Custom Dallas Divorce Preparation Services

One key to defending yourself through a divorce is preparation. This can be a difficult goal to achieve if you are not familiar with the divorce process or how to defend your best interests. Thankfully, you do not have to undergo the challenges of a divorce on your own.

When people contact Katie L. Lewis, P.C. Family Law, they are not always wondering how to get a divorce but if they should. When you choose us to help you through your divorce, we will help craft a personalized strategy based on your unique needs through asset division, custody arrangements, and all other areas of your divorce.

Planning For Your Finances In Texas

It is important to gather your comprehensive financial information together, and to make yourself aware of your financial situation both as a couple and as an individual. Doing so will likely save you fees in the long run and will make your proceedings go more smoothly if you get a divorce. Financial planning can include:

• Securing copies of the last two years of tax returns
• Becoming familiar with all existing financial accounts, including bank statements, credit cards, investments and retirement funds
• Making sure you are added or included as an authorized user on all relevant accounts
• Understanding where your assets are and how to access them
• Putting together a comprehensive assessment of the property you hold separately and jointly with your spouse
• Collecting copies of your and your spouse’s most recent pay stubs
• Checking your credit reports and becoming familiar with outstanding debts you and your spouse hold

If you feel you are not able to collect and interpret all of these items on your own, our firm can refer you to a financial adviser or accountant to aid you in these endeavors.

A Comprehensive Approach

In addition to financial considerations, you may be worried about child custody, visitation and support. If you are not already, make sure you are actively involved in your children’s lives. This involves knowing their friends, teachers and doctors, as well as their hobbies, activities and interests. You should take your child or children to school, get them ready for bed, help with homework, feed them and bathe them. To prepare for future custody hearings, collecting homework logs, attendance records, report cards, and day care logs can aid you when it comes to temporary and permanent custody rights.

Consulting a divorce lawyer early on in the process can also give you insight as to when and if you should file first. Depending on whether you and your spouse will engage in a contested or uncontested divorce, your goals may be different, and therefore, your legal process should be handled differently. Discussing your options with an attorney will save you headaches in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Planning In Texas

Our attorneys can answer any questions you have about your divorce. In the meantime, learn more about your rights with answers to these common questions:

What steps should I take before filing for divorce?

If you are filing for divorce, you should consider talking to one of our family law attorneys at NAPNAME to learn more about how you can prepare. We can help you gather financial records and other documents necessary for your divorce. Our attorneys can walk you through the issues that may arise during your divorce, such as property division, alimony, child custody and child support. We can also prepare you for your desired living situation.

How do I protect my finances during a divorce?

If you want to protect your finances during a divorce, you will want to consider your options. You may begin by opening separate bank accounts, resolving joint debts and identifying separate property. If you have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, you may need to locate this document to protect your assets.

Should I move out of the marital home during the divorce process?

In most cases, it is better to stay in your marital home until divorce proceedings end. By remaining in the marital residence, you may have a stronger case when negotiating ownership of the home. Before you consider leaving the home, you may need to talk to an attorney and explore your options.

How can I prepare for custody discussions?

As a parent, child custody discussions can be the hardest part of the divorce process. You can prepare for these conversations by learning about your rights as a parent, gathering relevant documents and considering a parenting plan.

You may have the opportunity to discuss and agree on a child custody arrangement with your spouse. By agreeing to an arrangement, you and your spouse can both voice your wants and concerns when raising your children after a divorce. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, child custody matters may be resolved in court.

Before beginning child custody discussions, you may need to consult a family law attorney and explain your situation. Our lawyers can help you build your case, negotiate an agreement or represent your interests in court.

Do I need a lawyer if my spouse and I agree on everything?

Yes. Even if you and your spouse have agreed to all divorce matters, including asset division, alimony and child custody and support, talking to an attorney can help protect your rights. When working with the legal team at Katie L. Lewis, P.C. Family Law, our attorneys can help ensure you are getting the most out of your divorce and protect your legal rights. We can review a divorce agreement and negotiate better terms if we believe you are entitled to more.

Discuss Your Options

Even if you are contemplating divorce but have not made any decisions, contact our Dallas office by emailing us or by calling 214-461-5028 to discuss how you can prepare.