There are many points to be kept in mind before filing any divorce case in court. Divorce lawyers must be smart enough to handle various sensitive cases, like children’s guardianship, alimony, division of money and property, and many more points. It is wise to do serious market research to find Houston’s best-rated divorce lawyer, who can represent you and your case with strength and conviction. Always delve into his past records and look at his success rate, to get a clear picture of his ability.

Divorce attorneys in Houston are usually helpful no matter how amicably the marriage ends, and they are particularly advantageous when parties consider the following:

o Division of Property and Assets: An attorney is able to draw up legal documents that will fairly and clearly divide up the property and assets that were purchased or earned during the marriage. Regardless if you and your former spouse believe you can divide these assets without legal assistance, you need to protect everyone involved by creating documents recognized by the Court.

o Establishing Custody Rights and Visitation: If you have children, it is imperative that both parties establish who will have primary custody of the kids. While it may be easy to assume that both parents will want to do what is best for their children, sometimes it is hard to agree on what exactly is “the best thing”. Your family law attorney will work with both parties to make sure that everyone’s legal rights are met and that parents get the visitation time they deserve-even if they are not the primary custodial parent.

o Legal establishment of child support and any alimony/palimony: Whether or not both individuals have professions that allow them to earn a living after the divorce, attorneys in Houston will likely look into the legal aspects of alimony or palimony. This often occurs when one spouse has sacrificed personally or professionally in order for the other partner to further his or her own career, reducing the ability for the recipient to earn an income that is as high as it would have been otherwise. Not every divorce will require this type of payment, but divorcing spouses should not assume that they are not eligible for this reimbursement without speaking with an attorney.

As a general practice Houston law firm, Sondra Kaighen & Associates, P.C. serves clients with diverse needs throughout Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast area. Their attorneys cover a range of legal issues pertaining to family law and criminal law. Sondra Kaighen, the firm’s principle, has over twenty years of experience in family law and is a certified specialist in the field by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Their Houston general legal practice law firm represents clients from all over the United States and abroad. They foster open communication with clients and encourage them to ask questions and voice their concerns. Their lawyers understand that family law cases are often stressful and can be draining emotionally, physically, and economically. That is why their Houston Law Firm committed to finding a smooth and satisfactory resolution to your legal issue as quickly as possible. Whether handling a divorce or representing a defendant facing felony charges, their attorneys do not shy away from difficult cases. If you have a legal question or concern, do not hesitate to contact their Houston law firm.

Divorce is expensive and time consuming. Couples facing divorce will have to deal with airing out their dirty laundry, dealing with the emotional pain and paying cost of courts, lawyer fees and dividing their assets with their spouse. With mediation, much of the unnecessary drama of getting a divorce can be reduced if not completely avoided.

What happens during mediation?

The divorce mediator will explain how the law system works to the couple and if the mediator is an attorney can draw up and file court papers. Unlike arbitration, mediation is not a legally binding decision made by your mediator. Instead, couples have complete control over what decisions are made and can walk away from mediation at any time. Some states, however, use court-ordered divorce mediation for couples with children to help negotiate child custody and visitation issues.

How to Pick A Divorce Mediator?

Mediators should have received training from a recognized source and should be able to provide references from attorneys, fellow mediators and other recognized professionals. A mediator with several years of experience has more knowledge than a beginner; some mediators are also family lawyers themselves. The cost will also help when choosing a mediator, most charge a fee for each session lasting around one to two hours.

How Will Common Assets Be Divided?

A divorce mediator can draw up a settlement agreement for couples showing how property and finances will be divided once a settlement is reached. To do this the mediator will aid each party in determining what they own, as well as determine what they owe out in the form of taxes and other debts. Financial planning tools such as budgeting may be used to help understand how the divorce will affect finances. Divorce mediation might also review how the judge is likely to divide assets based on how much income and property each spouse bought to the marriage. Issues of alimony, child custody, how parenting duties will be shared and child support may also be determined.

Is A Lawyer Still Needed?

Mediation is not a substitute for seeking the advice of legal counsel. Mediators should not discourage hiring or consulting with an attorney during a divorce. In fact, many encourage their clients to bring their attorneys with them to divorce mediation. A lawyer will help prepare for negotiating with the spouse and ensure the agreement or settlement reached is in their best interest.

Divorce mediator in San Francisco at law firm McDonald & Mannion provides individuals and families with resolution through mediation in cases of divorce, personal injury matters, and probate and business disputes. If you are researching San Francisco divorce law firms, and are open to exploring mediation as an alternative to a traditional divorce, give them a call.

As a divorce mediator in San Francisco, Attorney Brian McDonald has the expertise and knowledge to guide you and your family through difficult negotiations and legal disputes with a focus on a positive outcome for everyone involved. Mr. McDonald has decades of experience in mediating San Francisco separation and divorce. His experience also extends to the drafting of prenuptial agreements. For San Francisco divorce advice, or to find out how they can help resolve your legal dispute, contact San Francisco law firm McDonald & Mannion today. For your convenience, they also offer services in Spanish.