Every family experiences hardships that can create a lot of stress, financial worry, and even heartache. If you are trying to find the best course of action for you and your loved ones, trust the skilled and compassionate Houston family lawyer at Petrelli Previtera, LLC.
We believe we fulfill the new needs and demands of divorce and family law in our ever-changing society. Our team has developed strategies to help every client, no matter what challenges, concerns, or objectives you have. We know that every case is unique as the people involved, with your various backgrounds, family dynamics, and histories. Our role is to reduce the uncertainty, provide clear guidance, help you make important decisions, and advocate for your best income.
Family Law Services We Provide
We offer a wide range of services to accomplish your goals at our Houston office. These include:
Divorce
The divorce law in Texas is more complicated than many think, especially when disputes over finances, custody, and property are involved. The first step is to determine whether the divorce is classified as “fault” or “no fault”. An experienced lawyer, like the individuals at Petrelli Previtera, will be able to help determine the type of divorce, and then walk you through the rest of the process.
Child Custody
Whether you dissolve a marriage or end a relationship, the topic of where your child will live and thrive is vital. You want the best for your child, and that means splitting time and taking your ex-spouse to family court. You want the best situation for your child, which is our Houston family lawyer’s goal.
Property Division
One vital element of a Houston divorce is property division. As a married couple, you have likely bought vehicles and homes and even started a business together. When the marriage ends, you must now separate all of those assets. Who gets the house is the most crucial topic. Without a prenuptial agreement, we must follow Texas law and review your circumstances to determine who gets what.
Child Support
Every child is entitled to financial support from both of their parents. Our firm represents parents on either side of a child support dispute. Whether you require child support or need to make child support payments, we promise to make sure that your final order aligns with the best interests of your child.
Spousal Support
A divorce can impact both partners emotionally and financially. Our experienced Houston family lawyer attorney will not back down—whether you’re seeking spousal support or being asked to pay—in making sure that you are treated fairly throughout the process.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
We work with couples to put legal agreements in place either before they get married or during their marriage, which can protect assets and help minimize disputes in the event of a divorce.
Adoption
Our family lawyer in Houston provides advice and legal help on all types of adoption proceedings, including private adoptions, agency adoptions, stepparent adoptions, and adoptions by relatives.
Domestic violence
When your spouse engaged in violence against you or the children, the divorce hearings must consider this type of abuse. On the flip side, we will vehemently defend the rights of our client who was the target of false allegations of abuse. We will work tirelessly to achieve a solution that protects you and your children.
Other aspects of family law that we offer advocacy on include (but are not limited to):
- Grandparents’ rights
- Legal guardianship
- Modification
- Shared property rights
Why Having an Attorney Helps
Many family law issues can technically be settled in Family Court, and it may be tempting to try to resolve these issues yourself. However, Texas family courts are often overwhelmed with the number of cases filed and, in many situations, even the seemingly straightforward issues such as a private adoption can come with legal concerns and questions you simply cannot answer on your own.
An experienced Houston family lawyer can protect you and your family, ensuring that everyone in your household, including children, are protected to the full extent of the law.
Important Issues in Houston Family Law Cases
Navigating through the family law process in Houston can be complex and confusing. Below are frequently asked questions:
Do I Have to Go to Court for My Divorce?
If your divorce is uncontested, you may not have to go to court. The court will likely sign off on your divorce if terms are reasonable (although you may still have to appear for an informal or formal hearing). However, for a contested divorce, you will probably will have to appear in court to receive the judge’s ruling on your divorce. For either type, uncontested or contested, an experienced lawyer can guide you through stressful proceedings.
How Long Does a Divorce Take?
In Texas, there is a 60-day waiting period before a divorce can become final (unless an exception is granted due to family violence). Even if both spouses agree on everything, there must be at least 60 days from the date you file with the court until the day the court grants your divorce. If you and your spouse have an agreement in place, the divorce attorneys at Petrelli Previtera can help you finalize your divorce on the six-first day after filing. This is the fastest possible outcome.
How Will Custody Be Decided?
When parents can agree on who their children will live with, how to share in rights and decision making, and a parenting time schedule, the court will often approve this agreement. If parents cannot agree, then the judge will make decisions based on what they believe is in the best interest of the children.
The following factors are frequently considered by courts in determining a child’s best interest: parenting abilities, plans for the child, home stability, your child’s desires, your child’s emotional and physical needs, and whether there is concern of emotional and physical danger to your child.
Can I Move Out Of State With My Child?
You can only move out of state after receiving permission from a court. However, it is not a one-way street. The non-custodial parent’s rights must also be considered when a court determines whether to allow a child custody order to be modified.
Why Choose Us?
Reasons to place your family’s future in the hands of Petrelli Previtera include:
- Countless accolades: We are an award-winning law firm that has appeared in the prestigious Inc. 5000 list multiple times.
- Dedication: If we cannot commit ourselves 100% to your case, we will not take it.
- Optimism: We believe there can be better times ahead of you, no matter the challenges your family law case brings.
- Client education: We understand that this is likely your first experience with family law, while it’s our life’s work every day. We will educate you on every aspect of your case from beginning to end and welcome your questions at any time. We are firm believers that the only “stupid question” is the one that remains unasked.
- You are worth it: You and your children deserve representation from proven attorneys who are focused on you.
If this sounds like the type of representation that is best for you, don’t hesitate to contact our Houston office at your earliest convenience.
Learn How We Can Help You In Your First Meeting
If you need skilled family law representation in Houston, TX, look no further than Petrelli Previtera, LLC. To learn more about your legal options during an initial consultation with our high-caliber attorney, call us at 281-784-3119 or fill out our online contact form.