Divorce

Texas Divorce Lawyer

When people decide to get a divorce, they usually don't know what to expect. Divorce is a complicated legal process, and it can be full of unpleasant surprises and frustrating delays. A general understanding of what's likely to happen can help you feel more comfortable during an uncomfortable time.

Contact a Houston divorce attorney at the law offices of Russell, Ibrahim & Elliott, LLP, to schedule an initial consultation regarding how your divorce is likely to proceed and what steps you can take to minimize expense and stress. For example, endless acrimonious arguments over where the children will live and how to split up your 401K will only make the process more complex and ensure that the whole family will end up with fewer assets as attorney's fees increase.

An empathetic and efficient divorce attorney will guide you through the most reasonable and cost-effective means of resolving issues that are common to many divorces, including the following:

• Property division
• Spousal support (alimony)
• Child custody and visitation
• Child support

Learn how the typical process of divorce will or will not apply in your case, including the following steps:

• Drafting, serving and filing of a petition by the petitioner
• Answer or default through lack of response by the respondent
• Discovery of property and income
• Settlement negotiations or mediation
• Court hearing to address proposed settlement agreement
• Issuing of final court decree covering matters, such as child custody and visitation, child and spousal support and property division
• Occasionally, divorce appeals (not applicable when both parties agreed to a settlement)

The more a couple can cooperate and agree on reasonable compromises, the smoother and faster the divorce can go. Discuss your pending divorce with an experienced, empathetic Texas lawyer who understands what is most important to you and how to best protect your family's assets and stability through the difficult process of marital dissolution.