Southlake Family Lawyer | Varghese Summersett

Southlake Family Lawyer

Our Southlake family lawyers have decades of experience representing individuals and families in Southlake going through some of the toughest times of their lives through the family court system. Wade Griffin and Nicole Carroll have built their reputations in Southlake on confident and compassionate representation. Whether you are looking for a quiet divorce or are facing a high-profile divorce, we have successfully navigated the waters for individuals ranging from nationally-known athletes to local doctors. There’s no case that’s too big or too hot, or conversely too amicable for us to handle.

Meet Our Southlake Family Lawyers

Experience in Southlake Matters

While all Southlake divorce and family law cases get filed in Tarrant County, there is a lot about a Southlake divorce that is unique. Southlake family lawyer Wade Griffin and Southlake family lawyer Nicole Carroll at Varghese Summersett have decades of experience specifically handling family law matters in Southlake – from the quiet cases that are kept out of formal court records to complex and high-profile cases that get litigious. Combined our lawyers have nearly five decades of experience handling divorces in Southlake. We’ve seen everything that could be thrown against our clients and we’ve prevailed.

We have a reputation with the local judiciary and attorneys alike for being well-prepared, tenacious, and ready for trial should the need arise. We take a holistic approach to divorce. We protect your greatest interests – your family, your reputation, and all you have worked for. We are highly experienced in asset protection, asset valuation, business valuations, and custody agreements. We are also sensitive to your needs. Some wish to do everything possible to stay out of the spotlight or even public records. Others wish to go to the ends of the earth to win. Whatever your position, we can guide you on the pros and cons of each approach and help you navigate troubled waters successfully.

Why Choose Our Southlake Family Lawyer from Varghese Summersett

We are a part of this community. We live here. Our kids grow up here. We understand what matters the most to you. Divorce is a challenging journey, but the assistance of our experienced Southlake family attorney can make it less overwhelming. Our experienced divorce attorneys bring an in-depth understanding of the local laws and legal procedures, which can significantly enhance your case.

We will:

• Guide you in understanding the divorce process;
• Discuss resolutions that meet your goals;
• Present counterproposals; and
• Advocate for your rights in court, ensuring your interests are well represented.

Local Knowledge and Expertise

Local understanding and proficiency play a significant role in divorce cases. This is where we work every day.

• We are well-versed in the intricacies of the Tarrant County Family Court system, ensuring clients receive relevant and tailored legal counsel. We have appeared before every judge and associate judge in the county.

In addition, Tarrant County has unique local rules and procedures. Our Southlake divorce attorney ensures your case is handled competently.

Personalized Attention and Support

Divorce is not just a legal process; it’s a life-altering event that requires emotional support and understanding. This is where personalized attention from a Southlake divorce attorney comes into play. By offering tailored legal advice and representation, they ensure that your needs and objectives are met, providing a source of empathy and guidance throughout the challenging process of divorce.

Our Southlake family lawyers offer:

• A comprehensive evaluation of your circumstances throughout the divorce proceedings
• A personalized approach that caters to your specific needs
• Expert guidance throughout the entire divorce process
• Easing the emotional burden and providing a clear path forward

Types of Family Law Cases We Handle in Southlake

• Adoption
• Business Division
• Divorce
• Collaborative Divorce
• Child custody
• Child support
• Domestic Violence and Protective Orders
• Enforcement of orders
• Grandparent Rights
• Mediation
• Possession and Access
• Post-Nuptial Agreements
• Pre-Nuptial Agreement
• Property division

Initiating the Divorce

To initiate the Texas divorce process, you need to:

1. Fulfill the residency requirements, which include having a Texas residency for a minimum of six months.
2. Have residency in the county where the divorce is being filed for at least 90 days before the
   filing date.
3. Submit a petition to the corresponding court.

Once the residency requirements are met, the divorce process is initiated by:

1. Filing a petition in the district court county where either party has resided for the last 90 days.
2. Providing legal notice to the other party.
3. Attending the hearing.
4. Obtaining the final decree.

Types of Divorces in Texas

Divorces in Texas fall under two broad categories: contested and uncontested, and fault-based or no-fault divorces. Understanding these types can help you make informed decisions about your case. In an uncontested divorce, both parties reach a consensus on all aspects of the divorce, such as property division, child custody, and support. However, disagreements over these terms in a contested divorce necessitate resolution through negotiation, mediation, or a trial.

Texas also permits no-fault divorces, eliminating the need to demonstrate wrongdoing by either spouse. The most prevalent basis for such divorces is insupportability, although other grounds encompass:

• cruelty
• adultery
• felony conviction
• abandonment
• living apart
• confinement in a mental hospital.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorces in Southlake

In a contested divorce, spouses are unable to reach an agreement on specific terms pertaining to the dissolution of their marriage. Common disputes in contested divorces encompass issues such as:

• Property division
• Child custody
• Child support
• Alimony

A Southlake divorce attorney plays an essential role in such cases, providing the necessary legal representation and guidance to navigate the contested divorce process effectively.

On the other hand, an uncontested divorce in Texas is characterized by a simplified procedure where spouses have reached mutual agreements. This approach can save time and money, reduce stress, and allow for a smoother transition to post-divorce life. A Southlake divorce attorney can facilitate an uncontested divorce, ensuring proper filing of the case, offering legal representation, and aiding couples in amicably resolving their differences to avoid litigation.

Fault vs. No Fault Divorces in Southlake

A fault-based divorce requires one spouse to substantiate that the other’s misconduct caused the marriage to deteriorate, whereas a no-fault divorce allows parties to terminate the marriage without assigning fault. The grounds for a fault-based divorce can include adultery, abandonment, or cruelty, among others.

Choosing the appropriate grounds for divorce requires careful consideration and professional guidance. Our Southlake divorce attorney can offer comprehensive insights into the implications of fault-based and no-fault divorces, aiding clients in identifying the most suitable legal strategy based on their specific situations.

Collaborative vs. Traditional Divorce

Collaborative divorces can be a way of avoiding the usual publicity of a divorce. Collaborative divorce and alternative dispute resolution methods also provide less confrontational approach to ending a marriage. These methods involve the spouses working together to reach a mutually agreeable settlement, without resorting to court proceedings.

Collaborative divorce involves:

• Both parties and their attorneys working together to resolve the issues at hand
• Promoting open communication and cooperation
• Leading to an amicable resolution that respects the rights and interests of all parties involved.

The Collaborative Divorce Process

The collaborative divorce process begins when both parties agree to resolve their divorce issues amicably. They engage in a series of meetings where they negotiate and resolve issues related to property division, spousal support, and child custody, among others.

This process not only allows for a more peaceful dissolution of marriage but also results in reduced legal expenses and a swifter resolution compared to traditional litigation. Once a mutual agreement is reached, the attorneys prepare an Agreed Final Decree of Divorce, which is then submitted to the court for finalization of the settlement.

Mediation and Other Alternatives

Apart from collaborative divorce, other alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation can also be used to resolve disputes. In mediation, a trained, neutral professional facilitates communication and negotiation between the couple regarding the significant issues related to ending their marriage.

Our Southlake divorce attorney can play an instrumental role in mediation. They assist in resolving disputes, facilitate the creation of an equitable final agreement, and empower both parties by allowing them to influence the outcome.

Key Issues in Southlake Family Cases

Child custody and support, spousal maintenance, and property division are the key issues in Texas divorce cases. These matters can be complex and emotionally charged, necessitating the guidance and support of a Southlake divorce attorney.

In Texas, parents are generally presumed to be ‘joint managing conservators,’ entailing shared custody and decision-making responsibilities, unless evidence suggests otherwise. When it comes to property division, Texas follows a community property model, where marital assets are divided equitably among the spouses.

Child Custody and Support

Child custody and support are among the most critical issues in a divorce. In Texas, the child’s best interests are given top priority during a divorce. This involves:

• Assessing the child’s physical and emotional needs
• Evaluating the stability of the child’s environment
• Considering the parents’ abilities to care for the child

Our Southlake divorce attorney plays a vital role in family law cases, particularly those involving matters of custody and support. They present evidence and arguments to support their client’s case, aiming to achieve a just and suitable outcome that prioritizes the best interest of the child.

Spousal Maintenance and Property Division

Spousal maintenance and property division are also significant issues in a divorce. Determining the amount of spousal maintenance involves the court’s discretion and considers factors such as:

• The supporting spouse’s average monthly income
• The length of the marriage
• The age and health of each spouse
• The earning capacity of each spouse
• The standard of living during the marriage

Property division, on the other hand, involves dividing marital assets acquired during the marriage equitably between the spouses. This process can be complex, but with a Southlake divorce attorney, you can be assured that your rights will be protected and your interests well-represented.

What you can expect from Varghese Summersett

Our attorneys have more than just decades of experience handling divorce and custody cases in Southlake; we have a track record of success. We have appeared before every judge and associate judge in the county and are adept at helping individuals get to the best possible outcome for their unique situation.

We fight for what you want your family to look like, your future to look like, help secure your finances, and always protect your best interests.

Our Southlake divorce attorney brings local expertise, a deep understanding of the legal system, personalized attention, and most importantly, committed representation for your case. Whether it’s contested or uncontested, fault-based or no-fault, your attorney will work tirelessly to protect your rights and interests and ensure a fair outcome for you and your family. Give us at call at (817) 900-3220 to get started today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an attorney charge for a divorce in Texas?

The cost of a contested divorce in Texas can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney’s fees. Most lawyers in Southlake charge $350 to $750 an hour. It is important to consult with an attorney to get a specific estimate for your situation.

What is the significance of local knowledge and expertise in the selection of a Southlake divorce attorney?

Local knowledge and expertise are crucial in selecting a Southlake divorce attorney as they provide personalized attention and streamline the divorce process for clients. In sports terms, knowing the game is important, but so is knowing the opposing team and the venue is what gives you the edge.