What Can You Do to Move Forward with Divorce?
Preparing for divorce during Covid includes making the same decisions couples made prior to the pandemic. The Covid crisis may have created additional stress through job loss, greater financial stress, depression or even illness. However, even while you're staying at home, there are things you can do to deal with divorce.
Marriage Counseling
Based on the Texas Family Code, a judge can order a couple to marriage counseling if it appears they may be able to reconcile their differences and avoid divorce. First, a counselor evaluates the status of the couple's relationship. The counselor provides an opinion as to whether the expectation of them reconciling is reasonable. If the counselor believes reconciliation is possible, the court sets a fixed period of 60 days for counseling. The court will not extend the time past 60 days. When ordering counseling, judges consider the family's circumstances and needs. At the end of the counseling, the counselor reports whether the parties complied. Afterward, the divorce can proceed.
Prioritize. What Are Your Goals for Divorce?
When establishing your goals for divorce, you can set your priorities straight. For example, you may wish to have sole custody or joint custody of your children. You may have ideas of what is best for your children, how to create the least amount of stress or change for them. You may wish to have an amicable resolution to all of your issues. Or, if your marriage is high conflict, you may have different goals to strive for in pursuing the best possible outcome.
Marital Property Division
If you’re considering divorce, it is a good time to take stock of what you own. Make a list of your assets by gathering together documents that show real estate ownership, financial investments, business assets or even personal items. Start considering what you think would be a fair division of martial property. Marital property includes assets you acquired during your marriage. Separate property is property you acquired prior to marriage or through a gift or inheritance. Only marital property is divided in a divorce.
Legal Counsel
If you’re set on divorce, it is wise to consult with an attorney. An experienced family law attorney can answer questions and provide you with valuable legal advice. At Pfister Family Law we have decades of experience and take a compassionate and responsive approach to helping you deal with divorce.