If you have made the decision to get a divorce, the first step is to hire a Divorce Attorneys McKinney TX. You will need legal representation in order to protect your interests and ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. The following steps will give you a general idea of what to expect during your divorce case.
The next step is to file a petition for divorce with the court. This document will state your grounds for divorce and will also be served on your spouse. Once your spouse has been served, they will have a certain amount of time to respond to the petition. If they do not respond, you can move forward with a default divorce.
If your spouse does respond to the petition, the next step is to attend mediation. Mediation is a process where you and your spouse will meet with a neutral third party to try and reach an agreement on the terms of your divorce. If you are able to reach an agreement, the mediator will draft a settlement agreement which will be submitted to the court for approval.
If you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement during mediation, the next step is to have a trial. During a trial, each party will present their case to a judge who will make the final decision on the terms of the divorce. If you are going to be representing yourself in court, it is important that you take the time to learn about the legal process and what will be expected of you. While it can be tempting to try to handle everything yourself, it is often advisable to seek out the help of an experienced attorney. An attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you are able to present your case in the strongest possible light. With so much at stake, it is important to do everything you can to give yourself the best chance of success.
After the judge has made their decision, the next step is to file for a divorce decree. This document will officially end your marriage and will outline any custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support that has been ordered by the court. Once the decree is filed, you are legally divorced and can move on with your life.
What if I have a child, is the process will be the same?
If you have children, the process will be similar but there may be some additional steps that need to be taken in order to ensure that your child’s best interests are protected. You will need to work out a parenting plan which outlines custody arrangements and visitation schedules. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your spouse, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent your child’s best interests. The guardian ad litem is a neutral third party who will investigate the family situation and make recommendations to the court regarding what they believe is in the best interest of the child. In some cases, the court may also order a psychological evaluation of both parents. Once all of this information has been gathered, the judge will make a final decision on custody and visitation.
