Although divorce is the emotionally-charged finale of your relationship, when it’s time to actually file for divorce, the process comes down to paperwork.
There are several types of documents and records you will need when it’s time to contact divorce lawyers. Preparing these documents will make the process much easier, particularly if there are elements of your divorce that may be contested, such as property and asset division.
Three Must-Have Documents to Prepare for Divorce
When you go to the top family law firm, you should be sure to have several documents prepared for your lawyer. Some documents will serve as evidence for the division of shared assets, while other documents will be used to establish your identity.
Texas family court laws are exceptionally complex, so you will likely need divorce lawyers in Houston, TX to help you understand the legal documents you will need to file with your county’s family court. Check out this top family law firm in Houston, TX.
All of your personal information is important when it’s time to file for divorce, so be sure to have all necessary documentation prepared.
1. Personal Information
Your divorce lawyers will need your personal information to complete some of the documentation necessary for your divorce. Personal information documents can include your ID, social security card, birth certificate, and marriage certificate.
Generally, you will need the personal records or copies of these records for both spouses to start the divorce process.
You will also need certain certificates, such as a certificate of each spouse’s last known address, and your income tax records. These records can be used to establish your residency status, which will be necessary if you intend to file for divorce in court.
For example, to be a resident of Texas, you must have lived n the state for at least six months, or you must have lived in your residing county for at least 90 days.
2. Legal Agreements
If you entered your marriage with a legal agreement, such as a prenuptial agreement, then you will need to have this document when you are ready to file for divorce. Your lawyer will examine this document to understand what rights you agreed to when you were married, which may then determine your legal strategy.
For example, if you signed a prenup and agreed that you would not have any rights to certain money, then your divorce will not be able to seek these assets.
It’s also common to have a separation agreement, which outlines certain elements that each spouse agrees to abide by during the divorce process. The most common aspect of a separation agreement is both spouses agree to be honest about their personal finances so that the division of assets can be fair.
3. Parenting Plan
If you have children under the age of 18, it may also be helpful to have a parenting plan prepared when it’s time to file for divorce. A parenting plan will be a tentative arrangement for how you and your ex-spouse plan to co-parent after the divorce.
This plan must be entered willingly by each parent, so it’s a good idea for both parents to sign the plan. Your parenting plan can include factors such as custody and visitation preferences, child support agreement, and more.
Having a parenting plan prepared for your divorce can make it much easier to settle custody arrangements.
The parenting plan may also outline the duties and responsibilities of each parent, such as who will be providing medical insurance and a rough estimate of how many children support the non-custodial parent will likely pay.
Although parenting plans are not legally binding, they are the first step to a fair child custody agreement.
How Will Divorce Lawyers in Houston, TX Help?
Many people wonder if they can file for divorce without the help of a lawyer – and the answer is usually no. In any case, it’s generally a good idea to seek the advice of a lawyer if you or your children have been abused or are currently in danger.
You will also need help from a lawyer if you will need to divide assets, seek alimony or child support, file for bankruptcy with the divorce, or if your case is contested. In these situations, the assistance and expertise of a lawyer can be invaluable.
When you’re ready to file for divorce in Texas, you will need several documents to establish your case with the necessary legal paperwork.
Some documents you will need include personal information like your social security card and your last address, legal agreements such as pre-nuptial agreements, and a parenting order if you have children.
Each of these elements will help your lawyer complete your divorce documentation without delay so you can finalize your divorce quickly.