Mediation is a court-ordered process and alternative to traditional divorce litigation. Parties can choose to request mediation and present their agreement in writing, but it is up to the judge's discretion if mediation is granted in place of a traditional trial. A lawyer who is well-educated and experienced in mediation can provide insight into if mediation is the right choice for your divorce.

What is Mediation?

Two parties come together to resolve conflicts within their divorce, while a third-party mediator helps steer the situation toward a more amicable outcome. Mediation is most often used to resolve the three significant points of contention in a divorce: property division, child custody, and alimony. Mediation is a highly effective alternative negotiation method with a high success rate.

When Can Mediation Take Place?

Mediation is available either before or after the divorce petition has been filed. If both parties choose mediation once the divorce case has begun and have agreed in writing to attend, they or their lawyers must inform the judge of the decision.

Your credit score may be one of the last things you think about when going through a divorce. There are so many important things to think about, such as property division, conservatorship, support, and just the headache that divorce can naturally bring with it. Divorce may not damage your credit directly, but related financial problems could. When considering divorce, consult an attorney who can help you cover all your bases and keep you on track to avoid future complications.

What Are Some Indirect Impacts of Divorce On My Credit Score?

Marital status does not factor into your credit score. However, certain duties performed or bills paid can be a cause for concern once a divorce is finalized. Missing payments is the primary reason for a dip in a credit score. It is easy to forget how much the other spouse has been paying in financial expenses until it hits you in the face.

Joint accounts and debts can cause innumerable problems down the road. Things such as car payments, credit card bills, mortgage payments, and other expenses you and your ex-spouse both took care of can now become overwhelming expenses for you. In contrast, your ex-spouse closing out joint credit card accounts will impact you negatively on other expenses you were hoping to use those accounts for.

Divorce is a legal process that ends a marriage and divides property, debts, and parental responsibilities. It can be a difficult and emotional time for everyone involved.

In some cases, couples can agree on the terms of their divorce without going to court. This is called an uncontested divorce. However, if couples cannot agree on the terms of their divorce, it becomes a contested divorce. Child custody and visitation is one such disagreement that can lead to a contested divorce.

Contested divorces can be more complex and expensive than uncontested divorces. Each spouse will typically need to hire their own attorney to represent them in court.

Discovering the truth about paternity can be an emotional and challenging journey, whether you're a father seeking to establish legal rights or a mother in need of child support. At The Cusic Law Firm, P.C., located in Houston, Texas, we understand the importance of protecting your child's well-being through the legal process of establishing paternity.

Understanding Paternity in Houston, Texas

Paternity refers to the legal recognition of a man as the father of a child. Establishing paternity has numerous implications, including parental rights, custody, visitation, and child support. In Houston, the legal process of establishing paternity can bring clarity and security to both fathers and mothers.

The Importance of Establishing Paternity

• Father's rights and responsibilities: Establishing paternity ensures that fathers have the legal rights to participate in their child's life, make important decisions regarding their upbringing, and build a loving and supportive relationship. It also enables fathers to seek custody or visitation rights if desired.
• Child's emotional and financial well-being: Determining paternity provides a foundation for the child's emotional and financial stability. It allows the child to develop a sense of identity, access medical history, inherit assets, and receive necessary financial support through child support payments.

Child Support: Ensuring Your Child's Financial Future

Child support is a crucial aspect of paternity cases, as it guarantees the financial well-being of the child. In Houston, Texas, child support is determined based on the Texas Family Code guidelines, considering factors such as the non-custodial parent's income, the number of children, and any special needs or expenses. The court may order child support payments to provide for the child's basic needs, healthcare, education, and extracurricular activities.