Grand Prairie Divorce Lawyer

Divorce Attorney In Grand Prairie

Going through a divorce can be a highly emotional and stressful time in your life, especially when there are disagreements over property or any children involved. There are a lot of difficult decisions to make as you go through this overwhelming time. A Grand Prairie divorce lawyer can offer calm guidance throughout the process to help you move on with life.

With over 26 years of experience in representing clients throughout the greater Dallas area, our team at the Law Office of Michael P. Granata can create detailed solutions to your outstanding divorce issues.

We understand that every divorce case is unique, so we offer personalized support. We have assisted many clients with both asset division and child custody disputes in contested cases. Explore your legal options with certainty.

The Divorce Process in Grand Prairie

If you are considering a divorce, it is important to understand the process in Grand Prairie, Texas. Texas law states that the person wishing to file for divorce must be a resident of Texas for six months and a resident of the county in which they wish to file for at least 90 days.

If the case involves court proceedings, Texas requires that all property, spousal support, and child-related issues be addressed and resolved. Mediation from our team can ease this process.

When emotions are high, it is difficult to agree with the other party about certain issues, like the splitting of a joint-owned business. Our experienced team has achieved successful business valuations and property divisions, and we can do the same for you.

Even if everyone is getting along in the moment, you cannot predict how your spouse will feel in the future, or the case may get heated as you discuss more sensitive subjects. When you hire a divorce lawyer from our firm, we can provide clear guidance on your individual rights while focusing on your future goals.

High-Asset Divorce in Grand Prairie

A high-asset divorce can be more complex, as it can involve:

• Larger financial accounts
• Complex investments
• Retirement funds
• Hidden assets
• Real estate properties
• Business enterprises

In Texas, any asset that was acquired over the course of the marriage requires equal division. If left up to the court, this will most likely result in a 50/50 split, which is not ideal for most couples. We can help you strategize outside the courtroom, working to craft a fair distribution of assets that can benefit your interests.

As a boutique law firm, we can prioritize your case and maintain your privacy throughout. Our entire team can assist with business valuations, investigations into hidden or international assets, and requests for ongoing spousal support.

Child Custody – Protecting What Matters the Most

Issues involving your children are the most important and sometimes the most complex in a divorce. As your lawyer, our goal is to see that your child has what they need and that your rights are protected.

Texas divorce laws operate on the belief that children benefit most when both of their parents are involved in their lives, but they still allow for multiple custody arrangements, such as:

• Joint custody or joint conservatorship. Both parents share in the rights and responsibilities of caring for a child.
• Sole custody or sole conservatorship. Only one parent has the authority to make decisions for a child.
• Possessory conservatorship. The non-custodial parent has rights to visitation and access to their child’s life.

Decisions involving child custody are made with the best interests of the child in mind, and the court will assess:

• Each parent’s ability to care for the child
• The child’s physical and emotional needs
• The stability of each home
• Both parents’ past history
• The preference of the child if they are over the age of 12

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, mothers maintain 80% of single-parent households. It is important to understand your paternal rights if you are a father seeking custody. Our firm can help with establishing paternity and proving a history of involvement.

Our team excels at offering custody arrangements that are tailored to fit your family, work schedules, and extracurricular activities.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Finalize a Divorce in Texas?

The length of a divorce can range from a couple of months to years, depending on the complexity of the case. Texas has a mandatory 60-day “cooling off” period that starts the day the divorce petition is filed. The divorce cannot be finalized during this period, even if both parties agree. Uncontested cases can take as little as three months, but contested cases with complex assets or child custody/support issues may last far longer.

What Should I Not Do During a Divorce in Texas?

In a Texas divorce, it is wise to avoid actions that may destroy your reputation, damage your finances, or harm your children. It is important not to:

• Hide assets.
• Violate any court orders.
• Post slander against your spouse on social media.
• Accumulate new debt.
• Use your children as pawns.

Any of these actions can cause problems during court proceedings and keep you from attaining your goals. Our Grand Prairie divorce attorney can show you what to avoid in your case.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Texas?

Divorce lawyers in Texas can vary greatly in price. Their fees are based on:

• The complexity of the case
• The experience of the attorney
• The location of their practice
• Whether the case leads to litigation

Most attorneys charge an hourly rate, which can be discussed in your initial consultation. Mediation can reduce costs by finding solutions prior to court proceedings, thereby avoiding lengthy legal battles.

Where Do I File for Divorce in Grand Prairie?

Grand Prairie is unique in that it spans across four counties in Texas, with most of the city residing in either Dallas County or Tarrant County. Dallas County residents file their divorce at the George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building on Commerce St. in Dallas. Tarrant County residents file at the Tarrant County District Clerk on Calhoun St. in Fort Worth.

Hire a Divorce Lawyer

If you are considering a divorce or have been served divorce papers, do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Michael P. Granata. We have many 5-star reviews on Google; the most recent review raves, “Michael P. Granata did a great job…he clearly knows the law and was able to explain our options in a straightforward, practical way.”

Speak to an experienced lawyer who can offer you real solutions today.

*Client testimonials reflect the specific experiences of the client; they do not guarantee similar results.