In an ideal world, divorcing spouses would be able to agree on the terms of their separation, such as who will get the house and cars, what child custody will look like, the reason the marriage is ending, and other sensitive matters. Conflict often arises, however, and many people find that they need help reaching an agreement on all the legal issues in a separation. When you find yourself in this situation, talk to a Frisco contested divorce lawyer.
Spouses who do not see eye to eye on all the relevant legal issues need to go through the contested divorce process, which often involves a hearing or trial. Reputable divorce attorneys from our family law firm have helped many people successfully navigate this process by filing the appropriate legal documents, gathering evidence, and taking other critical steps. We welcome the chance to learn about your situation and share how we could use our wealth of legal knowledge to support you as you seek to end your marriage.
A contested divorce occurs when separating spouses cannot agree on all the terms of the dissolution of marriage. For example, a spouse might disagree about the reason for ending the marriage or take issue with the other spouse’s proposed property settlement agreement. Further, they may not be able to develop a custody (conservatorship) or visitation (possession) arrangement they both think is best for the children.
Since the spouses contest parts of the possible divorce settlement, they may need to discuss the issues they disagree on in a mediated setting. In some cases, this might mean going to trial or to a contested hearing with or without a jury. In other situations, the spouses might participate in an alternative dispute resolution process such as binding or nonbinding arbitration.
When engaging in these heated discussions, people often find it helpful to prepare ahead of time by reviewing the law, discovery requests, and proposals. A contested divorce attorney in Frisco assists people throughout this process by explaining what to expect and ensuring they feel ready. Where appropriate, they also take steps to steer the negotiation process in a way that furthers their client’s interests without creating sources of conflict that were not there before.
Under the Texas Family Code, separating parents must develop and agree on an appropriate arrangement for custody and possession of the children. The agreement should support the children’s best interests, taking into consideration factors like their age, developmental stage, and connections to their current community. The co-parents could try to reach an out-of-court settlement for conservatorship and possession of the children, or they could engage in a mediated process.
In most cases, the court must review and approve whatever schedule the parents develop. Sometimes, the court may require additional information to learn more about the situation, the children, and what might be best for them. If that happens, the court may ask experts—like a guardian ad litem—to conduct an investigation and recommend a solution that would best support the children.
Because parents are so close to the matter, it is often challenging for them to go through the child custody process on their own. They may feel lost, confused, or unsupported during the discussions or court proceedings. Fortunately, a Frisco attorney could help people feel heard and understood during contested divorces, especially when sensitive issues like child custody are at stake.
When you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse do not agree on things like child custody, how to divide assets, and other matters, you must go through the contested divorce process. Often, this involves additional court proceedings, like hearings or a trial. Prepare yourself for this part of the journey by consulting with Towson Law Firm, PLLC.
Our compassionate team of advocates provides personalized and timely advice to those seeking to end their marriages. We understand this legal process might feel overwhelming, and we are here to help you get through it. Contact a Frisco contested divorce lawyer now to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Our Law Firm’s approach to your case is based on individual circumstances. Whether it is a simple negotiated settlement, or it requires an aggressive approach, we will protect and defend your best interests.
