Harris & McKeown Law Firm

Embracing the Changes: Preparing for Divorce in Texas

No one gets married expecting to get divorced. But, unfortunately, Divorce is a reality for many couples. Studies indicate that common grounds for divorce include a lack of passion, devotion, or trustworthiness in the partnership as well as an overall incompatibility. What's more, continuous disagreements and clashes over finances or substance abuse can likewise complicate matters. Many individuals point to their separation being caused by a breach of expectations they had placed on their marriage at its onset. (Psychology Today)


Divorcing in Cedar Park, Texas can be a trying experience. Luckily, there are numerous resources available to assist you throughout the process. Whether it's you or your spouse who is initiating the divorce proceedings, preparing ahead of time will make all the difference for having an easier journey through this difficult period of your life.


Speak with a lawyer to understand your legal rights and options


It is important to fully understand the legal rights and options when handling divorce proceedings in Cedar Park, Texas, and consulting a divorce attorney is the best way to ensure you are aware of all the necessary information. A divorce attorney can help inform you of your obligations and entitlements in the divorce. Additionally, they can help protect your assets by providing counsel on divorce laws and ensuring that an equitable division of debts or property is reached. By speaking with a divorce attorney, you can have peace of mind that relevant legalities are not being overlooked and your rights are taken into account.


Gather all important documents, such as financial statements and tax returns


If you are in the process of divorce in Cedar Park, Texas, it is important to gather all your important documents, such as financial statements and tax returns to provide to your divorce attorney. Organizing all relevant information for your divorce case beforehand can save time during initial consultations and ensure important details do not get lost in the shuffle. Having all pertinent documents on hand will enable your divorce attorney to represent you more effectively in negotiations with the other party.


Make a list of your assets and debts


Knowing your assets and debts is one of the most important factors to consider when consulting a divorce attorney. Keeping track of the money you perpetually owe as well as payments, savings, and other financial assets is an essential part of understanding where you stand in a divorce case. Taking the time to make a thorough list of assets and debts can be beneficial when discussing this information with your divorce attorney so that they can understand both sides of the situation fully. Doing this will not only help you and your divorce lawyer come up with strategies to get what’s best for you, but it will also give you a clear-cut picture of your financial status post-divorce.


Consider counseling or therapy to deal with the emotional aspects of divorce


After divorce, it is important to address the emotional toll divorce can have on an individual. Consulting with a divorce attorney is a great way to learn more about divorce proceedings and what to expect. However, considering counseling or therapy can be beneficial in helping you find healing and closure regarding the divorce and all its related emotions. A mental health professional will encourage healthy coping strategies such as self-care, mindfulness, learning new skills, etc. Therapy can also help support you through dealing with any negative associated emotions such as guilt, fear, or anger.


During these difficult times, it is crucial to keep a positive attitude and outlook on life. Even if there seems to be no end in sight, stay strong and remember that this is just a new chapter in the story of your life. All the trials and tribulations we go through are here to prepare us for the future, so use this opportunity to establish desirable habits and create lasting memories. Taking control of your mindset will serve you well now and in what's ahead; by investing mentally in yourself and staying positive you are setting yourself up for a successful future!


Divorce can be a very confusing and intimidating process, but having an experienced divorce attorney in Cedar Park, Texas by your side will ensure that you are taken care of throughout the entire process. Having a professional legal guide to turn to for advice and counsel throughout the divorce proceedings is invaluable. By taking proactive steps such as gathering important documents, creating a list of assets and debts, and considering counseling or therapy to help process the emotional aspects of divorce can be incredibly beneficial in ensuring you make it through with your rights protected. Use this time to focus on yourself, practice self-care, and stay positive! With a little bit of effort and guidance, you will be able to find closure and peace.


Harris & McKeown Law Firm in Cedar Park, Texas is ready to help guide and support you through this process from beginning to end. We provide a wide range of divorce law services, including divorce consultations, dissolution of marriage, legal separation, and annulment. We also provide legal services that go hand-in-hand with divorce. We know that there is more to a divorce than paperwork and want to help you find ease in this transition. Contact us for a free consultation to assess where you are at and develop a plan that you feel secure with and can get what you are entitled to.


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The Costly Consequences of Divorce: Financial Implications

By Kaleen Harris • March 24, 2023
Divorce is often seen as a way out of an unhappy or broken marriage, but it can come at an immense financial cost that can have long-term implications on the life of those involved. Divorcees who are weighed down financially by divorce may struggle to provide for their families, purchase a home, pursue higher education, and more; in some cases, they find themselves worse off than if they had stayed together. Finances are a critical element to consider when contemplating divorce, so it is best to be aware of what finances and costs may come with the process. Preparation is key to ensure that you understand the financial consequences associated with this major life decision. Understanding the financial costs of divorce Divorce can be a complicated and expensive process, making it all the more important to understand the financial costs. Working with a divorce lawyer or another divorce professional can help parties understand the costs of divorce upfront, including filing fees, court costs, alimony, child support, and sometimes the cost of divided assets. Knowing these costs can help parties proactively plan budgets both during divorce proceedings and post-divorce. It is wise to hire a divorce professional who can provide guidance that may even save money in the long run. A Forbes article reports, "The median cost of a divorce in the U.S. is about $7,000, but this is not a one-size-fits-all price tag. The more complicated contested divorces—ones with disagreements around issues such as property distribution or child custody—can become significantly more expensive, often running up tabs well over $100,000." Dividing marital assets upon divorce When it comes to divorce proceedings, dividing marital assets can be a major source of contention. Depending on the state, marital assets can range from real estate and retirement benefits to inherited property. With so much at stake, attorneys' familiarity with case law is key in ensuring that both parties receive a fair and equitable portion of the marital estate. This change alters the financial status of both parties, as their previous unit has now become individual entities Spousal Payments Spousal payments are a common payment obligation often part of a divorce settlement. Unfortunately, such payments can have costly implications for the spouse obligated to pay. Depending on the terms of the court order or settlement agreement, spousal payments may last for several years and include interest if they are overdue. Additionally, if spousal payments are missed entirely, repayment will become due in full and is usually coupled with other penalties determined by the court order or settlement agreement. Therefore, making timely spousal payments is essential to avoid potential massive costs later down the line. A divorce lawyer in Cedar Park, TX can help you understand the terms of your spousal payment obligation and provide advice on how to manage those payments over time. Impact of custody arrangements on finances Divorce lawyers in Cedar Park, TX typically recommend that parents consider the financial impact of their custody agreement when determining what arrangement is best for the family. Splitting assets and providing support can become more complicated with young children, and it is important to keep their current and future needs in mind. If one spouse will be primarily caring for the children, then the other may need to make regular child support payments. If one parent is covering health insurance premiums and deductibles for doctor visits, they should expect contributions from the other parent to cover these costs. With careful planning and consideration, parents can structure a custody agreement that ensures the well-being of their children while also protecting all parties involved from financial hardship. When deciding whether to divorce or not, it is important to be mindful and aware of the costs and financial implications associated with divorce. Working with a knowledgeable divorce lawyer in Cedar Park, Texas can help in understanding these costs and achieving an equitable resolution. Taking legal action early on can also help to avoid future costly surprises during and after the process. Divorce is no small matter, and it is important to protect yourself, your children, and your assets throughout the process. Preparing and planning are essential to avoid completely upending one's life. With guidance from a trusted Cedar Park, TX divorce lawyer, like the Harris & McKeown Law Firm , you can ensure that all bases are covered when making decisions about dissolving a marriage. By understanding the financial costs of divorce in advance, both parties can plan accordingly while protecting their interests. A divorce lawyer can provide advice on the best course of action and represent you in court if necessary to ensure a fair resolution. Ultimately, your goal should be to leave the process as financially secure as possible. Harris & McKeown Law Firm has extensive experience handling divorce cases for individuals throughout Cedar Park and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for an initial consultation and to have a team behind you as you navigate this transition to a new life.
A couple of wooden figures standing next to a bunch of wooden houses and money.

Splitting Assets in Texas: A Guide to Dividing Property After Divorce

By Kaleen Harris • March 10, 2023
Divorce can be one of the most difficult experiences a person ever has to go through. Not only does it disrupt family life, generate emotional hardship, and potentially lead to economic uncertainty, but it also requires an intense amount of legal maneuvering to split assets properly. The process is intricate and can vary from state to state. Overview of Divorce Laws in Texas – What You Need to Know According to the legal framework of Texas, in a divorce, the court is tasked with dividing marital property in a way that it deems fair. It must also make sure that any obligations resulting from the marriage are observed and carried out. This is initially achieved through an even 50/50 split of all components of the marital estate. Afterward, further adjustments may be necessary, depending on several factors that can affect the degree of fairness involved. What Property is there to Divide? An important first step in asset division is determining which assets need to be split - such as real estate, cash, investments, and debt - should all be divided according to the terms of the divorce agreement. Each spouse should then consider their own needs and decide how certain assets will be divided between them. Once the two parties understand which assets are being contested during the divorce process, they can begin to negotiate how those assets will be divided. Divorce lawyers in Cedar Park, Texas, can provide invaluable advice when it comes to splitting up assets equitably. Divorce negotiations and settlements involve complex legal issues such as alimony, spousal support, and division of marital property. A divorce lawyer's expertise allows them to astutely assess the respective contributions that each party has made throughout the marriage, thereby helping both parties reach an agreement on a fair division of their collective assets. The division of assets is typically conducted through two different routes: either via an informal agreement between spouses or a formal court order. A Cedar Park, TX divorce lawyer can help you draft up an agreement or support you in court. Understand the Difference Between Separate and Community Property When it comes to divorce proceedings, it is important to understand the distinctions between separate and community property. Separate property refers to any assets or income owned by an individual before marriage or acquired during a marriage by inheritance or gift. Community property refers to anything acquired during a lawful relationship through joint effort and is divided equally at divorce. When in the middle of a divorce, it is assumed that everything jointly owned between you and your partner is community property. To reclaim any separate possessions from this pool, each spouse must present sufficient proof to back up their claim. Judges will use their discretion to fairly divide community property between both parties. Keep in mind that "equitably" does not equate to an even split; certain aspects of the situation are taken into account when coming up with a suitable arrangement. Determine Which Assets Are Considered Community Property Community property is an important area of law to understand, especially when encountering legal proceedings involving divorce or debt. Establishing which assets are considered community property between partners can be complex. It is encouraged to refer to municipal statutes and seek legal advice from a divorce lawyer in Cedar Park, TX, to accurately identify community-property assets, such as individual incomes earned during the partnership, or any acquisitions, such as mortgages that were made together. Thoroughly understanding community property laws can help promote harmony between individuals entering into pacts with one another and avoid confusion when dividing assets.  Distribute and Record the Assets Once it has been established which assets are community property, then they must be divided between both parties. This can be done through an agreement between the spouses or via a court order. With all communal finances being sorted out, it is essential to properly document and distribute each asset by the decree of divorce. By understanding applicable laws covering the matter, a divorce lawyer in Cedar Park, TX, can help you navigate potential pitfalls in asset division processes and ensure equitable outcomes for all parties involved. Divorce lawyers are therefore essential tools for achieving equitable divisions in asset-sharing proceedings. If you are in the process of a divorce or thinking you may be filing for a divorce soon, contact us at Harris & McKeown Law Firm in Cedar Park, Tx. We understand that the process of filing for a divorce is often overwhelming, both emotionally and financially. That’s why Harris & McKeown Law Firm in Cedar Park, TX offers experienced legal guidance and assistance with asset division matters. Our knowledgeable divorce lawyers can provide advice on how to divide up community property with an agreement. We are committed to helping clients reach fair and equitable agreements when it comes to dividing assets. Our legal team will guide you through the asset division process, using their expertise in Cedar Park, TX divorce law to ensure that your individual needs are met without having to resort to costly litigation. Contact us to learn more about our asset division services and how we can help you make sure your divorce is fair and equitable.
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