Helping You Through a Difficult Time
If you and your ex-spouse agree on property division and all matters involving children, we can draw up the papers for an uncontested divorce. However, many people agree on divorce but not what happens with their children or property. We can protect your rights without engaging in a protracted legal battle.
Steps in the Divorce Process
Before we begin working on your divorce, we will discuss all of your options. If it seems that you may be able to work out your issues, we can recommend marriage counselors. To avoid the time and expense of a trial, you and your ex-spouse can attend mediation to lay out the terms of the divorce.
The average length of time for the divorce process is two months to one year, depending on whether it is contested and whether there are custody issues.
If your divorce is uncontested, that is, you agree on all issues, then the divorce process will not be relatively long. However, you may agree on getting a divorce but disagree on major issues, such as:
- Property division — A court must separate all marital property, including real estate, personal property, retirement accounts and insurance. Any debts, such as credit cards, loans and taxes, must also be separated.
- Spousal support (alimony) — In Texas, spousal support can last up to three years. If you need money to live on during the divorce, we can file a temporary order for you.
- Child custody and support — In Texas, child custody is determined by what is in the best interest of the child and support is calculated by state guidelines.
If these issues cannot be decided amicably through mediation or some other type of alternative dispute resolution, then the divorce is contested and will proceed to trial.
We Serve the Plano Area
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Coats & Todd have a reputation for compassion, integrity and hard work. Our lawyers will treat you and your family with respect and care as we work through your divorce and other family law matters. For a free consultation, please call our Richardson office at 972-671-9922.
