A Trusted Divorce Lawyer in Arlington, TX
When you are seeking out the best divorce lawyer in Arlington TX, you might want to turn to the Brandy Austin Law Firm. For years, we have been committed to providing our clients with honest, trustworthy, and efficient legal support. Guided by our determination and zealous passion for our careers, we have helped thousands of people find the right solutions to the most complex divorce matters. When you choose the best divorce lawyer Arlington TX trusts from the Brandy Austin Law Firm to legally represent you, you can feel confident in knowing you are in good hands.
Fault vs. No-Fault
When it comes to getting a divorce, the legislation and rules will vary by state. For instance, some states grant no-fault divorces, whereas others will ask both parties to try and reconcile their relationship. No-fault divorce occurs when the filing party does not have to prove any fault on the part of the other spouse. Rather, they must only list a reason for divorce that the state honors. A no-fault divorce can typically not be stopped. On the other hand, some states will require the person filing to put some kind of fault on the part of the other person. A fault divorce is contestable by the other party. In general, when a state has fault divorce legislation, it is prudent to have someone who many consider to be the best divorce lawyer in Arlington TX on your side.
The following are examples of reasons for fault-based divorce:
- Abandonment
- Adultery
- Abuse
- Imprisonment
- Seperation for a certain amount of time
- Inability to reconcile
A divorce lawyer can further discuss your own divorce needs during a free consultation. To schedule yours, call the Brandy Austin Law Firm at 817-841-9906.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
It is possible for a divorce to be contested or uncontested. With the latter, both spouses agree to the divorce as well as the finite details involved in the separation. Usually, an attorney deemed by many to be the best divorce lawyer in Arlington TX will act as a mediator throughout the process, just to ensure everything is carried out in the smoothest manner possible. A contested divorce is often much more complicated, and can be drawn out for a lengthy period of time. Usually, a judge is required in order to make rulings on outcomes of the divorce.
Every day, almost 2,000 Americans are reported missing. Some of these people cannot be found, while others do not want to be found. Unfortunately, this means that in a significant number of Texas divorce cases, the non-filing spouse cannot be located, despite the filing spouse’s best efforts. In many situations, the filing spouse may still be able to proceed with the divorce, if the applicable procedures are carefully followed. The same thing may be possible in a modification and certain other non-divorce family law matters, such as a name change. Any error could lead to the case being reopened later, and significant penalties being levied against the filing spouse. This is why many people seek out the legal assistance of the best Arlington TX divorce attorneys clients recommend.
Nail and Mail
Before a judge will authorize any substitute service, there must be evidence of “due diligence” in the record. That evidence is nearly always an Affidavit of Service. While there is no need to hire a private investigator or go to extraordinary ends, due diligence does include:
- Searching online for any current phone numbers, addresses, social media accounts, or job listings
- Searching area phone books and calls to directory assistance
- Asking friends and relatives if they know where the missing person is living
- Checking DMV and other public records
- Searching for a forwarding address at a local post office
Sometimes, a diligent search may lead to an address, but the respondent may simply refuse to come to the door. In these cases, nail and mail may be appropriate. The judge may issue an order allowing one copy of the petition to be affixed to the door and one copy to be mailed via regular first-class mail.
Divorce by Publication
As a divorce attorney Arlington TX residents trust can explain, if the diligent search fails to produce a good address, service by publication is the next option. Some courts may also require an attorney ad litem in these cases.
Once the judge signs permission to do so, the petitioner can serve notice by publication. Most courts have a preferred legal newspaper or similar publication; most courts also have precise language. If the notice appears in the wrong form or in the wrong place, service could be invalidated.
The timing is also very important. The notice must be published within 30 days after the order is signed. Typically, the notice must appear once a week for three consecutive weeks. After the last notice runs, the respondent has 30 days to answer. After the 30 days pass, the respondent is “in default” and the petitioner can request a court date.
Call Our Office for Help
If you need a divorce but you are not sure where your spouse is, you may be wondering where you can find the best divorce attorneys in Arlington, TX. The legal team at Brandy Austin Law Firm is here to help. Contact our office today for a free and confidential consultation.
Services of the Brandy Austin Law Firm
At the Brandy Austin Law Firm, we work hard to safeguard you and your family. Our legal services encompassing divorce matters are broad and include, but are not limited to:
- Filing a divorce
- Child custody
- Visitation rights
- Division of assets
- Mediation/negotiation
- Courtroom representation
- Filing restraining orders
From the first time you talk with someone many call the best divorce lawyer in Arlington TX at the Brandy Austin Law Firm, you’ll feel confident that your attorney will be ready to develop a strategic plan addressing the unique circumstances of your divorce. A few of the reasons why our clients count on us include:
- Our team has many years of combined experience
- We are compassionate and offer empathy to our clients
- We are recognized throughout the legal community
- We have a track record of success
- We maintain superior communication with our clients
- We are honest and unbiased
- We will treat your divorce with the attention it deserves
- We work diligently to resolve all of our client’s divorce matters
Call the Brandy Austin Law Firm for an Arlington TX Divorce Lawyer You Can Trust
Thanks to our years of experience dealing with divorce, we understand the emotions you might be going through, and will respect the sensitivity of your situation as best as possible. Don’t wait to retain the best divorce lawyer in Arlington TX you can depend on. Please call the Brandy Austin Law Firm today at 817-841-9906.
