When faced with a Texas divorce, men often assume they will lose custody of their children and be saddled with expensive child and spousal support payments. Instead of assuming the worst, why not fight for a fair outcome?
The attorneys at The Stout Law Firm, PLLC believe that men should be treated fairly in divorce proceedings. We fight for your children and your finances because we don’t want you facing overwhelming stress after your divorce. To learn more about how we can help you, contact our divorce lawyer for men to book a consultation.
Here, we’ll tell you what you need to know about Texas divorce laws and how they impact men.
Should You File First?
Many men question whether they should be the first to file for divorce. Filing first has both pros and cons, which we will explore.
Advantages
Filing first allows you to control the timeline of your divorce. You have time before you file to get your finances in order and process your emotions about dissolving your marriage. It also allows you to present first in court, which can give you better persuasion power. When you file first, you may be able to select a convenient court, rather than traveling to your spouse’s location for hearings.
Disadvantages
Filing first brings some disadvantages, such as increased fees. When you serve your spouse divorce paperwork, you reveal your reasons for filing and your requests for the divorce. This disclosure on the divorce paperwork gives your spouse time to prepare a defense.
Need Strong Legal Representation During Your Divorce? Contact Our Houston Divorce Lawyer for Men Today!
Where Can You File for Divorce?
You must meet residency requirements to file for divorce in Texas. If you have lived in Texas for six months and in Harris County for 90 days, you can file for divorce in a Harris County court.
Can a Father Get Custody?
Yes, a father can get custody in a Texas divorce. Texas courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child. Whether you’re a mother or father, a Houston divorce lawyer can work to prove that living with the other parent would not be in your child’s best interests. As a father, you should have as much opportunity to receive primary custody as a mother. Even if you don’t receive custody, our divorce attorneys for men fight for you to receive the maximum available time with your child.
Will You Have to Pay Child Support?
If you don’t have primary custody, you will probably have to pay child support. The court determines your child support payment based on factors such as:
- Your income,
- Your spouse’s income,
- The number of children you have, and
- The amount of time your spouse cares for the children.
Divorce lawyers for men help the court understand a father’s circumstances for a fair child support order.
Will You Have to Pay Spousal Support?
Spousal support is not required in Texas. However, your spouse may prove that they need spousal support. They can do this by presenting evidence of their income, expenses, and time away from work during your marriage. If your spouse was the primary earner during your marriage, you may be able to seek spousal support payments from them. If the court orders spousal support, it’s usually for a limited time.
How Do You Find the Right Lawyer?
In Texas, men may face disadvantages in divorce cases, which can vary based on the judge’s perspective. To put yourself in the best position for divorce negotiations, you must hire a skilled Houston divorce lawyer for men. You really need an attorney who focuses on representing men in divorce cases. An attorney with knowledge of the issues men face in divorces can skillfully gather evidence and negotiate to protect your finances and your relationship with your children.
Contact an Experienced Men’s Divorce Lawyer
If you’re considering divorce, you need to speak to a knowledgeable divorce lawyer for men in Houston before you take action. If you have been served with divorce papers, contact an attorney quickly since you have a limited time to meet court deadlines. Instead of just Googling, “men’s divorce attorney near me,” you need to carefully search for an attorney with a track record of successfully representing men in divorce cases.
At The Stout Law Firm, our skilled Houston divorce lawyers help men protect their interests in divorce cases. We will help you think through the consequences of a divorce to determine the best option for your marriage. If you decide to file for divorce, we can work to save you money and stress by agreeing to pertinent issues through a settlement or mediation. However, if necessary to achieve your goals, our experienced attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss you individual needs in a divorce.