Unfortunately, over half of all marriages end in divorce. Some are fairly simple and over with quickly. Others can get very ugly and
go on for months or even years. Which way it goes depends on what a couple is fighting over, and how much each side is willing to
compromise. The minimum time it takes to finalize a divorce is 60 days from the date you first file for it. Insisiting on a knock-down,
drag-out fight with your spouse at all costs can delay the process of settling your case for several months beyond that. That doesn't
mean you should roll over and not put up a fight, but you should be prepared to do so in a reasonable manner, not focusing on getting
every concession possible, but focusing on getting the things that are truly important and letting the little things go. (Of course,
some attorneys may actually want you to fight on every detail because they can bill you more as you go along).
If you are up for a fight, get prepared. What evidence do you have to back up your accusations? Letters? Phone messages? Cancelled checks? Pictures? Videotape? Witnesses? Is it going to be just your word against theirs? And it is best to make sure you clean up your own life in a hurry. The dirt will most likely be flying both ways. If there are any skeletons in your closet, they will most likely be revealed.
FAMILY LAW
Family law cases can be very traumatic. They are sometimes even more time consuming and acrimonious than criminal cases. Often both parties end up arguing that they are the good guy and the other party is all bad. Both have a tendency to throw as much dirt possible at the other side. While this feeling is understandable, and everyone needs to vent their frustration, that is not necessarily the best approach to "winning" a case. In fact, oftentimes, neither party feels they have won, as many judges have a tendency to make a compromise ruling, giving neither party exactly what they want.
The Gordon Law Firm, P.C. | Ph: (210) 531-9700 | Fx: (210) 732-0158 | Email: Lawgordon@aol.com
If children are involved, this becomes much more difficult. It may be hard letting the other spouse get primary custody because it
may seem like an admission that the other spouse is a better parent. And of course if the other side gets custody, you may end up
paying child support, money which you often don't have. However,there are cases where both parties are good parents, but one
just has a little more experience taking care of the kids, and more free time to devote to them. This is key factor to consider. If
at all possible, try to settle this part and shield your children from the battles with your spouse. The children are the ones who
suffer most in the end.
Keep in mind also that in Texas, the general rule is that both parties get "joint custody." This means that although the child lives with one parent, the other typically gets visitation on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. They also get to take the kids for special holidays, birthdays, and for a full month over the summer. This ensures that neither parent is completely cut off from the kids. Also keep in mind that custody arrangements can be modified over time if there is a significant change among the parties' situation.
If you want to fight for custody, then you must start preparing in advance. Make a list of answers to some tough questions. Why do you want to be the one with primary custody? What specifically makes you be the better parent? If the other parent is so bad, why have you stayed together with them and allowed them around your kids for so long? How involved have you really been in your child's life? What witnesses can back you up on this? Who does your child really want to live with and why?
Get pictures of yourself and your child together. Figure out where you would live and get pictures of that place. Get pictures of the neighborhood, or even videotape if you can. Figure out what you are going to do about schooling and child care if necessary. Document specifically when and where you have helped take care of your children in the past, and how you propose to do so in the future. Line up witnesses who can testify as to your involvement with the children's lives in the past.
Important: Click here to read a Disclaimer in regards to the following information.
Attorney Stephen H. Gordon - Voted Texas “Super Lawyer” in 2007 by “Scene in SA” Magazine.
HONEST. HARD-WORKING. HERE TO HELP.
Stephen H. Gordon - Attorney at Law
5820 IH-10 West, Suite 400 - San Antonio, Texas 78201
Ph: (210) 531-9700
| Fx: (210) 732-0158 | Email: Lawgordon@aol.com