Published by Ben Beveridge | December 26, 2023 | Firm News

Introduction: Picture this: you’re a devoted father in the heart of Texas, navigating the intricate dance of life. However, this dance takes an unexpected turn, leading you into the complex world of divorce. It’s a daunting prospect, especially for non-custodial fathers seeking equal access to their children. Fear not, for I am Ben Beveridge, the founder of Beveridge Law Firm, and I’ve walked in your shoes. At one point, I was a non-custodial parent who only had weekend visitation with my kids. But I made the decision to go to law school, pass the bar, and fight for equal access to my children. Now, I’m on a mission to help non-custodial fathers like you navigate the legal terrain of divorce and secure the time you deserve with your children.

Understanding Your Situation: If you’re a non-custodial father in Brazoria or Galveston County, you likely have concerns about the financial aspects of divorce, particularly the cost of hiring an attorney. The Law Office of Ben Beveridge, PLLC, specializes in family law cases in these counties, focusing on helping fathers secure equal time with their children. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the strategies for managing attorney’s fees during your Texas divorce, tailored to non-custodial fathers in Brazoria and Galveston County.

Geographic Focus: Brazoria and Galveston County Our primary geographic focus is Brazoria County, which hosts two significant family law courts: the 461st District Court, presided over by Judge Bulanek, and the 300th District Court, where Judge Bradshaw serves as the presiding judge. These courts play a pivotal role in divorce cases in the region, impacting the lives of non-custodial fathers seeking equal access to their children. Additionally, we extend our services to Galveston County, which comprises the 306th District Court and the Galveston County Court at Law 1, 2, and 3. Our expertise encompasses these jurisdictions, ensuring you receive tailored guidance.

Strategies for Non-Custodial Fathers: Equal Access to Your Children As a non-custodial father, securing equal time with your children can be a challenging journey, but it’s a goal worth pursuing. Here are strategies to help you manage attorney’s fees and achieve your desired outcome:

1. Leveraging Texas Community Property Laws: In Texas, as a community property state, spouses jointly own income, retirement accounts, and assets acquired during their marriage. This shared financial responsibility includes attorney’s fees. We’ll explore how this legal framework can be utilized to your advantage.

2. Factors Considered by the Court: The court takes several factors into account when deciding whether to order attorney’s fees. These include income disparities between spouses, cases involving no income due to one parent’s role as a caregiver, advanced property division as an advance on property settlement, and instances of one spouse’s misconduct or delays.

3. Temporary Orders Hearings: Requests for interim attorney’s fees are common at temporary orders hearings. We’ll delve into how these hearings can serve as a crucial opportunity to secure the financial support needed for your legal representation.

4. Disparity of Income: If there is a significant income gap between you and your spouse, the court may step in to ensure you have access to the necessary funds for your attorney’s fees.

5. No Income Situations: Stay-at-home fathers who have no personal income due to their caregiving responsibilities are not left without options. Discover how the legal system can address this unique circumstance.

6. Advanced Property Division: Sometimes, the court may order that your attorney’s fees be paid directly from the community estate as an advance on the property division that typically occurs at the end of the divorce case.

7. Misconduct by the Other Spouse: If your spouse behaves unreasonably, engages in fraud, or prolongs the divorce process, the court may order them to cover your attorney’s fees.

8. Selling Community Assets: In cases where there isn’t sufficient cash to cover attorney’s fees, you can explore the option of filing a motion to sell community assets to fund your legal representation.

Final Thoughts: Equipped to Navigate the Legal Terrain In conclusion, securing payment for attorney’s fees as a non-custodial father in a Texas divorce can be complex but achievable. It’s vital to understand that Texas courts consider multiple factors, including financial resources, case complexity, and misconduct, when deciding whether to order attorney’s fees. To improve your chances, maintaining meticulous financial records and working closely with your attorney to build a compelling case is essential.

At the Beveridge Law Firm, we are passionate about helping non-custodial fathers gain equal access to their children. I’ve walked the same path and understand the importance of this mission. We offer not only legal representation but also a deep commitment to advocating for your rights as a father.

As a non-custodial father in Brazoria or Galveston County, you don’t have to face this journey alone. Seek legal advice early on to alleviate the financial stress associated with divorce. Remember that understanding the process and having a dedicated attorney on your side can make all the difference.

My office is located at 410 South 2nd Street, Alvin Texas, 77511. If you’re ready to take the first step toward securing your rights as a father and managing attorney’s fees effectively, don’t hesitate to contact the Beveridge Law Firm at 281-407-0961 or submit your information at https://beveridgelawfirm.com/wp-contentwww.beveridgelawfirm.com/contact/. Your journey toward equal access to your children begins today.