Divorce Lawyers in Midlothian, Texas
For many people, going through a divorce is one of life’s most difficult challenges. Separating from a spouse can be a difficult and painful process even before divorce proceedings begin. At Newland Legal, we understand that when it comes to family, the results matter more than ever. That is why we are proud to provide sophisticated advice to clients as they navigate through divorce and family law disputes.
Our Midlothian, Texas divorce clients know that personalized help makes all the difference when you are going through the most difficult time in your life. We are first and foremost problem solvers. We are always preparing to fight for our clients from our first day of consultation. That is why our experience in the courtroom truly sets us apart from other attorneys who are not ready to stand up for their clients when everything is on the line.
Family Law in Midlothian, Texas
Life, marriage, property, and divorce are different in “DFW’s Southern Star.” Old and new residents of Midlothian, Texas know how quickly the environment in this once small town is changing. In the past decade, Midlothian’s population has jumped from 18,000 to over 35,000 people per the 2020 census. While the population of Midlothian has exploded over the past decade (and continues to do so), the availability of competent and experienced family law firms in the area has remained much the same. The divorce lawyers at Newland Legal are here to change that.
When choosing a divorce lawyer that is right for you, you want a lawyer that not only has experience in family law matters, but ones that are also familiar with the location of your marital estate. The divorce lawyers at Newland Legal have strong ties to the Midlothian community and have an office conveniently located downtown.
The lawyers at Newland Legal are here to assist you with all of your family law needs. We assist with a wide range of family law matters including adoptions, pre-nuptial agreements, child custody, and post-divorce enforcement. Schedule a free consultation today by filing out the contact form on our website, calling us at (469) 899-9664, or by email at info@newlandlegal.com.
The Divorce Process in Texas
A divorce in Texas starts with the filing of a petition for divorce and ends when the trial court enters a final decree. But there is a whole lot in between (and after) that can make a divorce complicated and difficult to naviagate. Divorces involving minor children, real property, businesses, or violence can quickly become messy. That is why it is essential to have an experienced family law firm fighting on your side.
If you live in Midlothian, Texas and file for divorce your case will be heard in Waxahachie, Texas. Midlothian divorce lawyers must be familiar with the local rules and practices in Waxahachie, Texas. Dallas divorce lawyers often have a habit of getting into trouble in Ellis County.
After the Petition is Filed - Temporary Orders & Enforcement
Once the petition for divorce is filed, either side can seek Temporary Orders from the trial court. These are orders that a judge can set in order to establish child custody, child support, or spousal support before the final order is rendered. As the name suggests, these orders are not permanent and are subject to change. Again, the hearing on the temporary orders will be held in Waxahachie if you live in Midlothian and file for divorce.
While getting Temporary Orders in place is important, making sure they are followed is even more so. If one party fails to comply with the Temporary Orders, they may be held in contempt of court. The non-complying party could be subject to sanctions, including fines, attorney’s fees, and even jail time.
It is important to have a divorce lawyer who is able to assist you in getting the appropriate Temporary Orders in place in a timely manner, as well as making sure the other side complies with those orders or face the consequences.
Discovery
After the divorce proceedings are underway, the case enters into discovery. This can be a long and complicated matter in cases involving a lot of assets. Discovery consists of initial disclosures and can involve depositions, interrogatories, inventories and appraisals, and more. You will want an attorney who is familiar with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and family law discovery process to help guide you through these rough seas.
Mediation
Most Texas courts require that the parties attend what is known as mediation before the case can proceed to trial. Divorce for people who live in Midlothian, Texas is no different; every family law case in Waxahachie, Texas is required to go to mediation. Mediation consists of the parties meeting with a neutral third-party mediator in order to negotiate and settle disputed terms of the divorce. If the parties cannot reach a settlement by mediation, the case typically proceeds to trial.
There are a number of mediators for family law cases in Midlothian and surrounding cities. Your Midlothian, Texas divorce lawyer should be able to suggest mediators with strong reputations for solving problems and getting things settled.
Divorce Trial
Divorce trials in Texas can be either in front of a jury or a judge (also called a bench trial). There are many rules about what issues may be properly presented to a jury rather than a judge. For example, a jury may decide a fact issue on property division, such as the disputed value of property. But the issue of how an estate is divided is determined by the judge (although a jury’s division decision may be considered advisory).
Final Decree and Dissolution
Either after an agreed resolution or a decision following trial, the trial court will enter a final decree officially dissolving the marriage and setting forth the terms of property division, child custody, and support/alimony.
Appeal and Motion for New Trial
If one of the parties disagrees or is dissatisfied with the trial court’s resolution of the divorce proceedings, they may have certain remedies available. The first would be an appeal to the appropriate Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Second, a party may be able to seek a new trial based on arguments such as newly discovered evidence or jury misconduct. Third, a party could petition a court of appeals for a writ of mandamus in limited situations.
Post-Judgment and Enforcement
Unfortunately, many people often find that the conclusion of the divorce proceedings is not the end of the whole story. Once the trial court enters its orders on property division, custody, and support, it is up to the parties to make sure those orders are followed. When one party fails to comply with the court’s orders, a motion for enforcement may be necessary and the noncomplying party could be held in contempt for violating the order. Even when a divorce has reached its conclusion with a final decree, you may still need a family law lawyer to assist you in making sure the court’s order is enforced.
Contact a Midlothian Divorce Attorney Today
If you are considering divorce, already initiated divorce, or need assistance with post-judgment enforcement from experienced divorce attorneys in Midlothian, Texas, then contact us today for your free consultation. You can reach us by filing out the contact form on our website, calling us at (469) 899-9664, or by email at info@newlandlegal.com.