How to Get a Cheap Divorce in Texas

Published on: 28 December 2018 Last Updated on: 06 May 2021

Did you know that, according to statistics, the average cost of a divorce in the US is almost equal to the average cost of a wedding with all the bells and whistles ($20-25 000)? Sounds impressive, and not much fun, especially taking into consideration the fact that many people on the verge of divorce feel that they have already paid in full. Thus it’s no wonder that some people who don’t need their divorce to be a huge show, are looking for ways to save a little when drafting a divorce, without involving lawyers or mediators. But how to arrange such a cheap divorce? How to save money without missing any significant detail and to settle all the necessary issues in a fair and mutually beneficial way? There are several common conditions and ways of how to get a cheap divorce in Texas – let’s sort it out.

Are you a good candidate for a simplified Texas divorce?

Foremost, we should understand what factors allow to minimize the whole cost of divorce, because, anyway, the main goal is a well-organized divorce without problems and without extra expenses which may arise in the future if you are not sufficiently attentive to the documents, agreement and so on. To understand what is really worth paying, and without what actions and expenses you can easily do, you need to decide on the type of divorce.

When filing for divorce, one of the provided by state law grounds for dissolution must be indicated in the petition. To make divorce easier it’s better to file under the no-fault ground (surely, if the situation is not critical). No-fault divorce in Texas implies that the spouses want to divorce as they have some conflict of interest and just can’t get along anymore. No one is obliged to prove or detail something before the court.

No-fault ground for divorce, in its turn, allows arranging an uncontested divorce, which means that the main terms of the case are decided by the spouses independently, not by the long-term court battles and the court’s decisions.

So, if you feel that you are able to negotiate with your spouse about property division, child custody, and other important issues, you should try an uncontested, or as it’s also known “agreed” divorce. It’s definitely cheaper, even both parties want to hire attorneys, and also, uncontested divorce typically takes less time.

It’s generally considered that not every couple is eligible for an uncontested divorce in Texas. Actually, there are some conditions that are preferred for filing for an uncontested divorce, like:

the spouses have no minor children together;
the spouses don’t have a lot of property together or retirement benefits to dividing;
neither spouse is going to seek alimony;
the wish to get a divorce is mutual.

However, if the spouses have minor children they also have the right to file for an uncontested divorce, though it might be a more time-consuming process. The point is that the parties should decide in advance all the controversial issues, make a written agreement and fill out the relevant forms for an uncontested divorce with children.

Anyway, the essence of an agreed divorce is your mutual ability and desire to settle all the differences in a most amicable way, to communicate honestly and directly, and, whenever possible, to arrange a divorce as a non-stressful and inexpensive process. If you and your ex are ready for this, let’s go further.

DIY divorce – when attention to detail is essential

To arrange a cheap divorce in Texas, you can fill out the forms yourself by checking your state’s court website for divorce papers, or contacting the clerk of the family court of your county. Such a procedure is known as do-it-yourself divorce. And surely, there are some features and pitfalls you should definitely know about the topic before taking this step.
First, you need to clearly know what forms are necessary for your divorce circumstances.

The Texas Judicial Branch website provides a self-help guide with a number of recommended and state-approved links which may be useful for the self-represented litigants. You can find examples of filling out forms, useful videos, etc. Get ready for the fact that having a goal to save money, you probably will not always be able to save time. Without the help of specialists, you will have to dive into the legal nuances of uncontested divorce in Texas if you are interested in the best result.

After filling out the divorce forms and filing the Petition with the District Clerk of the county court according to the instructions you should serve your spouse with the copies. Since your desire to get a cheap divorce in Texas is mutual you may save some cost of service.

There is a divorce form called the Notice of Service of Process which usually accompanies the Petition for dissolution. This form is needed to notify the other party (called the Respondent) about the case and to receive his/her answer to the Petition. Speaking of uncontested divorce, it’s assumed that both spouses know about each other intentions, and all the divorce terms outlined in the initial Petition are agreed by them in advance, meaning that they are going to cooperate working on the settlement. So, the Respondent may refuse from the service in writing, filing the special Waiver of service form (notice that even if the general title is the same there are different forms for divorce with or without children, you just need to choose the right set of forms).

After the Petition is filed and the service is waived, an uncontested divorce is officially started. However, in Texas, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period, before the expiration of which the divorce cannot be granted by the court, even if the case is simple and uncontested. For those who decide to organize a DIY divorce, these days may be spent working out a final agreement regarding property, alimony, custody of children, and other issues that seem to be important in a particular situation. The mutual desire of the spouses to complete the divorce as soon as possible and without disputes is very important, but it still doesn’t guarantee that judicial intervention won’t be required. Anyway, the settlement agreement must be submitted to the court and the judge must confirm that it is fair – namely, that the property is divided in a just way, that the child custody and support arrangement meets the best interest of the kid(s). So, if the spouses do not have claims against each other but their agreement is considered insufficient in the eye of the court (or it doesn’t comply with state laws) the divorce will be probably delayed. Also, the spouses may be ordered to attend divorce mediation sessions to deal with their agreement. Although mediators’ fees are still much cheaper than lawyers’ fees, yet it’s expenses. And if your case is simple enough your chance to get a really cheap divorce depends a lot on your sense of responsibility, and close attention to all the details. You shouldn’t panic or rush, just keep calm and encourage your ex to take the work on an agreement seriously as well. As for uncontested divorce, a successful marital settlement agreement defines a character of a post-divorce life a lot, especially if the couple has kids and some kind of communication between the former spouses is still implied.

Online divorce – the helping hand

So, the cheapest way to get a divorce in Texas is a purely DIY divorce. At its best, the cost of a do-it-yourself divorce may be limited to the filing fee. Nevertheless, DIY divorce doesn’t fit every couple, and all these court sites can be pretty tricky, while nowadays we are totally “spoiled” by developers who pay much attention to the ergonomics of apps and websites, so you know, there may be some difficulties with all that online bureaucracy… Also, different forms can be required within different states as well as fees, which are in addition to fees for document preparation. So, a lot of busy people seek a kind of middle way between, they want an inexpensive divorce to be fast, and so that they could use some help but without hiring an attorney.

Basing on all these conditions, online divorce companies are becoming an even more popular way for couples to terminate their marriage, speaking of uncontested divorce, of course.

Such websites prepare forms for you based on the information you provide. There is no specific package of services; you can choose the most suitable option. Thus some companies are the do-it-yourself type where you fill out the forms yourself, and others prepare your documents, many of the top sites will review the forms. Usually, they have attorneys or divorce paralegals who also can explain and provide detailed information on your divorce process.

What’s really good, is that these divorce documents are customized to your county’s rules, your children, your income, assets, and other factors in your case, and you don’t need to seek all the information and nuances by yourself. You receive the prepared, ready to print, and sign divorce forms after a short online interview, without long completion or delivery periods. If time is money – we should use it well.

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Become A Foster Parent – Make An Impact On The Community

The number of children who are sent to foster care is alarming. It is a sad reality that needs to be handled with sensitivity and caution. After all, these are the future generations of the same community where we live. Fostering networks have been doing a commendable job for generations, helping children find a home amidst many uncertainties. Becoming a foster parent can be your calling too. Reasons why you should foster: One of the main reasons you should foster a child is the social responsibility that comes with it. As part of the community, it is in your power to have a good influence through your actions. If you have space and time to take in another young person into your family, then it must be something that should be considered seriously. Fostering a child also comes with its own rewards. Depending on your geographic location and a few other factors related to the child, you get a certain amount of funding from the state to cover costs and take in extra income. There are also tax breaks available for income earned through fostering so this really helps in your long-term financial planning. The emotional rewards of fostering a child are immeasurable but immense. You will be welcoming a stranger who will slowly gain the confidence and trust to accept you as an extended family. Know the legal rights of the child: When you want to become a foster parent it is important that you know the important legal details of the process and the rights of the child. To foster a child is an important responsibility and the state has certain parameters and provisions that ensure a humane and nurturing environment. The right to be treated with respect, the right to live in a secure and safe place, the right to necessary nutrition and clothing, and the right to adequate healthcare are just some of the many legal rights of a child in foster care. Right to education and contact with social care networks and relatives are also part of this suite of rights framed to protect the children. The impact of a foster parent: If you are ready to learn about fostering, take some time to think about the positive impact you can have on the child. Children who are taken into care have missed out on some of the things we take for granted. Some of these children have been living in abusive households with parents who are suffering from addiction or who are never present. Many have faced physical and emotional abuse. They have not experienced the stability that is required to make a child feel safe and comfortable. By providing that stability, you will be giving the child a precious gateway to a normal life. Children who go into care have many emotional issues, especially related to their confidence. This will be a big problem as they grow older because they will not be equipped with the tools to deal with life’s challenges. As a foster parent, you can intervene and give them the right environment to shed their inhibitions, trust people, and gain confidence in themselves. These children need a pillar in their lives to give them an anchor as they discover new things and experiences. The foster parent’s role is to provide this support and also be a guiding light to help the children find their path. In many cases, the foster parents can also be the bridge of reconciliation with the families of the children. There are times when parents are unable to take care of their children because of illness. In this case, the foster parent can provide a reassuring presence while helping the child stay in touch with his or her blood relations. An uphill battle you can win: Thousands of children grow into adulthood without ever leaving the foster system. They do not have the same relationships and skills because of the constant moving and shuffling. Many never get to complete a college education and thousands fail to find meaningful employment even when they have reached their mid-twenties. These are the challenges that you must foresee when you are a foster parent. And by knowing these things upfront, you can, to the best of your abilities, try to combat the scenarios. By ensuring that the foster children get the basic education and a warm and loving space to live in, you will be giving them a glimmer of hope to grow into responsible and independent adults. Consider becoming a foster parent – make that impact. Read Also: Smartphone Addiction In Our Era How To Train Your Kids For Horseback Riding 7 Steps If An Emergency Happened: Keep Your Kid Aware

Things every Employee ought to know about Medical and Family Leaves

Family and medical leaves are necessarily crucial for every employee who works in an organization. Different countries have different laws that let a worker permit adequate leaves whenever required. An organization has a provision for leaves, and one has the right to apply for the leaves whenever necessary. But the undeniable truth is; some company’s don’t offer paid leaves to their employees while some of them are not eligible for unpaid leaves! One can consider taking legal action against the firm if they are not provided with the benefits of medical and family leaves. Here we’ll be discussing the aspects related to family and medical leaves and the associated laws. Medical Leave Request One can consider a Medical Leave whenever they wish to: The law provides an employee the legal right to apply for medical leaves whenever they are feeling sick, or require treatment for a disease. Sometimes, depending on the type of the disease, one can apply for adequate leaves until the illness is completely cured. However, one needs to fulfill certain criteria to be eligible for the medical leaves. A proper medical certificate from the hospital must be presented to the company to avoid unnecessary deductions from the salary. In some rare cases, you have to manage with unpaid leaves due to different policies of the organization. Women usually face issues with the employer when they require maternity leaves during their pregnancy. Some organizations have strict policies that offer limited leaves and that too under certain circumstances. One can challenge these policies in the court to get the maximum benefit of maternity leaves. You May Not Be Entitled to Family Leaves without a Medical Proof: Before you just apply for the sick leaves or family leaves, you must always keep in mind that your organization may demand medical proof from a reputed doctor. Sometimes you may require to leave to attend your family member who is suffering from a serious illness. This is a condition, which may not entitle you to a paid medical leave, but you can still expect casual leaves from your organization. It is advised that one should give advanced notice if they require more than two leaves for the treatment of a critical disease. Moreover, a valid health certificate is required for the same. You Need to Serve the Company for at least 12 Weeks for Entitling for Leaves: Another crucial aspect related to the family and medical leaves is the overall period that you have served the company. One can expect leaves from the company when they have at least worked for 12 weeks. Apart from this, in most of the cases, these leaves are unpaid leaves. You can take leaves of a maximum of 12 weeks without getting paid. You may get another Job Profile depending on the Availability of a Vacancy: Once you are ready to join the organization after a long time, your company has the right to appoint you to a different position depending on the availability of a post. The organization can’t deny appointing you again, but the job profile may vary. Be sure you discuss these things with your employer in advance. These are perhaps the aspects related to the medical and family leaves that every employer should know. Read More : 1. The Disturbing Trend Of Multiple Chronic Medical Conditions 2. Ten Interview Tips That Might Surprise You: The Medical Edition

Can Families Be Happier and Healthier And Still Saving Money?

According to the EPI (Economic Policy Institute), while we can budget for our future, the average cost to raise a child in California is $233,610. There are different ways of saving money. The cost of living seems to be ever-rising along with the price of gas and other necessities, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t still have fun as a family. Simple budget benders can include things like shopping around for the best bargains online, signing up for cashback websites and finding other savings on the internet. Perhaps saving money can become a family affair and kids can join with parent’s efforts on saving a few bucks. For example, since many children nowadays are more tech-savvy, the next time they’re in the market for a new electronic gadget, perhaps a laptop for school or a new smartphone, task them with finding the best deal online. 1.HOME ON THE RANGE: Instead of ordering pizza from the expensive Italian joint down the street, why not make one at home and the whole family can join in. Most national grocery chains now carry inexpensive, pre-made pizza dough and together with fresh vegetables and cheeses, whipping up a pie in our own kitchen is often cheaper than takeout or delivery. Plus the kids get the pride of creating and cooking their own pizza masterpiece. Saving The Money is an art and you cannot make things happen in one day. 2.FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: With things like Netflix, newer (or even older) movies can be had at a fraction of the cost of going to the theater. Make it fun for the kids and swap times when it’s the child’s choice to pick the movie or have a theme like Disney classics. Make healthy snacks at home and ditch the expensive, overly buttered popcorn and sugary sweet treats found at the cinema. Opt instead for air-popped corn and healthier granola, nuts and other lower fat finger foods. 3.ROAD TRIP CLOSER TO HOME: Instead of traveling to an expensive theme park on the other side of the state or country, try checking out locations closer to home. Utilize a Google search for your city (or neighboring town) and input “top-ten destinations” and travel sites like Tripadvisor will return favorable results. Find parks, museums, historical sights and read their reviews to find locations that have picnic areas and other places where you can dine outdoors with your family. Again, bring your own menu of healthier menu choices, fresh fruits, and vegetables and skip the fast food fares. 4.TRY NEW THINGS: Encourage your children to try new foods and activities that will make them happier and healthier. Instead of hanging around the house and playing video games, perhaps it would be more fun to go for a bike ride or hike along a nature trail. If the weather isn’t permissive, instead of watching cartoons, try the Animal Planet or tune into the History Channel. Instead of processed chicken fingers and ranch dressing, a staple for many kids nowadays, why not try a much healthier salmon steak with a creamy dill sauce. Rather than opening another box of macaroni and cheese, how about tossing a children’s chef salad where the kids can pick different ingredients like sunflower seeds, healthy lean meats, and fresh vegetables. Often we can get into a rut and simply fall victim to unhealthy foods and activities that we’ve been accustomed to and forget about being more active and eating better. If the family that plays together, stays together, perhaps those who try new things can find activities that can better connect them and help them to bond in new ways. Final Take Away Hence, these are some of the facts that you need to take care of while you want to save money in all aspects. You have to understand the facts before drawing any kind of conclusion. You must not make your choices in grey while you want to increase your savings in the right direction. Work out the plans that can help you to achieve your goals in the best possible manner. Read Also : 5 Tips For College Students On How To Begin Investing Using Their Saved Pocket Money 5 Ways To Save Money On Your Wedding Invites

How to Get a Cheap Divorce in Texas

Are you a good candidate for a simplified Texas divorce?

DIY divorce – when attention to detail is essential

Online divorce – the helping hand

Become A Foster Parent – Make An Impact On The Community

7 Of The Most Funny, Geeky & Cool Star Wars Gifts For Him

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Become A Foster Parent – Make An Impact On The Community

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How to Get a Cheap Divorce in Texas

Are you a good candidate for a simplified Texas divorce?

DIY divorce – when attention to detail is essential

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Become A Foster Parent – Make An Impact On The Community

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Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Popular

Follow Us

Recent

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