Sugar Land Divorce Lawyer

Sugar Land Divorce Attorney

Making the decision to enter a divorce is a life-changing moment for all involved. It can bring forth many different emotional and legal challenges that are difficult to manage alone. Whether the divorce is amicable or riddled with contested issues to resolve, having the right support can make a huge difference in achieving a fair resolution. Hiring a Sugar Land divorce lawyer can be that resource you need to protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence.

At D Marie Family Law, our attorney, Donnica Marie Blackful, sees divorce as more than just a legal process to manage. It’s a deeply personal journey that her clients trust her to help them resolve. She is dedicated to guiding you through every part of the process, from filing paperwork to negotiating with your spouse’s counsel and advocating for your interests in court. At every step, she can help you make the transition into your independent life as smooth as possible.

What Decisions Need to be Made in a Texas Divorce?

There are many different decisions to be made during the divorce process in Texas that can significantly impact your future. Each decision requires careful consideration and collaboration with a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of divorce and family law in Texas.

Some of the most common decisions that you might have to make in your own case include:

Division of Property and Debts

Texas is a community property state. This means that most property and debts that have been acquired during the course of a marriage will be subject to division. For fair property division, you will need to work with an attorney to identify what assets are considered separate property and which are jointly owned.

You will then need to get an evaluation of each asset to determine its fair market value. This can help the courts decide on a division of assets that makes the most sense.

Child Custody and Visitation

For any divorcing couple who also have children together, decisions will need to be made regarding custody of the children. This can either be a joint arrangement, meaning both parents share time and decision-making, or the responsibilities can be granted to one parent. If sole custody is issued, the non-custodial parent will be awarded visitation time unless there is evidence that they have abused the child in the past or have a history of neglect.

Child Support

Child support is another critical decision for divorcing parents with children. Texas law requires any non-custodial parent to pay child support to help the other parent cover the child’s most basic needs, such as shelter, clothing, and food. The total amount is calculated based on the paying parent’s income and how many children they have. A final decision will balance both parents’ financial situations without disrupting the well-being of the child.

Spousal Maintenance

If one spouse is unable to financially support their most basic needs on their own, the court may in some cases require the higher-earning spouse to pay them spousal maintenance. If this is awarded, decisions will need to be made on how much these payments should be, how long they should go on for, and what the payment structure looks like. All of this can be negotiated or decided by a judge if the case advances to court.

Parenting Plans

Creating a detailed parenting plan is another essential part of the divorce process. A parenting plan can outline how the parents will share responsibilities and decision-making for the child’s upbringing. This can include making agreements on education, healthcare, and other extracurricular activities. It can also address logistics, such as how a child will be transported between homes and how each parent will communicate with one another moving forward.

FAQs About Sugar Land, TX Divorce Laws

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Contact D Marie Family Law Today

If you are looking at the potential of a divorce in Sugar Land and are unsure what move to make next, contact our firm today. Our family law attorney, Donnica Marie Blackful, knows the ins and outs of divorce law and has experience employing creative legal strategies to help her clients get what they need. Connect with D Marie Family Law today, and let’s get to work.