Katy TX Divorce Attorney

Renken Law Firm have the compassion and trial lawyer skills to tell your story to a jury.

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The Renken Law Firm understands that divorce is a serious decision. When you meet our Katy TX divorce attorney to discuss your options, we will help you explore every option. The Renken Law Firm is not going to push you into a divorce if you are not certain it is right for you. Our unmatched experience can work for you and your family regardless of your specific situation. We handle a broad range of family law issues, from same sex divorces and child custody cases to child support disputes and alternative dispute resolutions. The challenging times you are going through have been trying enough. Hire a Katy TX divorce attorney who can make life easier for you and has your best interests in mind.

Katy TX Family Law Attorney

If you’re facing a family law matter, you’re definitely worried about your family’s future and well-being. Situations such as going through a divorce, for example, can change the existing dynamics in your family, which leads to increased emotional stress. Moreover, you might have uncertainty about what litigation will have your child custody and property rights. Katy TX family law attorney at The Renken Law Firm know the impact family law matters can have on a person’s life. Our skilled team is determined to help make the legal process as understandable as possible. 

Katy TX Child Support Attorney

Our Katy TX child support attorney can help you complete and file all the necessary paperwork to start or modify child support. We guide clients in determining the best situation on child support for them. We review every case with a responsive attention to detail. Because The Renken Law Firm is smaller firm, we’re able to provide each client with personalized attention. You can expect receptive, compassionate advocacy inside and outside the courtroom, and affordable legal services. 

About Katy TX

Regionally, parts of the county are within the extreme southernmost fringe of the regions locally known as Southeast Texas. Brazoria County is among a number of counties that are part of the region known as the Texas Coastal Bend. Its county seat is Angleton, and its largest city is Pearland. Brazoria County, like nearby Brazos County, takes its name from….

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Family Divorce Lawyer in Katy TX

Family Divorce Lawyer in Katy TX

March 4, 2022

Katy is a city just west of Houston, in Texas. The Katy Heritage Society Railroad Museum has train-related exhibits in a restored depot, with an old caboose railroad car outside. The Katy Heritage Museum features vintage farming equipment and antiques. Leafy Mary Jo Peckham Park is dominated by a fish-filled lake. Katy Park holds baseball fields and spacious picnic areas. Renken Law Firm proudly serves the community of Katy and surrounding areas. Our family divorce attorneys are here to help you tackle the difficult issues that come with ending a marriage. We have years of experience providing legal advice to divorcing couples to help them with a wide range of family legal matters. Here are five reasons to consider hiring a divorce lawyer rather than representing yourself in court. You are unfamiliar with matrimonial law and/or family court In court, self-represented litigants are not given any special treatment; judges hold them to the same standards as the lawyer for the other side. Most judges are fairly patient people, but if you don’t know the law – or what documents you need, or even what to do next – you may be pushing the judge’s patience past the breaking point. The more annoyed a judge is, the less sympathetic he/she is likely to be. Family lawyers are experts in knowing what to say to make their case seem more reasonable than yours. Lawyers who focus on areas outside family law hire a family lawyer when they’re getting a divorce; they recognize that they’ll be out of their depth when faced with a lawyer who practices family law exclusively. So it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll be able to adequately prepare to face the court process – and your spouse’s lawyer – by yourself. To make matters worse, you can jeopardize your entire …

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Best Family Lawyer in Katy TX

Best Family Lawyer in Katy TX

October 9, 2021

Are you looking for an attorney for a family law matter? Our attorney have years of experience handling a wide range of issues. Whether you are seeking legal advice or representation for an individual case or situation, our team can help you. Learn more about how family lawyers can help you below. What Does A Family Lawyer Do? Some of the most emotional and complex matters that you can face involve your family relationships. These can evolve over time as spouses find that they have grown apart, or the needs of children change. Often, spouses or parents can reach an agreement on these issues outside court, or perhaps through a non-adversarial process such as mediation. If they cannot find common ground, however, the courts may need to get involved. Whether you are seeking to assert your rights or explore your options, it is important to understand the laws that govern these situations. Divorce: To file for a divorce, a spouse usually needs to meet the residency requirements in the state and county where they live. They also need to establish the grounds for the divorce. Many states offer a no-fault divorce, which means that the grounds can be as simple as irreconcilable differences. This means that the marriage has broken down and cannot be repaired. If you live in a state that does not permit a no-fault divorce, you will need to prove the fault of your spouse for the divorce. Some common fault grounds for divorce include adultery, desertion, and cruelty. Even if you choose a no-fault divorce, some states will allow a family court judge to consider the fault of a spouse in matters related to the divorce, such as property division. A divorce can be contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce occurs when the spouses agree on …

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Uncontested Divorce Katy TX

Uncontested Divorce Katy TX

September 24, 2021

What is an uncontested divorce? An uncontested divorce means that both spouses agree on all of their divorce-related issues. Each state has specific legal requirements that spouses must meet before they can proceed with an uncontested divorce. You may want to consult with a local attorney or check your local courthouse website for specific requirements. Even though you have to meet certain requirements, an uncontested divorce is often much easier than a contested divorce because spouses can end their marriage without constant negotiations, legal posturing, and court hearings. Thus, an uncontested divorce usually involves less stress and fewer legal fees. The uncontested divorce process also tends to preserve a relationship between the spouses, which is especially important if they have children. However, divorcing spouses must be able to work together toward mutually agreeable resolutions in order to resolve all of their divorce issues. Although working with your soon-to-be-ex to settle important financial and child-related issues may seem difficult, it’s one way to end your marriage without a full-blown court battle. Is mediation used in uncontested divorces? If you and your divorcing spouse have chosen to file an uncontested divorce, it may be in your best interest to go through mediation. Mediation allows both parties to work through all aspects of their divorce together, around a neutral third party that acts as a mediator. Your mediator will understand the divorce process and will be able to clearly provide you with the information you need to settle all important matters. It is better to address everything up front when getting a divorce, then having to backtrack once it is finalized to work out details you may have overlooked. Once you have resolved all of your issues, your mediator will draft a divorce agreement for both parties to sign. The mediation process is …

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Best Divorce Lawyer in Katy

Best Divorce Lawyer in Katy

June 23, 2021

Are you one of the thousands of Texans interested in pursuing a divorce with your spouse? Are you looking to work with a divorce attorney that has years of experience helping with complex divorce issues like legal separation, property division, spousal support, and child custody? If so, Renken Law Firm can help you. Our team respects the attorney client relationship- we do everything in our power to advocate for your needs and protect you throughout your divorce process. We understand how emotionally and financially taxing divorces can be, this is why we work closely with our clients to help them navigate this difficult time. We work hard to help you find solutions for your individual case or situation that keep your divorce civil and fair. Our Katy divorce attorneys want to help make the process go as smoothly as possible for you while also ensuring your needs are being met in the divorce. Make sure you are not settling in your divorce settlement, when you work with our experienced family law attorneys in Katy, TX. Does Texas Recognize Legal Separation? You cannot get a legal separation instead of a divorce in Texas. Texas law does not recognize legal separations. However, there are options that provide similar outcomes to what you might think of as a “legal separation.” In Texas you can use temporary orders, protective orders, suits affecting the parent-child relationship, or separation agreements to obtain many of the same goals as someone might want in a so-called legal separation. All of these options are similar to a legal separation because they are ways to provide visitation, financial support, and property orders without getting a divorce, or before the divorce is finalized. What Do Temporary Orders Do? Temporary orders can cover many things—including who gets possession of the children, who …

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Top Divorce Attorney in Katy TX

Top Divorce Attorney in Katy TX

February 19, 2021

Divorce can be an emotionally difficult process that can often be made worse for families when they drag out the case in court. At Renken Law Firm, our Katy, TX  divorce mediation experts can help to ease some of the stress that comes with traditional divorce cases by helping couples find alternatives that are easier on them and their families. Our goal is to help divorcing couples work together to find solutions that are mutually beneficial for both parties in order to reach an amicable divorce agreement. By making the choice of divorce mediation you will be able to negotiate directly with your spouse about how to divide property, finances, responsibilities, and more. This can help accelerate your divorce process by cutting out the back and forth litigation that can sometimes last months in courtroom divorces. Additionally, this gives the divorcing couple more control over their divorce. With mediation, a divorce is not finalized until both parties sign off on it.  Why Choose Divorce Mediation in Katy, TX Divorce Cases?  -Most often, divorce mediation is considered a more affordable option for divorcing couples because they are able to work with one mediator instead of two attorneys. -Mediation has a high success rate among couples that are able to work together to reach an agreement that fits the needs of both parties. -Mediation is a private process that allows couples to work together with a mediator to decide the terms of their divorce. In courtroom divorces, everything that is said or entered as evidence will become public record.  Is Divorce Mediation Right For Me? You may be unsure if divorce mediation is right for your divorce case. If you believe you and your spouse are able to sit down and calmly talk through your shared property and responsibilities, divorce mediation is …

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Top Divorce Attorney in Katy TX

Top Divorce Attorney in Katy TX

February 7, 2020

Katy, TX is a heavily populated community located on the west side of Houston. This suburban city has attracted many families with their safe community and superior school system. As this area has increased in popularity, so has its need for reliable and affordable family law attorneys. At Renken Law Firm, we are here to assist in providing legal advice, support, and representation. Our team of legal professionals understand how delicate the situation can be when legal needs arise within a family. Not only can it be a source of stress but also emotionally difficult trying to navigate this type of case. Our team is here to help you to not react emotionally and to instead come up with logical solutions for your family’s legal issues that work for your long term needs. At Renken Law Firm we offer a wide range of family legal services that include but are not limited to divorce, custody agreements, spousal support, alimony, property division, and many more. If you are in Katy, TX and looking for the top divorce and family attorney, contact Renken Lawfirm today. We will do everything in our power to help your family reach an amicable agreement that works for your specific needs in any family law case. Our team works closely with clients in order to help them reach thoughtful divorce agreements that help them maintain their lifestyle and protect themselves. We understand how hard divorces can be on families and want your agreement to provide long term solutions in order to avoid further litigation in the future. If you have a previous divorce agreement that no longer fits your needs or is not being followed by your ex-spouse, our team can help to revise these agreements to reflect your needs. Even in the most amicable of divorces, …

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Divorce can be an emotionally and financially taxing process, but mediation can offer a more amicable and cost-effective alternative to courtroom battles. In this blog post, we’ll explore the critical do’s and don’ts of divorce mediation. We’ll also introduce you to experienced divorce mediator and attorney, Dawn Renken, of The Renken Law Firm in Houston, who can help couples navigate this process and make thorough and informed choices when drafting a divorce agreement. Divorce is never easy, but divorce mediation can make the process smoother and more manageable. Unlike traditional divorce proceedings, which often involve lengthy courtroom battles, mediation allows couples to work together with a neutral third party to resolve their differences and create a mutually acceptable divorce agreement. When done right, mediation can save time, money, and emotional distress. However, divorce mediation isn’t a walk in the park. It requires open communication, patience, and a willingness to compromise. To help you navigate this process successfully, here are 10 things you should never say or do during divorce mediation: 1. Refusing to Communicate Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful mediation. Refusing to talk or listen can hinder progress and lead to a more protracted and contentious divorce. It’s essential to be open and honest about your concerns, needs, and preferences during mediation. Dawn Renken, an experienced divorce mediator, is skilled in facilitating constructive communication between divorcing couples. She can help create an environment where both parties feel heard and understood. 2. Letting Emotions Take Over Divorce is an emotionally charged process, but it’s crucial not to let your emotions dictate your actions during mediation. Outbursts of anger or resentment can escalate conflicts and hinder resolution. Instead, try to remain calm and composed. Dawn Renken specializes in guiding clients through the emotional challenges of divorce, helping them focus on their long-term interests rather than short-term emotions. 3. Failing to Prepare Preparation is key to a successful mediation. Failing to gather and organize your financial documents, legal papers, and other relevant information can lead to delays and misunderstandings. Dawn Renken can help you prepare for mediation by ensuring you have all the necessary documentation and information at your fingertips. 4. Being Inflexible Mediation involves compromise, and being too inflexible can hinder progress. While it’s crucial to protect your interests, it’s also essential to understand that some give and take will be necessary to reach an agreement. Dawn Renken has extensive experience in helping clients find middle ground and make compromises that are fair and reasonable. 5. Bringing Up the Past Dragging up past mistakes, hurts, or grievances during mediation is counterproductive. It can create tension and prevent a positive resolution. Dawn Renken can help keep the focus on the present and the future, guiding couples toward constructive discussions that lead to productive solutions. 6. Playing the Blame Game Blaming your spouse for the divorce or trying to make them feel guilty won’t help during mediation. In fact, it’s more likely to create animosity and impede the process. Dawn Renken can act as a neutral mediator, keeping discussions on track and preventing blame from becoming a roadblock to resolution. 7. Disregarding Your Children’s Well-Being If you have children, their well-being should be a top priority during divorce mediation. Failing to consider their needs, feelings, and interests can lead to contentious custody battles and long-term emotional repercussions. Dawn Renken is well-versed in helping divorcing parents create a custody and visitation plan that prioritizes their children’s needs. 8. Making Unrealistic Demands Mediation is about finding realistic and mutually beneficial solutions. Making extravagant or unrealistic demands can lead to an impasse. Dawn Renken can provide insight into what is legally and practically achievable, ensuring that both parties understand the boundaries and possibilities of their divorce agreement. 9. Hiding Assets Concealing assets during mediation is not only unethical but also illegal. It can result in severe legal consequences and damage your credibility in the eyes of the mediator and the court. Dawn Renken can help ensure full financial transparency during mediation, preventing disputes over hidden assets.

The Renken Law Firm has worked hard to earn a reputation for efficiently practicing diligent and focused legal services. During the course of our representation, you can expect expert legal advice in the areas of divorce, separation planning, custody disputes, child support cases, grandparents rights, prenuptial agreements, attorney general cases and enforcement actions. Prenuptial agreements, commonly referred to as prenups, are contractual agreements made between two individuals prior to their marriage. They establish the framework for how assets, debts, and other financial matters will be handled should the marriage end in divorce or due to the death of one spouse. Prenuptial agreements provide a level of financial security and peace of mind to both parties by outlining their rights and responsibilities. When considering a prenup, it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable Prenup Attorney in Houston, like the experts at The Renken Law Firm, to ensure that your agreement is comprehensive and tailored to your unique needs. The Importance of a Prenuptial Agreement Prenuptial agreements are not only for the wealthy or those anticipating divorce. They can be invaluable tools for protecting individual assets, managing financial expectations, and ensuring a fair resolution should the marriage end. Here’s a breakdown of what is typically included in a prenuptial agreement: 1. Property Division One of the primary purposes of a prenup is to specify how assets and debts will be divided in the event of a divorce. This includes real estate, personal property, bank accounts, and investments. The agreement can outline whether certain assets will remain separate property, and which will be considered marital property, subject to division. By clearly defining these terms, you can protect your financial interests and avoid potential disputes in the future. 2. Spousal Support Spousal support, also known as alimony, can be a contentious issue during divorce proceedings. A prenuptial agreement can specify the amount, duration, and conditions under which spousal support will be paid. This allows both parties to have a clear understanding of their financial responsibilities, reducing the risk of prolonged legal battles. 3. Division of Debts Debts incurred during a marriage can be a significant source of concern if the relationship ends. Your prenup can outline how debts will be divided, whether they are considered marital or separate, and who will be responsible for paying them. 4. Inheritance and Estate Planning A prenuptial agreement can address how inheritance and estate planning matters will be handled. It can specify whether certain assets are to be kept separate and secure the interests of children from previous relationships. 5. Business Interests If you own a business or have a stake in a company, a prenup can help protect your business interests. It can outline how the business will be managed and whether your spouse will have any ownership rights in the event of divorce. 6. Financial Responsibilities Your prenuptial agreement can include provisions detailing each spouse’s financial responsibilities during the marriage. This may cover how household expenses will be shared, savings and investment strategies, and other financial matters that will affect your day-to-day life.

Divorce is an emotionally charged, life-altering event. When a marriage reaches a point where it can no longer be sustained, the process of legally ending it can be intricate and emotionally draining. While Texas law provides for various divorce options, understanding the different types of divorce is crucial for making informed decisions. In this article, we will explore the various divorce options available in Texas, from uncontested to contested, mediation, and more. Additionally, we will highlight the invaluable role of an experienced divorce attorney like Dawn Renken from the Renken Law Firm in Houston, emphasizing how they can help make the process smoother and ensure you don’t overlook important details. 1. Uncontested Divorce An uncontested divorce is often the most straightforward option for couples who have reached an agreement on all significant aspects of their separation, such as child custody, property division, and alimony. This type of divorce is generally less time-consuming and costly than other alternatives, as it minimizes the need for court appearances and lengthy legal battles. An experienced divorce attorney like Dawn Renken can guide you through the process, ensuring all legal requirements are met. Their role is to make sure that the agreement is comprehensive and that no crucial details are overlooked, thus preventing future disputes or complications. 2. Contested Divorce Contrary to uncontested divorce, a contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot come to an agreement on one or more critical issues. These disputes often lead to court proceedings and can be lengthy and emotionally taxing. In a contested divorce, a skilled attorney becomes crucial in protecting your rights, ensuring a fair outcome, and representing your interests in court. Dawn Renken’s experience in contested divorces allows her to navigate the intricacies of Texas divorce law effectively. Her insight into the legal system can prove invaluable in resolving complex disputes and advocating for your rights. 3. Collaborative Divorce Collaborative divorce is an alternative to traditional courtroom battles. In this process, both parties work together with their attorneys to reach a mutually beneficial settlement. This approach can save time and money while preserving relationships and reducing emotional stress, especially when children are involved. An experienced attorney like Dawn Renken can help you through this process by providing legal advice and ensuring that all legal requirements are met. Their guidance can lead to a more amicable resolution, which is especially important when co-parenting in the future. 4. Mediated Divorce Mediation is another non-adversarial option for couples who wish to avoid the courtroom. In a mediated divorce, a neutral third party, often a certified mediator, helps couples negotiate and reach an agreement. This approach encourages open communication and collaboration while addressing concerns and needs of both parties. Having a divorce attorney like Dawn Renken on your side during mediation can be advantageous. Her legal expertise ensures that your rights are protected and that any agreements made align with Texas divorce laws. Additionally, her presence can provide guidance and reassurance during a potentially challenging process. 5. Default Divorce In some cases, one spouse may not participate in the divorce process or may be unreachable. In such instances, Texas law allows for a default divorce. This process typically moves forward with minimal involvement from the absent spouse, making it necessary to ensure all legal steps are correctly followed. An experienced attorney like Dawn Renken can help you navigate a default divorce to ensure that all legal requirements are met, minimizing the risk of complications down the road. Her guidance can expedite the process and provide you with the resolution you seek, even in the absence of cooperation from your spouse. 6. No-Fault Divorce Texas allows for “no-fault” divorces, which means that neither party has to prove wrongdoing or assign blame for the marriage’s dissolution. Instead, one or both parties can simply state that the marriage has become insupportable due to discord or conflict of personalities. While a no-fault divorce may seem straightforward, an experienced attorney can help ensure that this process is executed correctly and that the necessary legal documents are filed. Dawn Renken’s expertise can prevent any issues that might arise from improperly handling the paperwork. 7. Fault Divorce Although Texas recognizes no-fault divorces, some situations may warrant pursuing a fault divorce. Grounds for fault divorce in Texas can include adultery, cruelty, abandonment, or a felony conviction. This type of divorce typically requires the gathering of evidence to support the allegations of fault. Dawn Renken’s experience as a divorce attorney can be invaluable in building a strong case for a fault divorce. Her knowledge of the legal requirements and procedures ensures that your claims are well-substantiated and your interests are protected. 8. Annulment An annulment is different from a divorce, as it legally declares a marriage void or null from the beginning. Grounds for annulment in Texas include bigamy, impotence, fraud, or underage marriage. An annulment can be a complex process, and having an experienced attorney is crucial to present a convincing case before the court. Dawn Renken’s experience and legal acumen can be instrumental in successfully pursuing an annulment in Texas. Her expertise in the intricacies of the legal system can guide you through the process and ensure your interests are protected.

What Is Divorce Mediation? For couples that have come to the decision together to divorce, mediation provides an alternative method than traditional courtroom divorces. Mediation involves a neutral third party: the mediator. The mediator works to help both spouses work through divorce issues and communicate while trying to make decisions that impact their futures. Divorce mediation has become increasingly more popular because it is private, affordable, and allows both parties to have more control over the final outcome of their divorce agreement. Divorce mediation is a great option for divorcing couples where both parties are willing to put their emotions aside and work together to amicably end the marriage. Family law attorney, Dawn Renken is a licensed mediator who can provide helpful legal advice throughout your divorce case. This includes resolving disputes, creating a child custody schedule, settling on child support payments, property divisions, and much more. Why Choose to Mediate Your Divorce? Although judges often order divorcing couples to participate in mediation before going to trial, you have the option of mediating on your own—either before you file for divorce or at any time after. Mediating your divorce has a lot of advantages over litigating it (fighting it out in court). ost. Mediation is much less expensive than a trial. Settling the case. Most mediations end in settlement of all of the issues in the divorce. Confidentiality. Mediation is confidential, with no public record of what goes on in your sessions. Freedom. Mediation allows you to arrive at a resolution based on your own ideas of what is fair in your situation, rather than having a solution imposed upon you based on rigid and impersonal legal principles. Advice still available. You can go to mediation and still choose to have a lawyer give you legal advice. Control. You and your spouse—not the court—control the process. Communication. The mediation process encourages communication between you and your spouse, helping you avoid future conflicts. Successful mediation makes the rest of your divorce easier: Because you’ve done all the hard work of hammering out the details in the mediation, you can file an “uncontested” divorce. Uncontested divorces are usually less expensive and faster than litigated divorces (divorces where the couple battles in court). With an uncontested divorce, you’ll save money on attorneys’ fees and the costs of going to trial. Also, many courts fast-track uncontested cases because everything has been worked out in advance, meaning that a judge will be able to finalize your divorce faster than if you’d gone to trial. There are many reasons that make divorce mediation attractive to couples but it is not for everyone. In order to have a successfully mediated divorce, both parties must be willing to work together and compromise in a civil exchange to come to an agreement. Reaching an amicable divorce can be difficult in relationships where spouses do not share similar goals or ideas about property division, child custody, or other important aspects of their divorce. Additionally, in situations where emotions are high and discussions are strained, mediation may not be the most efficient manner to reach a divorce agreement. There are other options such as collaborative divorce, arbitration, and of course litigation for couples that mediation does not work for. Contact us today to get the answers you are looking for about divorce in Houston, TX and surrounding areas. Experienced Family Law Attorney in Houston, TX Our team proudly serves the Greater Houston area. All marriages are different, making each divorce equally unique with its own set of needs that must be addressed. Our team is dedicated to helping you and your family move forward without legal matters complicating your life. Contact our law office to explore your options for traditional marriage divorce and common law divorce, and find out how we can help you resolve any legal problems you are currently facing.

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