Houston Divorce and Separation
The ABCs of Divorce and Separation
Many people faced with a divorce or legal separation cannot believe their marriage is over. They are filled with emotion and unsure of what to do next. That is when the services of a Houston family lawyer or divorce lawyer become important. An attorney can help navigate the emotional territory being traveled, and can make sure that emotion does not prevent you from protecting yourself and your rights in the long term. Take the Houston divorce attorney, Judy Ritts. On her home page, attorney Judy Ritts talks about strategy and coaching abilities that help her clients navigate through the storm of an unhappy marriage.
A divorce action brings along many other legal issues. If there are children in the marriage, child custody and support issues have to be decided. Property, including bank accounts, homes, and retirement, will need to be divided. Alimony may be warranted, and the question of how much and for what period of time will have to be addressed. Money is often tight in divorce cases, so it is important that the divorcing couple has people around them to help focus on the issues and not waste time and money on unimportant things.
Contested and Uncontested Divorce
Divorces can be contested or uncontested. In an uncontested divorce, the couple agrees to divorce and sometimes agree on property division. In contested divorces, one party may not want a divorce. There are people who say they will never "give" their spouse a divorce, but as long as the waiting time passes, a party cannot stop a divorce.
Grounds for Divorce
Divorces may be granted on grounds, or reasons. Grounds for divorce vary from state to state, so it is important to consult with an attorney before filing for divorce. Grounds for divorce include adultery, desertion, incarceration, insanity, abuse, bestiality, and addiction. Each party’s behavior may become an issue when divorce is filed on specific grounds, so it is important to find out your state’s laws. Additionally, success on the filed ground may affect custody and property distribution, so again, the smartest bet is to consult with an attorney. In most states, divorces can also be granted using "no fault," where the parties say there is no one to blame but the marriage is over. Irreconcilable differences fall into the "no fault" category.
Divorce Mediation
Some states have begun to mandate the use of mediation in divorce. A mediator is a neutral party who listens to both sides and decides on an outcome. A divorce mediator can be an attorney or psychologist, or a court appointed mediator. Usually, the decision of a mediator is not final, and parties who attend mediation are also represented by individual counsel. Success in mediation can often save the divorcing couple money as well as quell hostilities. A mediator can enlist the help of professionals such as a divorce coache and financial expert to advise the couple on issues such as child custody, spousal maintenance, and tax consequences.
Judy Ritt, Esq. is a Houston, Texas family lawyer who counsels people who are seeking a divorce. Her phone number is 713-666-0646, and website is www.judyritts.com.
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