Types of Family Cases We Handle in the Woodlands
Skillern Firm, Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers understands the local dynamics of family law in The Woodlands and can tailor legal strategies to meet your unique needs. The high percentage of married households, professionals, and young families in the community means that there is often a significant number of custody cases involving co-parenting arrangements, complex asset division, spousal support orders, and prenuptial agreements.
When you are looking for family lawyers in The Woodlands to help with an upcoming case, you must evaluate a prospective attorney’s level of experience with cases similar to yours. Many family court cases are multifaceted. For example, it is possible to face a standalone child custody dispute if you are an unmarried parent and need to establish custody rules with your co-parent, but it is also possible to face child custody determination as just one aspect of a larger divorce case.
The attorneys at Skillern Firm, Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers have more than 160 years of combined professional experience in family law, and most of our attorneys are Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We are confident in our ability to fluently handle some of the most challenging family court matters in The Woodlands on behalf of our clients.
Divorce in the Woodlands
Ending a marriage is more challenging than many people expect. The divorce process not only terminates the marriage contract but also establishes division of property for the couple’s marital property. If they have children, they will need to resolve custody and may face a wide range of additional issues that will need to be resolved.
Whether you are about to file for divorce or you must respond to your spouse’s divorce petition, the right attorney can be a valuable asset for every stage of your case. Most divorces filed in The Woodlands begin as contested, meaning there are issues the couple must resolve before they can finalize their divorce.
We can help you make informed decisions about the various aspects of your divorce, from financial issues like property division and spousal support to more emotional matters like child custody. Some divorce cases will need to be resolved through litigation, but it is possible for some divorcing couples to pursue alternative dispute resolution. Skillern Firm, Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers can outline all of your options and represent you through every stage of your proceedings.
Property Division
In every divorce in The Woodlands, the couple must divide their marital property under the community property standard. This means that all marital property, meaning any assets or liabilities acquired by either spouse during their marriage, is subject to equal division in divorce. Each spouse must submit a financial disclosure statement so this process can unfold fairly.
While marital property can include income and property acquired by either spouse during their marriage, it may also include debts and liabilities. It’s possible for divorcing spouses to argue whether certain debts are shared or if they are the sole responsibility of one of them. The financial disclosure process is essential for accurately resolving any such disputes.
Each spouse also has the right to claim separate property, such as inheritance left only to them and property they owned before marrying. You could potentially face many types of disputes with this aspect of your divorce, so it is important that you have an experienced legal advocate on your side if you want to have the greatest chance of meeting your financial goals for your divorce.
High-Net-Worth Divorce
Property division is likely to be a contentious issue in any divorce, but this is especially true for high-net-worth individuals. Resolving property divisions can be challenging as these individuals often own business interests, complex investment accounts, retirement accounts, stock portfolios, and more. They may also have substantial outstanding debts.
If you face complex financial issues in a high-net-worth divorce, trust Skillern Firm, Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers to help you approach your case with confidence. We are fluent in handling the most difficult financial matters many of our high-net-worth clients face. We can address your financial concerns for the future and do everything we can to protect your interests.
Spousal Support
When one spouse has been financially dependent on the other for a long time, or if one spouse is unable to work and support themselves, it is possible for spousal support to be an issue for their divorce. The attorneys at Skillern Firm, Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers can explain the law surrounding this type of support including the requirements of eligibility and the factors in determining the nature, amount, duration, and manner of such support.
Child Custody Determination
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of a divorce is a child custody dispute, and it is also possible for unmarried parents to face difficult custody determinations in The Woodlands. This is not an issue that parents can resolve privately; the court must ensure that the custody order suits the child’s best interests, and the Judge handling a custody case must review several factors in order to make the most informed decision possible.
Your custody determination in The Woodlands will address legal custody, or the ability to make decisions for a child, and physical custody, which will determine where the child will live. In most cases, Judges in The Woodlands family courts will seek to arrange joint managing conservatorships that provide a child with as much access to both parents as possible.
When determining custody, a Judge must assess each parent’s overall fitness to handle parental responsibilities, their criminal backgrounds, their living arrangements, and their work schedules. This can be an extremely stressful aspect of your case, so it is important that you have an experienced legal advocate on your side to have the greatest chance of reaching a positive outcome.
If you are navigating a challenging child custody case, there are several local organizations in The Woodlands ready to provide non-legal services to support you and your family. Interfaith of The Woodlands is one such organization offering food assistance and crisis counseling, among other family support services. Family Promise of Montgomery County also assists families in need, including those experiencing homelessness.
Family Court Order Modification
The family court recognizes the fact that life can present unpredictable challenges, and certain life events can potentially impact a standing family court order in several ways. It is possible to petition the court to modify an existing order if you have experienced such an incident. Your family lawyers in The Woodlands can help you file your petition for modification or prepare a response if you must contest another party’s petition.
Our attorneys are familiar with the local court procedures. Family law cases in The Woodlands and the surrounding areas are typically handled through the Montgomery County Courthouse located at 301 N Main St, Conroe, TX 77301. If you need to modify an existing order, we can guide you through the process, representing you in court if necessary, and helping you understand strategies for efficient resolution.
Family Court Order Enforcement
It is crucial to abide by the terms and conditions set forth in your family court order. Failure or refusal to do so can lead to contempt of court or harsher penalties, even criminal prosecution in some cases. If you believe that another party has failed or refused to meet their obligations set forth in your family court order, family lawyers in The Woodlands can help you petition the court to enforce the order.
