Honest, Ethical, Objective, Experienced, Ready
On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court issued its landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges [576 U.S. _____ (2015). The majority held that all states must allow same-sex couples to marry and that they must recognize valid same-sex marriages from other states.
Prior to this ruling, on 26 February 2014 San Antonio-based Judge Orlando Garcia struck down the Texas state ban on same sex marriage stating that the "current prohibition has no legitimate governmental purpose." A stay was granted awaiting appeal. That stay will now be lifted in the near future.
This is a joyous day for the LGBT community in Texas and across the nation. All couples can now follow their dream and marry the person they love. But, as we well know, after the honeymoon troubles often start. There is no reason to believe that gay marriages will be any more durable than heterosexual ones.
It has been popular to quote the statistic that 50% of marriages end in divorce. While that figure is no where near certain, it is still true that a large percentage of marriages do fail. So when the flying rice and bird seed become flying plates and pans, a lawyer may be necessary, especially if children and property are involved in the dispute.Often, when a divorce begins, the parties want to “get back” at one another. Emotions take control and sparks fly. But what is crucial is that you have a highly qualified, objective divorce lawyer to assist you in resolving your issues as quickly and effectively as possible. Harle & Scheff are objective, professional attorneys who have a high level of integrity and professional ethics.
In almost 20 years of divorce practice in Bellville, Hempstead, Brenham, La Grange, Columbus, Wharton and Richmond/Rosenberg, we at Harle & Scheff have found that it’s almost never “black and white.” Rather, it’s almost always shades of gray. We have learned how to separate the shades and to get what’s best for you and for your family. Our team has extensive experience in the most complex family law matters, from simple divorce to complex property settlement and child custody matters.
It is helpful to remember that a divorce or child custody/child support case is a process. As with any process, there are stages that we go through. In most cases, after the case if filed and the other party has received notice of the case (either through personal service or filing a waiver of citation), we try to get temporary orders into place as soon as possible. In that way, your rights to custody and temporary support are put into place. Restraining orders or protective orders may be put in place and made permanent for the duration of the case at this time. After the temporary orders hearing, one or both parties will often file discovery motions on the opposing side. Discovery is a series of questions and requests for disclosure and/or production designed to give a clearer picture of the nature of the both property owned by the parties and of the theories that the other side may assert at trial.
After discovery is complete, we will want to meet with you to discuss the results and to suggest a path you may wish to follow. We can re-evaluate the initial goals we set at the commencement of the case and decide whether those goals are achievable or need modification. We may discuss the option of attending mediation at this point.
Mediation is an informal process whereby the parties meet and work out an agreement using the services of a neutral third party, known as a mediator. Mediation has a structure, timetable and dynamics that "ordinary" negotiation lacks. The process is private and confidential. Agreements reached through mediation can be enforced as a contract by the Court. Participation is typically voluntary. The mediator facilitates rather than directs the process.
John B. Harle trained as a mediator while in law school. He uses that experience to negotiate the best solution possible, whether with the opposing counsel or at mediation itself. If mediation is successful, then the case may be settled and all that remains is to “read” the agreement into the record. But when negotiation is no longer possible, John and Jerry both have extensive trial experience. Experience that will pay off at the close of trial.
John B. Harle is a trained mediator and uses that experience to negotiate the best solution possible, whether with the opposing counsel or at mediation itself. If mediation is successful, then the case may be settled and all that remains is to “read” the agreement into the record. But when negotiation is no longer possible, John and Jerry both have extensive trial experience. Experience that will pay off at the close of trial.
We at Harle & Scheff are committed to providing reliable legal counsel in all types of family law issues, including temporary orders, divorce, separation, and child-related issues such as custody, visitation, parental relocation and child support. We are also able to provide help with fiscal issues that may plague divorcing parties, including the payment of spousal maintenance, the recovery of attorneys' fees in a divorce, property division and asset division, including determination of separate vs. community property.
Call Harle & Scheff today if you are thinking about divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, spousal maintenance, alimony or a prenuptial agreement. If you live in Austin, Waller, Washington, Fayette, Wharton or Fort Bend Counties, Harle & Scheff, PLLC are the right attorneys for you. Initial consultations are free.