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Things to Look Out for Before Signing Your Divorce Decree


In your divorce proceedings, one of the final steps would be having your divorce decree signed. This decree basically covers all aspects of your divorce, including but not limited to finances, properties, custody, and debts. Signing this finalizes everything discussed during your divorce proceedings. That’s why it’s important that you take a good look at it before you sign. Make sure that everything is the way you intended it. Before signing, be sure to remember a few things.

Read, Reread, Reread Again

The divorce decree is final once it is signed. As much as this seems like common sense, many people still don’t read it. They just scan it or just sign it without understanding everything. Make sure that your decree is written properly. Understand everything it says. Read it through multiple times to make sure that it’s clear to you. Remember that this document is enforceable.

Finances and Property

The decree includes how much or what you get from the divorce. Make sure that you’re getting a fair amount from it. In line with reviewing your entire decree, taking a look at all the properties and their values before you get your decree signed would at least help ensure that you’re not being short-changed. This also goes for any shared property. Being prudent about finances and how they are divided amongst you will save a lot of trouble. There won’t be any “buyer’s remorse” this way. After all, you’re going back on your own, so it’s only fair that you get enough to be able to support yourself.

Child Custody

If you have children, ironing out all the details regarding the custody of your children is also a must. Any parent would love to see their children as much as they can and make the most out of their time with them. That is why it would be good to make sure that you work out any custody or visitation-related concerns and fit them around your own schedule. Even with the divorce, you can at least do whatever you can to be a parent to your children when it’s their turn to spend time with you.

Divorce decrees are final and binding. When it comes down to it, the most important thing you really need to look out for is what’s written in your decree. That’s why you need to make sure you review your decree and what’s written on it as well as all the important details that will affect your life after the divorce.

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Mr. Hutton is a Divorce and Custody Lawyer based out of Round Rock, TX. His background is with child psychology at Arizona State University where he received a B.S. in 2006, and he continued this by working with the Children’s Right’s Clinic at the University of Texas School of Law where he received his J.D. in 2009. Throughout his practice, he has been a strong proponent of utilizing modern technology to improve his practice and the representation of his clients. He currently is the technology chair of CAFA of Travis County and is committed to improving and modernizing the practice of law in Texas. If you have any questions you can contact him at timothy.hutton@austintexaslegal.com

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