Protecting Yourself and Your Rights in the Early Part of a Divorce Proceeding
You’ve had strife in your marriage for some time and things have finally come to a head. Maybe you still want to try to work it out or maybe you’re just done. But now you have to do something, because your spouse has asked for a divorce or perhaps has already filed. How can you protect your legal rights and deal with the emotional challenges that come with a marital breakup? What should your first steps be?
Step #1—Get Legal Counsel
Don’t even consider trying to handle your divorce on your own. Even if there’s little to be contested, your spouse will have hired someone whose obligation is to obtain results that are in his or her best interests. You can expect the judge to ensure that you receive fair treatment, either. The sooner you hire an experienced attorney, the sooner you can relax a bit, knowing your legal rights are being protected. Your lawyer can also help you make objective decisions when your judgment may be compromised by emotions.
Step #2—Find Some Type of Emotional Support
Even if you’re ready to end the marriage, expect to face some difficult emotional times. You’ll experience the full range of emotions—sadness, anger, fear and perhaps even release. You’ll need to process some of the changes on your own, but there will be times when you need someone to listen, to give you company or just to keep you focused.
Step #3—If There Are Minor Children, Give Them Top Priority
Your children will feel many of the same emotions that you do, but they lack the tools and context to make complete sense of what’s happening. You may be angry at your spouse, but you need to work together for the benefit of your children. When considering things like custody, visitation and who will live in the marital home, make decisions based on the best interests of your children. If you find yourself struggling to know what that might be, be willing to meet with a child psychologist.
Step #4—Get Your Finances in Order
As a part of the divorce process, you’ll need to divide the debts and assets of the marriage in accordance with the community property laws in Texas. Pull together all information on any assets you own, including homes, vehicles, boats, jewelry, electronics, investments and insurance policies. Document what property you brought into the marriage, as well as anything you received as an inheritance or gift. Gather all debts, from mortgages and auto loans to consumer debt, credit cards and personal obligations.
Step #5—Stay Involved in Things You Love
Divorce is often, unfortunately, tied to shame and embarrassment. That often causes people to hibernate, mostly out of fear of having to revisit those emotions when they encounter others. Having a routine, though, particularly one that involves a few activities that you love, can help you get through each day. Keep going to the gym, if that’s important to you. Have dinner with friends, go to the symphony or just take a walk in the park. It’ll give you a different perspective and help you understand that, eventually, life will go on.
Contact the Proven Family Law Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen
At the law office of Bailey & Galyen, we have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the laws governing divorce and family law in Texas, and can help protect your rights when your marriage has ended. We can work with you at any stage of a marital breakup, whether you’re in the early stages of a divorce or need to modify a final decree.
We offer a free initial consultation to every client. To set up an appointment with a proven Texas family lawyer, contact us by e-mail or 844-402-2992 call our offices at one of the convenient locations listed below. We will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
