The Five Keys

If you are thinking about divorce, it is a good idea to seek legal advice early, even before you have made a decision. Consulting with an attorney early will help you consider a number of factors that may or may not have occurred to you, including the timing of your filing, your spousal rights under Texas law, what is separate and what is community property, who qualifies for spousal maintenance, and much more.

A great place to start is by looking for an attorney who is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Family Law. Of the more than 100,000 attorneys licensed to practice in Texas, only 7,400 have earned the right to be recognized as Board Certified and of that small amount, fewer than 900 are Board Certified in family law. Board certified attorneys must pass rigorous testing, have significant trial experience and stay current with the ever changing area of family law by attending numerous Continuing Legal Education seminars throughout any given year.

Your lifestyle is likely to change dramatically following divorce. Now is the time to think about and plan for what lies ahead. Your future is in your hands and, maybe for the first time in your life, you have the freedom to pursue long-forgotten dreams or goals. How will you support yourself? Maybe it’s time to get that master’s degree. You may have always wanted to open a bed-and-breakfast in the Texas Hill Country, move to the mountains, visit remote regions of Asia or teach school. Whatever your dreams, now is the time to plan and prepare for how you will make them a reality.

Some of your “couple” friends may or may not make the transition with you through divorce, so plan now to look for opportunities to make new friends. Your church or place of worship may offer events and activities for singles. Another good idea is reaching out and reconnecting with old friends. There is also the whole world of online dating if that sparks your interest.