Fort Worth Family and Divorce Lawyers
Getting divorced is tough. We can make it easier.
Divorce, custody battles, and the division of property can be one of the most trying experiences of one's life.
We fight to protect your rights during and after your divorce. Some divorces are straight forward, while others may require complex litigation to guard your assets and defend your rights as a parent. No matter what unique situation you may be in at the moment, our team will help guide you to an efficient and cost-effective outcome.
You need a tenacious legal team you can trust will work each and every day for you and your children. That's who we are. We have experience fighting for good people like you who have found themselves in tough situations in a seemingly overwhelming process. Our team will help ease your mind, protect your estate, and inspire the confidence you need during one, of if not the single, most demanding time of your life.
Time and time again, our team has produced favorable results for our clients right here in Tarrant County. The Varghese Summersett Family Law Group is committed to helping you get started with the rest of your life. The first step on that journey begins with a consultation with us.
Protecting your family, your future.
There is an old adage that a divorce can be as expensive as you make it, and there is some truth to that. That is why understanding a client's goals is so important. Some marriages can be brought to an end amicably, and the goal is to do so as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. On the opposite end of the spectrum, both parties are at odds, and it may take a scorch-the-earth approach for which you must prepare. Fortunately, the Family Law Group at Varghese Summersett have experience handling both extremes and everything in between. There is no one-size-fits-all solution in family court, and our team has proven results both inside and outside the courtroom.
Family Lawyer
Preparation is essential to success.
Winning in family court is all about preparing rather than reacting. Whether you are thinking about a divorce or custody suit, or have been served with papers, you must prepare instead of react.
Communicate to your lawyer that which is most important to you. Outline ideas for compromise. Think about how you believe your spouse will handle the case. What will your spouse prioritize? Is the case likely to be amicable or unnecessarily contentious? The better prepared you are, the more likely you will achieve your desired result.
Make the most of your consultation.
You're paying for the consultation, make the most of it. If you are prepared and concise, you'll be able to gather information and understand your best next steps efficiently. You can prepare for the consultation by making a list of questions and concerns and making a list of your assets and debts.
File first when possible.
The person who starts a divorce by filing the petition with the court and having divorce papers served on their spouse is called the petitioner. Many people are reluctant to be the one who starts the divorce, but there are advantages to being the petitioner like in many other life situations. It's better to be proactive rather than reactive. When you file first, your petition for divorce and motion for temporary orders will frame the issues for the divorce. You will be the first to state your position on each issue. The court reads your documents first. Your lawyer speaks first. Filing first won't guarantee a win, but it may give you an advantage.
Know when to hold 'em.
If you want a piece of property after your suit is finalized, don't relinquish control over it on the front end. On the same token, if you want a better chance of retaining custody of your child, stay by your child's side as much as possible.
Temporary orders have a way of becoming permanent. It is better to thoroughly prepare on the front of the case than to scramble on the back end. Temporary Orders allow the Court to dictate how your life will be while your case is pending, and as you may assume, it is increasingly unlikely for the Court to change your situation after months of living under the Temporary Orders.
Think about it this way - it is far easier for a judge to maintain the status quo than to change something the Court perceives to be working.
Say little.
Don't say something to your spouse that you don't want to be repeated to the judge. Be willing to walk away, hang up, or just keep your mouth shut. Emotions may run high when you decide to dissolve your marriage, but you have to be mindful about what you say. Words in conversations, texts, or emails can be taken out of context. Don't say or write something you do not want a judge to read. This includes anything you might consider posting on social media. All communication may be used as evidence for or against you during your family law case, so do not give the opposing party unnecessary ammunition against you.
Let your actions speak.
Your actions and conduct should match what you are telling your attorney and what your attorney is telling the court. The last thing the judge wants to hear is that your own actions and self-interests are trumping those of your children. When your actions contradict your words, your words lose value. How you live your life and what you prioritize will often be the best evidence you can showcase during litigation.
Most importantly, be honest.
Be honest, particularly with your attorney. Your future is at stake – your family, your property, and often even your reputation. The more open you are with your attorney, the more your attorney can understand how to meet your needs. Conversely, if the judge catches you in a lie, no matter how small, your credibility is often destroyed in the eyes of the Court. Discuss the hard truths with your legal team so they can advise you on the best course of action.
Start with a consultation
Clients often come to our Fort Worth family lawyer for a consultation when they have been served with divorce papers or when they are contemplating filing for divorce.
During our initial consultation, we will gather facts about your case. What brought you to us? Have you been served with divorce papers? If so, what was going on before you were served? Perhaps, most importantly, we will assess your goals.
If you a contemplating filing for divorce, we will talk about what you want to see change and your ideal outcome. We will apply the law to the facts and your goals to discuss what we can achieve and the proof that will be required to reach those goals.
How long does it take to get a divorce in Texas?
In theory, generally the fastest an amicable divorce can be granted is 61 days. This is because Texas generally requires a 60-day waiting period between when the petition for divorce is filed and the divorce order is signed. In practice, it will take longer than that to get a divorce in most cases due to delays in the courts' dockets and agreements that must be reached between the parties. In divorces where the parties cannot agree on the terms and conditions of divorce, the process will take much longer.
What are the residency requirements to get a divorce in Texas?
Generally, either you or your spouse must have been a resident of Texas for at least six months and a resident of the county where you file for at least 90 days before filing for divorce.
What is the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce is one where both spouses agree on all issues related to the divorce, including property division, child custody, and support. A contested divorce is one where the spouses cannot agree on one or more issues, requiring court intervention to resolve the disputes.
How is property divided in a Texas divorce?
Texas is a community property state, which means that property acquired during the marriage is generally considered community property and is subject to division upon divorce. Separate property, which includes property owned before marriage or acquired by gift or inheritance, typically remains with the original owner.
What factors does the court consider when determining child custody?
The court's primary consideration is the best interest of the child. Factors include the child's physical and emotional needs, the stability of each parent's home environment, the child's relationship with each parent, and each parent's ability to provide for the child's needs.
Can I modify a child custody or support order?
Yes, child custody and support orders can be modified if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the original order was entered. The modification must also be in the best interest of the child.