New Braunfels Divorce Preparation Lawyer

Attorney Providing Legal Help to People Considering Divorce in New Braunfels, TX

Deciding whether to end your marriage is one of the most personal choices you may ever make. You may spend months weighing this decision before taking steps to begin the divorce process. Texas law allows a person to seek a divorce without proving that anyone did something wrong, but during the process, you will still need to answer a number of important questions about your property, your children, your money, and other issues that will affect your future. Understanding how these matters may be handled can make decisions feel much less overwhelming.

At Hill Family Law, our attorney helps people in New Braunfels prepare for divorce with a clear plan. With over 19 years of experience handling family law matters in Texas, a strong knowledge of the ways these cases are handled in local courts, and the negotiation and courtroom skills needed to protect what matters most to you, he can provide you with compassionate representation that will focus on achieving your desired results.

Thinking Through the Decision to Get a Divorce

No checklist can tell you whether your marriage should end, but a few practical questions may help you determine the right approach to take:

Is Reconciliation Possible?

Some couples may find that counseling can help them repair their relationship, while others may discover that the decision to separate is the right choice. Depending on how your relationship stands, you may look at different options, or you may decide that you are ready to leave.

What Will Life Look Like Financially?

Running two households costs more than running one. As you consider how your life may change after separating from your spouse, you can estimate your monthly expenses and gather information about your income.

How Will the Children Be Affected?

Decisions related to your children during your divorce will be based on what is in their best interest. You can think about their daily schedules, their attendance at school, their activities, and other issues. This may help you consider how you and your spouse will share responsibilities for your children after separating.

Is Anyone in Danger?

If family violence is a concern, your safety and the safety of your children will be the first thing to consider. If necessary, you may take steps to leave your spouse and obtain a protective order as you proceed with the divorce process.

Documents to Gather Before Filing for Divorce

Organized records can help make sure you are prepared to separate from your spouse, begin sorting out divorce-related issues, and proceed with your case. Financial records and other documents can also help your attorney give accurate advice and take steps to protect your interests. Useful documents to gather as you prepare for divorce include:

• Income Records: These include recent pay stubs and W-2 forms for you and your spouse and at least three years of federal tax returns.
• Bank and Investment Statements: You can gather statements for checking, savings, and investment accounts, including joint or individual accounts. If you or your spouse own cryptocurrency, records related to these accounts can also be helpful.
• Retirement Accounts: Obtaining statements for 401(k) plans, IRAs, pensions, or other retirement benefits can make sure these assets will be addressed correctly.
• Real Estate Records: Deeds, mortgage statements, and property tax appraisals for your home or other properties you own can help you address real estate during your divorce.
• Debt Records: Credit card statements and information related to car loans, student loans, and any personal loans may be important to address to determine who will be responsible for paying debts.
• Business Records: If you or your spouse are a business owner, records such as profit and loss statements or ownership documents can be important during your divorce.
• Proof of Separate Property: Records showing that you owned certain assets before your marriage or received items as gifts or inheritances can help you protect these assets from being divided in your divorce.
• Children's Information: You may gather school records, medical information, and a calendar showing who handles daily care, which can be important when making decisions about child custody.

Other Steps to Take as You Prepare for Divorce

As you gather information, it is a good idea to make copies of important records and store them somewhere secure, such as a cloud storage account that is not accessible by your spouse. You can also update your passwords for email, financial accounts, and other online accounts, making sure they are private.

Avoid withdrawing money from joint bank accounts, making purchases using shared credit cards, or trying to hide assets from your spouse. During the property division process, you and your spouse will be required to address all of your shared assets and debts, and you could be penalized by a court for attempting to hide anything. You may also want to avoid posting anything on social media while your divorce is pending, since the information you share could potentially be used as evidence in court.

Before moving out of your home or making major decisions about your children, speak with our attorney. He can advise you on the best steps to take to protect your rights, minimize disputes, and resolve matters successfully. The choices you make as you prepare for divorce and after filing a divorce petition can have an impact on the outcome of your case.

Contact Our New Braunfels, Texas Divorce Attorney

At Hill Family Law, our attorney can answer your questions about the divorce process and help you plan the next steps to take as you proceed with your case. Contact our New Braunfels, TX divorce lawyer at 830-229-2129 to schedule a free consultation.