Did you know that there is more than one way to dissolve a marriage in Texas? In fact, there are several ways a couple can get divorced, and it can have a significant impact on the outcome, your wellbeing, resources, and more.
The type of divorce you have is typically determined by how willing you are your spouse are to work together during the divorce process instead of going to battle in court. Let's investigate the different types of divorces in Texas.
Divorce Mediation
A mediated divorce is when both parties meet with a trained third-party to guide them through the divorce process. The mediator's role is to assist the couple in working out divorce-related problems like property division, maintenance, child support, and child custody.
The mediation process is not legally binding until the paperwork is submitted to the court. Therefore, nothing in the mediation process is set in stone until the divorce is finalized.
Collaborative Divorce
In this type of divorce, each spouse hires his or her own attorney, and the parties meet to settle the terms of the divorce amicably. It allows both couples to be represented by their own attorneys, giving each side personal insight into the law while amicably settling the terms of their divorce.
Uncontested Divorce
Uncontested divorces are when both parties agree on every aspect of the divorce process.
Some things both parties must agree on to qualify for an uncontested divorce:
Property division, Child custody arrangements, Child support, Alimony payments (if any)
An uncontested divorce is typically the easiest and cheapest divorce option available, but it is not the most common. Spouses who are ending their marriage are rarely on the same page about every aspect of their divorce. If you and your spouse agree on all aspects of your divorce, you should still hire an attorney to ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.
Contested Divorce
A contested divorce occurs when two parties can't come to a total agreement concerning the outcome of their divorce. For example, if both parties agree on 95% of the issues but can't see eye-to-eye on the last 5% of the problems, the divorce is technically a contested divorce.
While the phrase "contested divorce" sounds inherently combative, there are several ways to deal with a contested divorce – some more adversarial than others. In some cases, the terms can be settled through negotiation, while others may have to go through litigation.
A Divorce Process That's Right for You
It's important to think about which option is right for you before diving into the divorce process. If you have questions about which option is right for you, talking to an attorney about your situation can help calm your concerns. Give us a call today to allow us to assist you.
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