Going through a divorce is never easy, but when you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement on the core terms, it becomes a contested divorce. Navigating this process requires a strategic approach, a deep understanding of Texas family law, and an advocate who will fiercely protect your rights. The Law Office of Lori Watson has a reputation for fighting for its clients when it counts the most. As a contested divorce lawyer in Georgetown, Texas, we know what it takes to achieve the results you need. We are here for you every step of the way when you need a divorce lawyer in Georgetown, Texas. Count on us to get the results you need.
What Makes a Divorce Contested
A divorce is legally considered contested if you and your spouse disagree on any part of the final decree. Even if you both agree that the marriage is over, failing to agree on a single detail, like who gets a specific vehicle or how to split a retirement account, can make your divorce contested.
Unlike an uncontested divorce, where a couple signs an agreement, and the process is expedited, a contested divorce requires formal legal intervention. Contested divorces typically involve temporary hearings, formal evidence gathering, mediation, and sometimes a trial. This is why you need a contested divorce lawyer in Georgetown, TX. They know how to handle these types of cases and realize the attention they deserve.
Custody, Support, and Property Disputes
Contested divorces usually center around three highly emotional and financial issues:
- Child Custody and Visitation: Texas courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child. Disputes often arise over legal custody and physical custody. Having a child custody lawyer in Georgetown, TX can ensure that your child’s best interests are always a priority.
- Child and Spousal Support: Calculating child support follows standard statutory guidelines, but issues often arise over hidden income and other financial issues. Spousal support is strictly regulated in Texas and is frequently a major point of contention. As a spousal support lawyer in Georgetown, TX, The Law Office of Lori Watson has experience in this aspect of contested divorce cases.
- Property Division: Texas is a community property state. This means all assets and debts acquired during the marriage belong to both spouses and must be divided in a just and right manner, not specifically 50/50. Disagreements frequently occur when valuing a family business, dividing retirement accounts, or determining what counts as separate property.
Preparing for Divorce Litigation
Being prepared can be your best asset in a contested divorce. You want to be as prepared as possible if your case heads into a courtroom.
Litigation preparation generally involves gathering financial documents. Tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs, and debt statements are included in this. Having a list of all community and individual assets is also key.
Preparing can also involve locating individuals who can testify regarding character, parenting abilities, or financial matters. This can include expert witnesses, such as forensic accountants, if the assets are complex.
Court Procedures in Contested Cases
The contested divorce process begins when one spouse files a Petition for Divorce and has the other spouse formally served. Your attorney may also request a temporary orders hearing. This hearing establishes immediate, ground-level rules for child custody, child support, and who pays which bills while the divorce is pending.
The discovery phase is next. This is when both sides must answer questions under oath and hand over financial documents. Before going to trial, mediation is almost always recommended. This is when a neutral third party is brought in to try to help couples find common ground.
If mediation fails, your case moves to a final trial. A judge will rule on property and other life decisions.
Why Experience Matters in Contested Divorces
A contested divorce is an intense legal battle. Trying to navigate it without the help of a contested divorce lawyer in Georgetown, TX, can put your assets and the relationship with your children at risk.
An experienced Georgetown family law attorney understands local court procedures and how to counter aggressive tactics from opposing counsel.
Since handling a contested divorce requires a different skill set, you want to be sure you have someone by your side who knows how to handle all aspects of your case. They know how to balance the emotions that can accompany these types of cases with the strategy needed for a favorable outcome.
At The Law Office of Lori Watson, you can count on our firm to give your case the attention it deserves. Contact us today at 512-931-2121 or reach out to us online to schedule a consultation. Let us show you why we are the top choice for a contested divorce lawyer in Georgetown, TX.