Filing for Divorce i& Family Law in Tarrant County, Texas

Filing for divorce can be a time of great uncertainty and oftentimes described as unnerving by clients.  Being represented by competent legal counsel is crucial regardless of how “easy” your situation may seem.

So what is the “process” or steps that are taken by an attorney when helping a client file for divorce?

Setzer Law Firm PLLC generally takes the following course of action when representing a client:

1.  Meet with the client to determine what assets and debts you have acquired during your marriage.
2. Determine if you have any minor children.  If so, we will discuss some approaches both you and your spouse can take in raising your children in two homes rather than one. You need a custody plan that works.
3. Then  an attorney will analyze the strategy that would be best in representing you – do you need and temporary restraining order?, child support, or spousal maintenance?  How will the credit card bills be paid?
4. After a strategy is developed we file an Original Petition for Divorce.  Often times we will file a request for temporary orders together with the petition.  If this is done, you will have a court date within two weeks after filing for divorce.
5. At the temporary hearing  an order is entered regarding which party will continue to live in the home, if the home will be listed with a real estate agent, if child support is paid – how much, who will pay the credit cards, etc.
6. Immediately following the temporary hearing it is important for the attorneys to exchange financial information of the parties through discovery and an Inventory and Appraisement form. Through this process  each side will have an opportunity to learn what assets and debts truly exist through full disclosure.
7. After all of the financial information is exchanged the negotiation process begins.  Our law firm incorporates a number of approaches to settle a case including sending a settlement offer, engaging in information settlement conferences, and attending mediation.
8. Once a settlement is reached the Final Decree of Divorce is drafted.  This document can range in content from 15 to 60 pages depending on the complexity of the case.  Both attorney’s and their clients review the Final Decree of Divorce to assure that all of the terms are included in the document. 
9. The Final Decree of Divorce is then presented to the judge for signature in Court called a “prove-up” hearing.
10. After the Final Decree of Divorce is signed by the judge you are officially divorced.

If you have further questions regarding filing for divorce please contact our law firm for a personal consultation. Setzer Law Firm PLLC is a practice solely dedicated to family law.