Divorce

Regardless of whether it is you or your spouse who wants to end your marriage, or you have made a mutual decision to part ways, divorce is never easy. When you married, you had a vision of what your future together would be like. Divorce means that you need to plan for a different future, and you probably have many questions about what it will look like.

Where will you live? When and how will you spend time with your children? What financial resources will you have? What property will you take with you from the marriage? The answers to these questions, and others you may have, are profoundly affected by your legal representation.

At Sadler Family Law, we know how much is on the line with your divorce. We are committed not only to helping you achieve the outcome you seek, but to answering your questions and supporting you through the process. Our lawyers are skilled in effective advocacy with your best interests at heart.

Understanding the Texas Divorce Process

A divorce case starts with one party filing a Petition for Divorce. The non-filing party will need to be served with the petition for Divorce, and will then have limited time to respond to the petition. Initial issues such as the parties’ living arrangements, finances and temporary custody and visitation of children are typically addressed in temporary orders that may require a hearing. Other hearings may be necessary throughout the divorce process. However, the good news for many is that most divorces resolve by agreement through negotiation and/or mediation.

In Texas, a divorce cannot be granted any sooner than 60 days after the divorce is filed. Most divorces take longer, from a few months up to a year or more. A divorce that is contested (meaning that spouses have not reached agreement on all issues) typically takes longer than one that is uncontested.

During the divorce process, the parties will have the chance to engage in discovery, which is the exchange of information and documents. The information gathered during discovery can help the parties reach a settlement, or may be used as evidence if the case goes to trial. Most Texas judges require the parties to attempt to settle the contested issues in their divorce through mediation before going to trial. In mediation, a neutral third party tries to help the parties frame issues and come up with mutually agreeable resolutions.

If parties to a Texas divorce cannot reach agreement on all issues, their case will go to trial before a judge or jury depending on the issues and goals of the case.

How We Help Our Texas Divorce Clients

Reaching an agreed divorce, in which all issues are settled prior to trial, is preferable for most couples. Divorce trials are stressful and costly, and reaching settlement gives spouses more control over the terms of their divorce.

That said, not all settlements are created equal. Your divorce settlement is the foundation for your post-divorce life. If you settle for less than you need or are entitled to, you may find it difficult to move forward. Your attorney’s skill has a direct impact on the quality of your divorce settlement.

Attorney James P. Sadler is an experienced negotiator and litigator in matters of divorce, complex property division, and child custody matters.

One of the elements that contributes to a successful settlement is the knowledge that your attorney is able to walk away from the bargaining table and into the courtroom to fight for you if needed. James P. Sadler is a divorce litigator with decades of courtroom experience that many divorce attorneys lack. He will never encourage a client to accept an unfavorable settlement simply to avoid a trial. Opposing attorneys understand and respect this; as a result, James is better able to advocate for the results his clients need.

At Sadler Family Law, we understand that while a favorable outcome in your divorce is important, divorce is about more than how it ends. It is a process that is emotional and stressful. We do everything in our power to make it easier for you, from providing responsive personal service to empowering you with the information you need to make sound decisions in your divorce, and beyond.

Family law attorney James P. Sadler represents people involved in divorces, child custody disputes, and other family law matters in San Angelo and throughout West Texas. He advocates for his clients’ rights and interests both in the courtroom and at the negotiating table. We invite you to contact Sadler Family Law online or at (325) 227-6738 to schedule a confidential office consultation.