Texas Divorce Law Firm
Are you getting a divorce and are concerned about your soon to be ex already hiring a Texas divorce law firm? Perhaps you are thinking you too need to have a lawyer on your side. In general, this is absolutely true. As a leading divorce lawyer might explain to you, fighting a divorce on your own, and when the other side has hired a particularly zealous lawyer, is not a good idea. When faced with adversity, call Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC.
If you are looking for a trusted divorce law firm Arlington, TX has to offer, look no further than Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC. For years our firm has been assisting men and women who have chosen to get a divorce or legal separation. We have successfully handled cases that are straightforward and amicable, to those that are complicated or contested by one party. Let us listen to your divorce needs today. Call Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC.
Finding A Trusted Divorce Firm in Arlington, Texas
There are many different divorce law firms in Arlington. It is important to choose one with experience, as well as the ability to put the necessary time and effort into your case. If you have not found the right divorce attorney Arlington, TX has to offer, please review these considerations to help you:
The Costs of Hiring a Divorce Lawyer
Just because you are planning on hiring a great divorce lawyer does not mean you have to spend a lot of money. At the same time, you should not choose a lawyer because of their low costs. It is important to know what you are willing to pay and can afford, and with that find a lawyer that is able to provide quality services for that amount. Keep in mind if a lawyer will not give you their costs or an estimate, or won’t commit to a deposit, reconsidering their services may be a good idea.
That said, no trusted divorce firm in Arlington, TX will be able to tell you the exact amount of your divorce. This is because divorce cases can have twists, turns, and unexpected events arise. A lawyer will likely be able to give you an estimate based on a range of what other cases similar to yours have cost.
How Does the Law Firm Appear?
The appearance of a firm can suggest how organized they are. In the case of a divorce, you want a well organized firm! If the office looks unkempt, chaotic, or is full of papers and boxes stacked all over the place, it might be a cue that they are not organized.
Why is this important? The simple answer is that you don’t want a misorganized firm to lose your case file or key documents. You also don’t want personal information being misplaced in the wrong area or thrown out.
Reviews and Testimonials
Take time to read reviews and testimonials about the firm. What are other people saying? Do the reviews sound true or manufactured? A review that just says “Good lawyer” is not as worthy as one that includes some length and/or details. Our Arlington, TX trusted divorce firm has many reviews online. We would be more than happy to provide you with them during your initial call.
Review Considerations:
- Read the online reviews of a divorce lawyer in Arlington
- If you have concerns or questions about what you have read, ask the lawyer
- Keep in mind that divorce lawyers are not immune from wrongful remarks made by spouses, friends, or family members
The Fee Agreement
A divorce lawyer may charge you based on a flat rate agreement, by the hour, or per task. Regardless of how their fees are structured, they should be willing to discuss their fees with you before you agree to hiring them. A fee arrangement should be drawn up with a detailed scope of the services you are paying for. Details that should be discussed, and/or included in the agreement include:
- The scope of their services
- Their hourly rate (when applicable)
- Fees for non-attorney work
- The initial deposit
- How and when you will be billed
- Payment options
- A full breakdown of fees
- How a bill is sent
- Who you can talk with in the event of any billing questions
Getting a divorce can be very time consuming and emotionally exhausting. Choosing a trusted divorce firm in Arlington, TX can make a difference in the outcome.
Can a Lawyer Be Overzealous
Yes, you want a zealous lawyer, but you don’t want one that is over-zealous. In other words, the lawyer is pulling strings, and more than they should, to get results not just for the client, but for them. When this happens, the focus might drift more towards the lawyers’ objectives, and words, rather than the case and any evidence related to it. This is most common when there is a significant amount of animosity or resentment involved. If you believe your ex has hired this kind of lawyer, you should not delay in calling a Texas divorce law firm for help.
Average Vs. Great Divorce Lawyers
Let us assume your spouse has hired a divorce lawyer. Perhaps he or she handles many areas of the law. In other words, is a general lawyer. Although general lawyers are good, they might not have ample experience in various issues or challenges that are specific to divorce law. This is something that should be considered and can make a difference between choosing an average lawyer and a great divorce lawyer.
Attention to Detail
As one of the leading divorce law firms in Texas, we have seen cases that were handled by previous lawyers and given little attention to detail. For example, there might have been special challenges in the divorce case; however, the case was treated as standard. This can affect everyone involved in the divorce.
Knowledge of the Law
Divorce laws are always changing. This means a good divorce lawyer will need to keep up with the new changes and amendments. General lawyers might not have time to do this because they handle many areas of the law; for example, divorce, personal injury, estate, and so forth. The more your lawyer knows, the better off you can be guided through the divorce process. In other words, you want your divorce lawyer to be very knowledgeable.
Will a Divorce Affect my Citizenship in Arlington TX?
Any individual that has permanent residency in the United States must hold a green card. This grants them many of the rights that U.S. citizens have, including the right to live, vote in state and municipal elections, and work here. The process by which a permanent resident can become a United States citizen is called naturalization. An immigrant must meet the permanent residency requirement before they apply for citizenship. This can happen rather quickly if an immigrant marries a U.S. resident, however, you must remain married and live with your husband or wife over three years before you can qualify to file for citizenship.
Unfortunately, if you and your partner decide to divorce, it will most likely strip you of your green card and your ability to apply again. United States immigration personnel are constantly looking for fraudulent marriages in the event that a marriage is a sham just to obtain a green card. So, as long as your marriage was real and sincere, where you chose marriage because you were happily in love with your partner and wanted to build a life together, you have nothing to worry about.
The following is a brief overview of the obstacles green card holders going through a divorce may face. For more detailed information, contact an Arlington TX divorce lawyer.
Proving Your Marriage Was Real
U.S. Immigration and Customs, or USCIS, will not automatically assume your marriage was a sham because you are filing for divorce. However, they may ask additional questions when you sit down for your naturalization interview so that they can make sure of this. If the officer is suspicious of your marriage, they will not make a decision that day and instead ask you and your partner to submit more documented paperwork that proves your marriage was real.
This can include a couples counseling (to prove that you were really trying to make your marriage work) note from your therapist, and a deed or lease to your property with both of your names listed. Also, having both of your IDs showing the same address, life insurance paperwork showing the same address, and joint bank account paperwork are all proof of a bona fide marriage. If you have any children you have not reported to the USCIS yet, his or her birth certificates will serve as great evidence that your marriage was not a sham.
What if Your Spouse Has a Great Divorce Lawyer?
If your spouse has hired a great divorce lawyer, you might feel concerned about whether you have more to lose? It must be understood that any lawyer has an obligation to follow the laws and rules of the state. If they do not, they could face penalties, including a suspension of their license. So, you should not expect anything that is illegal or unthinkable. However, a great divorce lawyer may have an understanding of how to use the system for the benefit of their client. It might be a good idea to hire one of our Divorce Lawyers Arlington, TX clients recommend.
If you are facing a divorce, call Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC, the Texas divorce law firm residents trust today.