Lean On Eric L. Godsey Attorney at Law for Legal Support

Separating from your spouse? You need legal guidance during this difficult time. Here are five questions you might have if you’re planning to file for divorce:

1. How long does the divorce process take in Texas? Every divorce case is different, and many factors are involved that can draw out the process. At the minimum, a divorce can be finalized after 60 days.
2. Does Texas have legal separation? No. When ending a marriage, divorce is the only legal option in Texas.
3. Will I lose custody of my child? Custody battles can get messy fast. That’s why it’s so important to have a dedicated family law attorney on your side. You can fight to protect your parental rights and win sole or joint custody of your child.
4. How much child support will I have to pay? Child support is determined by a number of factors, such as your income, the other parent’s income and the number of children in your household. A family law attorney can fight for you to get the support you need if you’re the custodial parent or a reasonable monthly payment if you’re the one providing support.
5. What happens if I want to change a custody or child support arrangement? After the divorce, your situation might change. If that happens, you can apply for a custody or child support modification.
6. What happens if I die without a will? Without a will, you won't be able can'tto distribute your assets how you want. Instead, the state of Texas will determine where your assets end up. This usually means your estate is divided equally amongst your immediate family members.
7. How do I execute a will? Also knowning as probating a will, this is a process that involves several steps. You'll should firstbegin by fileing with the probate court in the county your loved one lived in. Then, a judge will validate the will and appoint an executor. This person will take inventory of the assets, identify any beneficiaries and notify potential creditors. Finally, a judge will resolve any disputes and order the distribution of the estate's assets.
8. What does a will do? What doesn't a willdoes it not do? A will serves two primary purposes. First, it enables allows you to designate how your property will be distributed. It also lets you nominate a legal guardian for any minor children and an executor to manage your estate, including any outstanding debts or taxes. However, having a will does not allow your loved ones to avoid probate court. It also won't act as a living trust and can't designate someone to make decisions for you if you are incapacitated.

Eric L. Godsey Attorney at Law PLLC is here to provide the support you need when you’re preparing to end your marriage. Call our office in Mont Belvieu, TX today to talk to a family law attorney about your situation.