Experienced Lawyers to Handle Your Custody, Support and Property Concerns
You’ve tried to reconcile, but you’ve been unsuccessful. As difficult as it may be to realize, your best option for moving forward is divorce. You may be unable to agree on anything, including custody, visitation, support and the division of your assets. On the other hand, you may simply be ready to be done. Regardless, you want a knowledgeable attorney to guide you through the process, so that you have meaningful access to your children, don’t face unrealistic support obligations and get your fair share of the marital estate. Bailey & Galyen can help.
At Bailey & Galyen, we have comprehensive legal representation in all family law matters for more than 40 years, helping men and women and men across Texas protect their rights before, during and after a marital breakup. We are well-versed in the laws and procedures governing divorce in Texas, including matters related to child custody and visitation, spousal maintenance and child support, and the distribution of a marital estate according to the Texas community property laws. The hallmark of our successful practice has always been a commitment to hard work and thorough preparation, as well as unparalleled attention to the needs of our clients. We’ll understand the importance of carefully listening, so that we can learn the unique aspects of your case, understand your needs, and tailor our counsel to get the results you want. We’ll immediately inform you of all developments in your case and will make certain that you understand your options moving forward, so you can make educated decisions about how you proceed. We will be there when you need us, returning your calls or responding to your emails in a timely manner.
For a private meeting with an experienced Bedford family lawyer, contact Bailey & Galyen online or call our offices at 817-345-0580. There’s no cost or obligation for your first visit.
An Overview of Texas Family Law
Texas family law can be found in both statutes (written laws passed by the state legislature), and in the common law (opinions written by judges in prior cases). The Texas Family Code (a statute) sets forth the basic concepts of divorce in Texas, and includes:
- The legal definition of marriage, the ways a marriage may be dissolved, how property will be divided when a marriage is legally terminated, and other basic rules related to divorce proceedings
- The rights of minor children of a marriage in a divorce proceeding, including how custody, visitation and child support will be determined
- The basic principles of collaborative divorce, a process that allows the parties to dissolve a marriage without the involvement of the court
- The basic structure of the juvenile justice system, as well a listing of the offenses that juveniles may commit
- A definition of family abuse or domestic violence, as well as how to obtain a protective order, when necessary
- The specific details governing the parent-child relationship, including the procedure for filing anSAFCR (suits affecting the parent-child relationship)
What Issues Do the Family Law Courts Most Often Seek to Resolve?
As a general rule, most of the legal issues they come before the family courts involve some aspect of divorce. Specifically, the courts focus primarily on issues related to:
- Custody and visitation (also known as managing conservatorship and access)—Though parents are often able to amicably agree to the terms and conditions of custody and visitation, when they cannot, the court must issue a ruling. Even if the parents can work out their own arrangements, they must still obtain the approval of the court.
- Child and spousal support—Customarily, the non-custodial parent will be required to pay child support. The amount due will be 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 pay alimony/spousal maintenance to the other spouse, though such arrangements are far less common now. Alimony or spousal support may be temporary or permanent, or may be rehabilitative, in place until the other spouse establishes a level of self-sufficiency.
- The division of marital debts and assets—Texas is one of 11 states that take a community property approach to the distribution of marital property and obligations. Under this process, all assets or debts accumulated during the marriage are considered to be community property (though inheritances, gifts and personal injury awards are generally not included), which must be distributed equally in the divorce proceeding.
Why You Want to Have a Lawyer Representing You in a Divorce Proceeding
Often, when you’re in the middle of a divorce, your financial situation can be a bit precarious. Where you used to have two incomes, you now have only one. But your debt load may not have gone down much. As a result, you may be inclined to try to handle your divorce on your own, without legal counsel, so that you can save the money. That would be a mistake. Even if your divorce is fully uncontested, there are significant benefits to having an experienced attorney as your advocate :
- Your lawyer will gather and preserve all evidence related to your case, prepare and file the necessary documents in a timely manner, and be a strong voice for you in all hearings, proceedings or meetings
- Your attorney will confirm that you understand the advantages and disadvantages of alternative means of terminating your marriage, such as mediation or collaborative divorce, so that you can make good decisions about whether or not those types of proceedings will be beneficial
- 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 court orderfully and accurately states the terms of your agreement
How Much Will It Cost to Retina Family Lawyer?
Most divorce attorneys charge hourly fees, though you may find an attorney who will handle an uncontested divorce for a flat fee. Because every divorce is unique, and because hourly fees can vary, the total cost of getting a divorce can be difficult to project. The overall costs can be significantly reduced if your take the time to be fully organized and prepared every time you meet with your lawyer. Furthermore, if you can work with your ex to find agreement on the basic issues (and avoid the involvement of the court), you can finalize your divorce at significantly less expense.
What Types of Legal Issues Do the Family Law Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen Handle?
At Bailey & Galyen, we offer comprehensive family law and divorce counsel, handling issues related to child custody and visitation, child support, alimony or spousal support, and the allocation of property and debts of a marriage. We can assist you with adoption proceedings, name changes, and any matters arising in juvenile court, and can also prepare and execute a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement to protect your property or rights when getting married.
The Benefits of Having Bailey & Galyen Serve as Your Family Law Counsel?
In most legal matters, there’s nothing more valuable than experience. At Bailey & Galyen, we have protected the rights of men and women in a broad range of family law matters for more than four decades. We can anticipate the likely tactics and strategies opposing counsel will employ and can take proactive measures to fully protect your rights.
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 817-345-0580 or contact us by e-mail.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law Office Location
1901 Airport Fwy.
Bedford, TX 76021
817-345-0580
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law Office Location
1901 Airport Fwy.
Bedford, TX 76021
817-345-0580
