Arlington, TX Divorce Lawyer
Your Strategic Partner for Navigating Arlington, TX Divorce Cases
Divorce can be a complicated affair. Any family law proceeding is likely to have a tremendous impact on your life going forward. Your divorce will affect everything from what assets you own to how much time you will spend with your children for the rest of their childhood. You need an attorney who will approach your case aggressively and strategically. Whether a contested or uncontested divorce is right for your situation, The Law Office of J. Kevin Clark P.C. can provide the highest quality legal representation available.
Attorney J. Kevin Clark is committed to achieving the most favorable divorce outcome possible for each client. He will take great care to protect your property and parental rights throughout the proceedings. The Law Office of J. Kevin Clark P.C. can help with any issue that may arise in your divorce, from dividing retirement assets to helping you relocate with your children. Whether you choose mediation or divorce litigation, you will have the benefit of Mr. Clark's decades of experience.
Contested or Uncontested Divorce Lawyer
You and your spouse have two main options for resolving your divorce. You can contest the divorce in court or attempt to settle your case by mutual agreement out of court. Both contested and uncontested divorce come with benefits and drawbacks.
Uncontested divorce is often speedier and less costly than litigation. However, it does mean that you will need to work with your spouse in some capacity. If you are both willing to compromise in order to keep your case - and your child - out of court, mediation or negotiation can help you achieve an out-of-court settlement.
You may need to contest your divorce if your spouse is unwilling or unable to meaningfully participate in resolving your case. If your spouse has abused you or your child, has major mental health or substance abuse problems, or simply will not be fair to you, going to court might be your best option.
Dividing Marital Property in a Texas Divorce
Texas law says that all marital property must be divided evenly, as you both own it equally. A majority of what you and your spouse own will be treated as marital property, even if only one spouse's income was used to acquire certain assets. Exceptions include inheritances or gifts received by one spouse, as well as assets you came into the marriage already owning.
Some types of property are more challenging to divide than others. Investment portfolios, income properties, businesses, and retirement assets are often considered complex marital assets. There are several possible strategies for dividing complex assets, and we can work with you to determine which strategy would be best for you.
Child Custody Options During Divorce
Child custody is often a contentious issue during divorce. Common child custody arrangements in Texas include:
- Joint custody - Joint custody of some type is by far the most common arrangement. The child may divide their time evenly between parents' homes, or one parent may have primary custody, while the child will visit the other on weekends and school holidays.
- Sole custody - Sole custody is rarely awarded unless there is evidence that one parent is a danger to the child in some way. if one parent has committed abuse, neglect, or endangerment against the child, sole custody by the other parent may be appropriate.
- Supervised visitation only - Supervised visitation is a middle-ground option. It is used when one parent may pose a risk but is not so harmful that the court wants to limit their relationship with the child. This arrangement is common when one parent has a protection order against the other or when a parent is in early recovery from substance abuse or serious mental illness.
If you are getting divorced from your child's other parent, it is important to seek quality legal representation. The impact this case will have cannot be overstated.
Contact an Arlington, Texas Divorce Attorney
The Law Office of J. Kevin Clark P.C. has decades of experience in serving people who are getting divorced. Our team will provide the best legal representation possible while you undergo this major life change. Contact us at 817-348-6723 for a free initial consultation.