Bellaire Family Lawyer
Family law is a large field that encompasses divorce, child custody and support, property distribution, and other matters related to the complexity of having a family. Individuals who want to end their marriage amicably may struggle to cope with the changes that will undoubtedly occur in many areas of their lives. Because your approach to each of these problems will affect the outcome, it’s vital to work with a family lawyer who understands your needs.
Hiring a knowledgeable family lawyer is crucial to achieving a favorable outcome for you and your family. Ensuring that your separation is carried out equitably calls for in-depth legal knowledge. At Stepp & Sullivan, we prioritize giving our clients practical solutions to take care of their legal concerns while obtaining the best result possible for their particular situation.
Should I Consult a Family Lawyer for My Bellaire Case?
Attorneys skilled in family law can assist their clients with many family matters. Anyone dealing with a family-related legal issue such as divorce or child custody may benefit from consulting a family lawyer for advice and support. Having a lawyer by your side can also make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Attorneys who practice family law can assist by providing the following services:
- Fighting for clients’ interests in court
- Helping clients understand their rights
- Supporting collaborative approaches and mediation
- Providing legal counsel that helps develop long-lasting agreements
When it comes to the time and effort they save you, family law attorneys and the counsel they provide are priceless. Though hiring a Bellaire family law attorney may seem like one more burden, the benefits that a lawyer offers can greatly reduce the stress you may experience throughout any family-related legal matter.
Common Types of Cases Family Law Attorneys Handle in Bellaire
Family law covers a wide breadth of family-related legal matters, so attorneys must be adept at resolving various types of cases. A skilled family lawyer may handle cases that deal with the following issues:
- Child custody
- Child support
- Divorce
- Legal separation alternatives
- Mediation
- Spousal support
- Visitation
Many of these areas intersect with each other and have the potential to vary in complexity. Many people are unaware of all their rights when separating from their spouse or making custody arrangements. Ultimately, your family’s legal matters may be more complex than you realize, and having a knowledgeable legal professional by your side to handle your case can ensure your rights are protected.
Grounds for Divorce in Bellaire Family Law
How you file for divorce can significantly impact the divorce’s outcome. You can choose a fault-based or no-fault divorce if you file for divorce in Texas. A spouse who requests a no-fault divorce can do so without having to provide evidence to justify the separation. Regardless of the cause, no-fault divorces may result in an even distribution of the marital estate.
Divorces granted on a fault basis require justification. Your spouse must have committed wrongdoing that falls within Texas’s accepted grounds for divorce. Seven grounds for divorce are permitted by Texas law, and they are as follows:
- Abandonment
- Adultery
- Confinement in a psychiatric hospital
- Conviction of a felony
- Cruelty
- Insupportability
- Living apart
Proving grounds for divorce can take a lot of time and effort. When one spouse establishes the other is to blame for the divorce, property division and child custody decisions may be strongly influenced. To ensure you are making the best decision for your case, you should consult a knowledgeable Bellaire family lawyer with experience handling divorce cases.
How Bellaire Judges Determine Child Custody in Texas
The awarding of sole or shared custody of a child to a parent is contingent on various factors. The court will often give preference to joint custody if it is in the child’s best interests unless a parent can provide evidence to the contrary. The parenting schedule will also be established based on what the judge believes is best for the child.
The following are common considerations that judges take when determining child custody in Texas:
- The child’s wants and needs
- The parents’ parenting skills
- The child’s physical and emotional safety
- Home and school stability
- Ability to make childcare arrangements
- The parents’ substance abuse history
- The parents’ ability to cooperate
You will likely have a better chance of achieving a favorable outcome in your custody battle if you are adequately prepared to demonstrate to the judge that you can give your child a safe and stable environment. Bellaire Family attorneys who are experienced in handling child custody cases can be useful in this area for developing strong arguments, defending proposed parenting plans, and generally protecting you and your child’s best interests.
Consult a Bellaire Family Lawyer to Help You Protect Your Rights
Settling agreements in family law cases can be a challenging and time-consuming process. The breakup of a marriage or a custody arrangement can become very complicated for many reasons, and without in-depth legal advice, resolving these matters may not lead to an outcome in your favor. Ultimately, partnering with a dedicated Bellaire family law attorney can ensure your rights are protected.
At Stepp & Sullivan, our legal team has over 40 years of combined experience helping families in Texas and throughout the United States. With our assistance in handling negotiations, mediation, and court representation, you can alleviate some of your concerns and secure a better outcome for your case. Call (713) 336-7200 or use our contact form to arrange a meeting with our legal team.
