HELPING YOU MOVE ON
Divorce proceedings and negotiations can be challenging and stressful, even if both parties have a genuine desire to settle. That’s why it’s important to work with an attorney that will walk you through the process as safely and swiftly as possible- so that you and your children’s lives can be most peaceful post-divorce.
HOW WE WORK
There is a lot that we can’t control in a divorce case, like how your spouse will behave throughout proceeding or how much time the divorce will take. But we certainly can help you make the decisions that are in you and your children’s best interests. In the settlement process we can help make sure you have sufficient financial resources post-divorce to cover your living expenses and that the government stays out of your family’s lives.
That’s why we don’t take any litigation cases.
We work best with clients that have a genuine desire to settle. And you can settle without giving everything up. Our clients are ready to work with us honestly and in earnest so that we can work together to make their divorce a process that is as efficient and harmless as possible. We strive to work with clients who are wanting to move their divorce along and keep costs low by providing requested information by the requested dates.
If you want a “bull-dog” attorney, we’d be happy to provide you with a referral.
We have no desire to turn your divorce into a nasty court battle. In fact, the opposite is true. We negotiate in good faith, utilize problem solving skills, focus on creative ideas, and work closely with you so that you can complete your divorce and focus on healthy relationships with your children and your ex-spouse. If you are seeking as respectful and peaceful a transition as possible, we can help you get that done. And we can do that without sacrificing what you are entitled to, and without missing out on time with your kids.
We want to give you peace of mind.
Ensuring that you feel the most confident and informed when making negotiation and settlement decisions is our top priority. We will provide pros and cons of each decision you will make and assist you in all decision-making processes. We are here to support you, remind you that you will be okay, and provide you with confidence that someone is looking out for you and your best interests. We understand that you may not deal with this kind of work daily or understand the intricacies of the divorce process, so we invite your questions without judgment. Every divorce is different, even if you have been previously divorced, and we want to ensure that you feel the confidence of having someone in your corner, looking out for you and your best interests.
THE CHILDREN
When there are children involved, the importance of striving toward a swift and reasonable settlement is paramount. It is pertinent to understand that in the State of Texas there are very specific laws regarding the children in divorce proceedings. For example, if the parties cannot agree on a visitation schedule for the children, the court will impose what is called a “standard possession order.” We know you don’t want the court involved in decisions regarding your children, so we take our role as your counsel with upmost care.
More Info
What kinds of divorce cases do you take?
At Ibeling Law, we only accept divorce cases where the parties have a genuine interest in settling their case without a trial. This doesn’t mean there won’t be stressful times, decisions that need to be made, or negotiations performed, but our goal is to get you divorced without court intervention. While we do take divorce cases with children involved, we are not currently accepting paternity cases.
How much money should I expect to spend on my divorce?
As they say in law school, it depends. The truth is divorce can be expensive. There is really no way to predict what you will spend. But, both you and the other party in the divorce have some degree of control over those costs. If the two you have a genuine interest in settling, you can reduce your costs by working together to make reasonable demands and collaborative decisions. This doesn’t mean you have to give in on everything. or lose it all; just be willing to consider each other’s reasonable requests. While some things might feel like non-negotiable items, some points are worth discussion and listening.
What kinds of expenses are involved in divorce?
At a minimum, there will be attorney’s fees and a filing fee- which is the fee the Petitioner pays to initiate the divorce proceeding. Filing fees vary by county and are paid when we file your documents with the court. Other possible fees and expenses could include real estate appraisals, mediation, custody evaluations, postage, photocopies, travel, and personal property appraisals.
Do we have to go to court?
At least one party will be required to make a personal appearance in Court. This hearing is typically short and is not adversarial since there will be an agreement prepared. Both parties can attend the hearing if they’d like. Many of our clients choose to attend the hearing as it brings them a sense of closure and finality.
Can you represent both of us?
We often get inquiries from divorcing couples seeking to save money by hiring one attorney. Our office will not represent both parties in a divorce case, even if you have already come to a complete agreement. We are eager to guide individuals through divorce in a manner that is as fair and clear as possible. That being said, while we can only represent one of the parties in a divorce proceeding, no party is absolutely required to hire an attorney, and the remaining party is responsible for hiring an attorney to review the divorce agreement prior to signing any document and/or going to court.
Please note that it is always highly recommended that each party secure their own legal representation for a divorce proceeding to ensure that they understand the ramifications of the divorce process and are properly protected.
How long does the divorce process take?
In the State of Texas, the most simple and expedited divorces take a minimum of 61 days from the date of filing the divorce petition. However, very few couples are able to finalize their divorce within that time frame. The amount of time a divorce takes is dependent upon the particular circumstances of each divorce. These circumstances can depend on things like the level of cooperation between the parties and the attorneys, the types of assets belonging to the community estate, the amount of time it takes for clients to provide the information requested, the court’s calendar, and many more. An attorney will be able to narrow down an estimated time frame based on your circumstances but understand that it is very difficult to estimate since there are many factors to consider, some of which may be unknown at the onset of the divorce.
What are the grounds for divorce in Texas?
There are seven grounds for divorce in Texas. The most widely used ground is “insupportability” also known as “no-fault”. Other grounds include cruelty, adultery, conviction of a felony, abandonment, living apart, and confinement in a mental hospital. It is important to speak with an attorney to determine the best grounds for divorce in your particular situation.