Comprehensive Counsel in Divorce, Custody, Support and Property Matters
Your marriage is over. You’ve tried to patch things up, but your differences are simply too great. It should come as no surprise, then, that you find it difficult to amicably part ways. Your challenges can be even greater when there are minor children of the marriage. When you need compassionate, effective and timely representation in a divorce or family law matter, Bailey & Galyen can help.
At Bailey & Galyen, we have provided full-service legal counsel to women and men throughout the Lone Star State for more than four decades, providing guidance and advocacy on all matters related to family law or divorce. We have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the laws and procedures governing divorce in Texas, including issues involving child custody and visitation, spousal maintenance and child support, and the division of marital property under to the Texas community property laws.
We built our successful practice on a dedication to hard work and thorough preparation, as well as the highest levels of client service and satisfaction. We’ll take the time to listen and learn the specific details of your case, so we can clearly understand your needs and objectives, and can tailor our counsel to get the results you seek. We’ll keep you apprised of all developments in your case, as well as your options moving forward, so you can make good choices about how you proceed. We will be there when you need us, returning your calls or responding to your emails in a timely manner.
To set up a meeting with an experienced Arlington family lawyer, contact Bailey & Galyen online or call our offices at 817-752-3155. There’s no cost or obligation for your first visit.
Family Law in Texas—An Overview
In Texas, as in most other states, family law is based on both statutes (written laws passed by the state legislature), and court opinions from prior cases (referred to as “common law”). The Texas Family Code (a statute) establishes many of the laws governing marriage and other family law matters, including:
- The definition of marriage, how a marriage may be dissolved, how property will be allocated in a divorce, and other basic rules related to divorce proceedings
- The rights of minor children of a marriage in a divorce proceeding, including determinations of custody, visitation and child support
- How the collaborative divorce process works, if the parties want to terminate the marriage without the intervention of the court
- Those acts that are considered to be juvenile offenses, as well as the procedures within the juvenile justice system
- What constitutes family abuse or domestic violence, as well as how to obtain a protective order, when necessary
- The details regarding the parent-child relationship, including the specifics about SAFCRs (suits affecting the Parent-Child Relationship)
What Issues Arise Most Frequently in Family Court in Arlington?
Generally speaking, the vast majority of the family law matters resolved in the Arlington family courts are related to divorce. As a consequence of the dissolution of a marriage, the parties often must address issues related to:
- Custody and visitation—Known in Texas as managing conservatorship and access, such arrangements can (and often are) formulated by the parties without the involvement of the court, though they must still be approved by the judge. In those situations where the parties cannot amicably work out a custody or visitation agreement, the court will hold hearings and render a decision.
- Child and spousal support—As a general rule, the parent without primary physical custody will be required to pay child support, based on the respective incomes of both parents, as well as any special needs of the child. The court may also order one spouse to make payments to the other spouse, though alimony/spousal maintenance is far less common than it used to be. A spousal support order may require permanent or temporary payments, or may establish payments for a limited time, until the other spouse can become self-sufficient.
- The division of marital property and obligations—Texas is one of 11 states that apply the legal principle of community property when allocating marital debts and assets. Under the community property approach, any assets or debts accumulated during the marriage are generally considered to be community property (inheritances, gifts and personal injury awards are typically excepted) and must be equally divided upon dissolution of the marriage.
What Are the Advantages of Having a Lawyer Represent You in a Divorce?
It may seem like your divorce is uncomplicated, and that may lead you to believe that you don’t need legal representation. In most instances, that would be a mistake. Even where there’s little or no property, and no minor children of the divorce, the party with legal counsel generally fares much better. Here are just a few of the ways an experienced attorney can help you in an Arlington divorce case:
- A lawyer will take care of all matters related to the preparation for the divorce proceeding, from the gathering of evidence to the filing of all necessary documents to oral advocacy in any hearings or meetings
- Make certain that you understand the potential benefits or pitfalls of alternative means of terminating your marriage, such as mediation or collaborative divorce
- Accurately determine whether assets are community or separate property, and confirm that both property and obligations are equally divided under the Texas community property laws
- Confirm that the terms of your agreement are accurately reflected in the court order
What Are the Potential Costs of Hiring a Family Lawyer?
Almost all divorce attorneys bill by the hour, though some may charge a flat fee for an uncontested divorce. As every case is different and as attorneys have different hourly fees, the total cost of legal representation can be difficult to project. You can reduce the costs significantly by organizing and preparing for every meeting with your lawyer. Additionally, if you work cooperatively with your ex, without the involvement of the court, you won’t have to pay an attorney to resolve as many disputes.
What Is the Scope of the Family Law Practice at Bailey & Galyen?
At Bailey & Galyen, we handle virtually any legal concern related to or arising out of the dissolution of a marriage, from child custody and visitation issues to marital property settlements to disputes about child support or alimony. We also have considerable experience helping individuals and families with a range of adoption proceedings, name changes, and juvenile matters, and can prepare and execute a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement to protect your rights in a marriage.
Why Should You Hire Bailey & Galyen as Your Family Law Counsel?
In most legal matters, there’s nothing more valuable than experience. At Bailey & Galyen, we bring more than 40 years of hands-on experience to every family law matter we handle. For that reason, we know the potential tactics and strategies your ex’s lawyers will use and can take preemptive steps to ensure that your rights are fully protected.
Get the Results You Need | Contact Us Today for a Free Initial Consultation
At the law offices of Bailey and Galyen, with offices throughout Texas, we are committed to your total satisfaction. We are available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request, and we will travel for a consultation, if necessary.
To schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your family law concerns, call our offices at 817-752-3155 or contact us by e-mail.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law Office Location
2216 S Cooper St,
Arlington, TX 76013
1-817-752-3155
