or, you may consider waiting a little and trying mediation first.
If you decide to go ahead with the divorce, you will sign a retainer agreement and the lawyer will start working on your case. They will instruct you with regard to the documents you should prepare for analysis and the forms you need to file to initiate the process.
Let a Skilled Divorce Attorney Guide You!
Navigating the complexities of a divorce can be overwhelming, thus it is crucial to have a skilled attorney by your side. By asking the right questions during your initial appointment, you can gain clarity on important aspects and help you understand what you can expect once you decide to file for divorce.
Choosing an experienced Tomball divorce attorney who understands your unique circumstances and can provide expert guidance is crucial during this challenging time. Contact Bolton Law at 281-351-7897 and schedule an initial appointment with us!
