When an individual decides that they want a divorce in Texas, one of the first steps in the process is to consult with an attorney. During the consultation, the individual will provide information regarding the circumstances behind the divorce as well as personal information such as their home address, phone number and email address.
Other relevant information that will be disclosed during this process includes the individual’s income and whether or not they have children. If children are involved, the attorney may need to determine if the individual filing for divorce has a chance to retain parental rights. Finally, it may be a good idea to disclose how long the marriage has lasted and provide tax forms and other documents that could be used for property division purposes.
As attorneys do charge for their services, how and when payment is to be rendered will also be part of the discussion. In some cases, an individual may be required to provide a retainer prior to services being provided. An attorney should also discuss divorce alternatives like mediation or other arrangements, which may result in a faster and more civil resolution to the case.
Those who are planning on getting a divorce may need legal assistance throughout the process. An attorney may increase the odds that an individual’s rights are respected, which can result in maximum property division and/or alimony. Furthermore, the presence of an attorney could make it more likely that an individual gets parental rights and/or child custody rights. In some cases, legal counsel might be able to negotiate an appropriate divorce settlement without the need to go to court.