Dallas Divorce Lawyer
Divorce Attorney in Dallas, TX
Divorce is a very sensitive issue. Most times, it is an individual’s road to freedom and happiness; other times, it is a devastating experience for the parties involved. Whatever the case might be for you, there is always a need for you to manage it properly, or it could destroy you emotionally and financially. Whether you call Highland Park home or are a resident of Oak Cliff, having a Dallas divorce lawyer on your side is critical to the outcome of your case.
To get the best out of any divorce case, you need the services of the best divorce attorneys in Dallas, Texas. The truth is that every couple has a unique set of circumstances requiring the attorney to individualize whatever solution the client desires. Dissolving an unhappy marriage involves a lot of painful paths, but you can get over the distress quickly if you have a good divorce attorney. Apart from helping you pass through the emotional trauma, a reputable family law firm would help you get the best financial deal from the negotiation.
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At Cruz Arevalo, we are especially committed to ensuring that you achieve an outcome that’s to your best interest. We understand all the stress involved in going through a divorce, from property division to child support issues. We want to help you get through this as quickly as possible.
Defining Divorce in Dallas
Texas is host to many divorce cases. With a current rate of 1.9 divorce cases per 1,000 residents, the state handles these legal scenarios every day. For couples living in and around the Dallas area, your divorce case will likely be handled through the George Allen Courts Building on Commerce Street. To qualify for divorce, at least one of the involved parties must be a resident of Texas for at least six months prior to filing.
Texas operates as a no-fault divorce state, meaning couples are allowed to seek a divorce without having to prove whether either of the involved parties was at fault for the breakdown of the marriage. In a no-fault divorce, where the marriage is simply no longer supportable, the overall process can be much less contentious, as there will be no reason to place blame.
However, this does not mean issues won’t arise during a divorce proceeding. Under the Dallas divorce laws, you and your spouse can seek a no-fault divorce, but it may be either a contested or an uncontested case, depending on the level of animosity between you.
In an uncontested case, both parties reach agreements regarding the various topics of their divorce. However, in a contested divorce, the couple cannot agree on these topics, so they must look to a family court judge to make these decisions for them. At Cruz Arevalo, we have assisted countless individuals through a wide range of common divorce issues, including the following:
Child Support
In Texas, both parents are financially responsible for raising their children. This means, in a divorce, one parent (typically the one with a higher income) may be required to pay the other parent (usually the lower-earning individual) child support payments to care for the child’s basic needs. These include the child’s housing, healthcare, education, clothing, and food.
Child Custody
In a Texas divorce, when the couple shares minor children, they will need to reach an agreement regarding the custody of those children or the time spent with each parent. Texas refers to custody as “conservatorship,” which grants the parent the legal rights and responsibilities of raising their child. If you are a child’s conservator, either in a joint or sole conservatorship, you have the right to:
- Seek information regarding the child’s welfare, health, and education from your co-parent and, in some cases, co-conservator.
- Have access to the educational, dental, medical, and psychological records of the child.
- Consult a dentist, psychologist, or medical physician regarding the child.
- Speak with school officials concerning the child’s welfare, educational status, or school activities.
Property Division
In a marriage, most couples will accumulate a certain amount of wealth. In a recent study, the average median income of Dallas households was only around $67,760. However, many individuals and families in the area have a high net worth, or they own a large number of assets. All marital assets must be divided between the couple in a divorce, including:
- Any owned real estate that was acquired during the marriage
- Retirement funds
- Pensions
- Any investment portfolios
- Bank accounts
- Vehicles
- Business interests
Spousal Maintenance
In a Dallas divorce, a lower-earning spouse can seek one of two main types of spousal maintenance from the higher-earning spouse, depending on the facts involved in the case. These types of maintenance include:
- Temporary spousal maintenance. This is awarded to help the receiving spouse pay any necessary professional fees and other expenses. This lasts from the time the original divorce filing takes place until the courts offer a final divorce order.
- Permanent spousal maintenance. This kind of support is awarded to help the lower-earning spouse begin their new life after the marriage. It may also be ordered to provide them with ongoing support in situations where they face extreme hardship. Spousal maintenance awards of this nature will be based on factors such as the length of the marriage, along with the health and age of the spouses.
Other divorce-related topics we can assist with include:
- Annulments
- Informal marriages (Common law marriage), and
- Temporary restraining orders due to domestic violence.
The Texas Divorce Process
When facing divorce in Dallas, it is crucial to have a full understanding of the complete Texas divorce process. Knowing what legal situations you might be headed into can help you better understand the legal options you might have. It will also show you why hiring a divorce lawyer is so important. The Dallas divorce process includes the following steps:
- Initial filing. The overall case will begin when one of the spouses files a petition for divorce in Dallas County or whatever county where either spouse resides. At Cruz Arevalo, our team can guide you through preparing and submitting all the documents required for this step.
- Temporary orders. In certain situations, temporary orders may be issued by the courts to address topics like child support, custody, and the use of any shared property while divorce proceedings are taking place.
- This step involves the exchange of information between the two spouses, including financial documentation, to ensure a fair division of assets and debts.
- Negotiation or mediation. Generally, a divorce case can be amicably resolved through negotiation or mediation. This occurs in an uncontested divorce, and it allows the couple to agree to their divorce terms without needing the court’s interference.
- Court proceedings. In a contested divorce, where agreements cannot be reached through mediation or negotiation, the divorce case will likely proceed to court. At Cruz Arevalo, our attorneys can be there to advocate for you and present a compelling case to the judge. We can achieve the most favorable outcome possible for you.
- Final decree. Once all the issues of your divorce have been resolved, the courts will issue a final divorce decree. This details the agreed-upon terms and officially ends the marriage.
Hire a Divorce Lawyer Today From Cruz Arevalo
Navigating the legal and emotional intricacies of a Dallas divorce is intensely difficult, especially if you try to do so on your own. When you hire a divorce lawyer from Cruz Arevalo, they can provide you with critical legal support and a firm understanding of Texas family law. Whether you are simply contemplating a divorce or have already started the process, our experienced lawyers can fight for and protect your rights. Contact our offices today.
