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Experienced Laredo Lawyers for Your Divorce Journey
In addition to being emotionally exhausting, divorce can be logistically and legally challenging. This is where a divorce lawyer can help. Our Laredo divorce attorney can walk you through each step of the process. We provide all our clients with timely advice and work tirelessly to help them achieve the best possible outcome.
At the Law Offices of Rudy Santos, L.L.C., we want to provide you with the support you need during this very stressful process so you can move on to the next stage of your life. Our team wants to be there for you while you enter this new chapter.
Seeking Divorce Advice in Laredo? Call (956) 476-3337 for a personalized consultation today!
Understanding Divorce Laws in Texas
A divorce is the legal process of ending a marriage. It shouldn’t be confused with an annulment, which ends a marriage by treating it as though it never happened. With a divorce, the court recognizes that you and your spouse were married and offers a means for coming to legally binding agreements regarding key issues like the division of assets, spousal support, child custody, and child support.
Exploring Divorce Options in Texas
In Texas, the types of divorce include:
- Uncontested Divorce – This type of divorce is only possible when spouses agree on all issues involved with the end of their marriage, including custody, support, and assets. Uncontested divorce is typically the least time consuming and most straightforward type of divorce in Texas.
- Contested Divorce – When spouses cannot agree on all issues related to their divorce, it is considered contested. Contested divorces may require the involvement of the court to decide matters related to property and assets, children, and spousal support. These divorces often take the most amount of time and are typically the most expensive for all parties.
- Collaborative Divorce – A collaborative divorce offers spouses a way to negotiate to reach agreements on all matters related to the end of their marriage, without the involvement of the court. This involves separate meetings for each disputed issue, with each spouse represented by an attorney, and the use of neutral experts to reach agreements that are legally recognized.
- Mediated Divorce – If spouses cannot agree on divorce-related matters but want to avoid a drawn-out litigated divorce, they can work with a neutral third-party mediator who will guide them to mutually beneficial agreements on any disputed issues. Mediation can offer an effective way for each party to share their wishes and reach workable compromises.
- Default Divorce – This involves a situation where a spouse refuses to acknowledge a divorce petition or cannot be located and served with divorce papers. After a certain amount of time, the court may grant the filing spouse a divorce by default.
It’s important to carefully consider the type of divorce you will file or how to contest the terms should your spouse file in a manner you do not agree with. Always talk to an experienced divorce attorney before moving forward.
What Is the Standard Divorce Process in Texas?
There are two primary routes that a divorce can take in the state of Texas. The first is mediation. If you and your spouse are still able to effectively communicate, mediation is usually the fastest and most affordable route. You will meet with a mediator several times, agreeing on how you will divide any marital assets and liabilities. If you share children, you will also come to an agreement on child custody during the mediation process. Finally, a judge will issue the divorce decree based on what you and your spouse decide.
Should you and your spouse find it difficult to agree on certain divorce factors or you are in a particularly hostile situation, you will need to complete this process in the courtroom. A judge will decide on a fair arrangement. This can take much longer and be much more expensive. In rare cases, your divorce may even need to go before a jury.
No matter which path you choose, trust the Laredo divorce lawyer at the Law Offices of Rudy Santos, L.L.C. to provide you with comprehensive and caring legal representation. We'll be here for you every step of the way.
Start Your Divorce Process with a Trusted Laredo Lawyer
No matter how you look at it, divorce is life-changing. It will have immediate and long-term consequences that you will have to deal with, and the best thing you can do is to make sure these changes are positive ones. As your local Laredo divorce law firm, Law Offices of Rudy Santos, L.L.C. is ready to advise and guide you toward the best possible result based on your unique needs.
No two divorces are the same, just like no two relationships or marriages are the same. When you contact us for a consultation, our mission will be to understand your goals and your needs so we can help you work toward a better future.
Discuss Your Divorce with a Laredo Attorney – Call (956) 476-3337 or reach out online today!