Four Steps of Every Texas Divorce

There are four steps that occur in every divorce in Texas.

Step One: Drafting and Filing an Original Petition

Prior to filing an Original Petition for Divorce it is important to have a gameplan. At a time filled with stress and anxiety it is difficult to go about this process by yourself, however, it is an option available to you. If you decide to draft the Original Petition yourself it important to comply with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. Unfortunately, the District Clerk of the county where you file will be prohibited from providing you legal advice under Texas law.

Step Two: Providing your Spouse the Documents

Under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure there are a limited number of approved ways for supplying your spouse with the Divorce papers. One option available to you, if you have not hired an attorney, is to pay a private process server to provide your spouse the documents. You should also consider what is called a Waiver of Service which would essentially remove the need of paying a third party to provide the documents to your spouse.

Step Three: Settlement Negotiations

The next step is to consider options for settlement and discuss these options with your attorney. There may be complicated assets such as retirement accounts which need to be carefully considered in any settlement discussion. If settlement discussions break down it may be necessary to attend a hearing, or multiple hearings.

Step Four: Finalizing the Divorce

The last step in the process is to attend court and have the Judge sign the Divorce Decree. Be sure to obtain a certified copy of the filed Decree for your records.

For help in walking through the process of Divorce contact one of our experienced attorneys:

www.divorcelawyersaustintx.com