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What Happens if I Get Divorced Without a Lawyer? | IL
Many people think about getting divorced without a lawyer to save money and time. While this is possible, it can lead to serious problems. Without a lawyer, you might struggle to understand your legal rights, divide your assets fairly, or address important issues like child custody and child support.
The decisions you make during a divorce can affect your finances and family life for years, so it is important to understand what you are risking if you choose to go through the process without legal help. Call our friendly, experienced Texas divorce lawyer at Law Office of Russ Alan Baker, PLLC to learn more.
Why Do People Get Divorced Without a Lawyer?
People often think about getting divorced without a lawyer for a few reasons. One of the main reasons is to save money. Divorce can be expensive, especially if it involves hiring a lawyer. Some people believe that if their divorce is straightforward, they can handle the paperwork and negotiations on their own. For example, if a couple agrees on how to divide their property and there are no children involved, they might feel confident enough to go through the process without legal help. In some cases, people simply want to get the divorce over with quickly and believe that skipping a lawyer will speed things up.
The Potential Consequences of a Felony Conviction in Texas
Texas ranks as the state in the nation with the most people incarcerated. There are currently more than 130,000 people sitting in Texas prisons and jails. This should come as no surprise since the state also has the sixth highest incarceration rate in the country at 452 out of every 100,000 individuals, as well as having the most convicted felons living here. While population does play a role in these numbers, it is important to note that other states with similar populations – like California – are not even in the top ten of felon population.
Felony charges are the most serious criminal offenses you can face. Although a misdemeanor conviction can result in up to 12 months in jail, a felony conviction often means years in prison, including the potential of life sentences. If you have been arrested on felony charges, it is important to speak with a Texas defense attorney immediately to find out what legal options you may have for defending against these charges.
When Can Texas Courts Order a Paternity Test?
Paternity can be a contested topic. Many parents may find themselves needing to establish paternity with a DNA test to ensure that each parent understands their legal rights and obligations to a shared child. In some cases of paternity disputes, the court may order that the alleged father of the child submit a paternity test. A skilled Texas paternity lawyer can help you navigate the process of establishing paternity whether you are a mother or a father struggling with this issue.
Why Is It Important to Establish Paternity?
Paternity helps a father obtain legal rights to his child, allowing him visitation and child custody rights in the case of a divorce. Paternity will also provide the father with the responsibility to provide financial support to his child. In cases where paternity is questioned or challenged, establishing paternity can help put an end to custody and child support disputes.
How Long Does a Sex Offender Have to Register in Texas?
If you have been convicted of a sex crime in Texas, there is a high chance that you will be required to register for Texas’s sex offender registry as part of your sentence. Registration on this list may be temporary or for a lifetime, depending on the type of sex crime committed, and you will have to report to law enforcement within a certain time period after being released from jail or otherwise sentenced.
An experienced Texas sex crimes defense attorney can help you understand your rights if you are facing a sex crimes charge.
Understanding Texas Sex Offender Registration
The standards for Texas sex offender registration are set by the federal Megan’s Law and the state statutes. Megan’s Law requires that Texas maintains a sex offender registration list, while state statutes for sex offender registration outline details for things like risk assessment of sex offenders, registration requirements, and public notification requirements.
Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Texas?
Being stopped by a law enforcement officer is a stressful situation, and this can be made even more complex if the officer asks you to complete roadside sobriety tests. Many people in this situation are worried about being charged with DWI, or driving while intoxicated, and wonder whether agreeing to the breathalyzer test helps or hurts their odds of conviction. It is important to understand your legal rights so that you can make the best decisions for your specific situation.
In Texas, you can refuse a breathalyzer test in certain situations, though doing so may come with penalties. A knowledgeable Texas DWI defense lawyer can help you navigate your next steps if you have refused a breathalyzer test.
Understanding the Texas Implied Consent Law
Texas has an Implied Consent Law, which applies to all individuals with a valid Texas driver’s license who have been lawfully arrested for a DWI. Under this law, once you are arrested for a suspected DWI, you automatically give your consent for blood or breathalyzer testing.
Should I Stay Off Social Media During My Divorce?
Social media may be something that everyone uses today, but if you are going through a divorce, you may want to refrain from posting your thoughts and feelings online. Social media posts can show up in court, and posting evidence that conflicts with your claims in a divorce or that could reflect poorly upon you in divorce court can seriously affect the outcome of your divorce.
An experienced Texas divorce lawyer can further answer your questions about what to do during your divorce as your case progresses.
Can Social Media Be Used in a Texas Divorce?
In Texas, social media posts and online messages have the potential to be used in a divorce case. Either party may collect social media posts or evidence of other’s online activity when they directly apply to the claims made during a divorce.
For instance, if your soon-to-be ex-spouse is advocating for full child custody, yet he posts videos and photographs online of engaging in illegal or dangerous activities, this may be used against him during the divorce.
What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in Texas?
Domestic violence in Texas is referred to as "family violence." Charges for family violence can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with the state taking family violence allegations seriously. If you are arrested on a family violence charge, you must understand the charges against you and any associated penalties.
You should also contact a skilled Texas family violence defense attorney to protect your rights and minimize the effects of a family violence charge on your record as much as possible.
What Is Family Violence?
Texas Family Code defines family violence as the act of a family member or a household member against another family or household member that aims to inflict physical harm or bodily injury.
Family and household members can include married and unmarried couples, ex-spouses, children and stepchildren, parents with a shared child, couples who are currently or were formerly dating, and any individual who shares a home with another.
Can I Stop My Ex From Gaining Custody in Texas?
Child custody arrangements in Texas are made with the best interests of your shared child in mind. This means that your final child custody arrangement depends on your ex’s behavior and the situation where your child will be the best cared for. In some cases, it may be possible to stop your ex from gaining custody, though many factors can influence this.
An experienced Texas child custody lawyer can help you pursue your child custody case and advocate for a favorable arrangement for you and your child.
Texas Child Custody Laws
In Texas, child custody is referred to as a ‘conservatorship.’ Depending on your specific situation, you may be eligible for a joint conservatorship, which involves both parents, or a sole conservatorship, in which one parent takes on all or the majority of the custody and parenting responsibilities. Even in a sole conservatorship, your ex may be able to visit with your child.
What Are the Penalties for Marijuana Possession?
While marijuana is not charged as harshly as other drugs, you can still end up with a jail sentence and fines if you are found to possess marijuana in the state of Texas. Possession charges in the state vary based on how much marijuana you are found to have, and these charges can impact your future if they end up on your criminal record.
A skilled Texas drug defense lawyer is necessary to help you navigate any marijuana charges you face and minimize their impact on your life.
Understanding Texas Marijuana Possession Charges
Texas is one of many states that still prosecute marijuana possession and use, and these charges vary in severity depending on how much is in your possession. In general, the penalties associated with marijuana possession include the following:
What Do I Do When CPS Wants to Speak to Me in Texas?
Being contacted by Child Protective Services (CPS) in Texas is one of the most stressful things that a parent can deal with, especially if CPS is attempting to contact an investigation due to reports of child abuse or endangerment. As soon as you learn that CPS wishes to speak with you, it is important to contact a Texas attorney knowledgeable in CPS matters to help you navigate your next steps.
What to Expect From CPS
CPS is an organization under the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. When abuse, neglect, or child endangerment is suspected, CPS is typically contacted by a concerned individual or a mandated reporter. Once a report is received, CPS starts an investigation that may involve interviewing children and their parents, conducting home visits, or working with law enforcement.
From our offices Llano and Burnet, our law firm serves clients in Marble Falls, Johnson City, Blanco, Fredericksburg, San Saba, Llano County, Burnet County, Mason County, Lampasas County, Blanco County, Mills County, Gillespie County, and throughout Central Texas.
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