Married couples in Texas may be interested to know that about 2 million divorces occur every year in the U.S. While married people may be reluctant to plan for a divorce, understanding the separation process and what may happen can help lower stress if the unthinkable does occur. Planning is a particularly important part of getting through the divorce process successfully.
Divorcing couples should expect to go through three different phases. There is filing the required paperwork, discovery and disposition. In cases in which couples want to avoid going to court, there are many options, including collaborative divorce and mediation.
Before filing for a divorce, an individual should obtain a copy of their credit report from the three main credit reporting agencies. They should closely review the report for all debts that are under their name alone and any that they may share with their future ex-spouse.
It is also important to have the right legal representation when getting ready for a divorce. Recommendations for legal counsel can be sought from other professionals. When vetting an attorney, one should conduct interviews to determine compatibility.
A family law attorney may advise a client about what may happen throughout the divorce process. The lawyer could evaluate the circumstances of the marriage and recommend certain legal strategies that might facilitate the desired settlement terms. Litigation may be used to resolve disputes regarding child custody, dividing marital property and spousal support. In many cases, however, mediation or collaborative divorce will be preferable for a splitting couple.
