Discovery - probably every litigant's least favorite part of a lawsuit. It’s expensive, invasive, and a real pain…but can also be helpful, informative, and essential.
“Discovery” refers to the phase in your case during which each party works to discover information about the other side’s case and to develop their own. Lawyers (and savvy pro se litigants) in Texas use tools called Requests for Disclosure (“RFD”), Requests for Admission (“RFA”), Interrogatories (“ROGS”), and Requests for Production (“RFP”), in addition to depositions, to unearth information that will or could impact your case (there are some other tools and strategies, but these are the basics).
These requests seek a wide variety of information, depending on what’s at play in your particular circumstances—everything from the germane to the insane. In the divorce/custody context, emphasis is on the latter (kidding, kind of). Think about it - your divorce/custody suit involves everything you hold dear in your life: your kids, your money, your job, your health, your past, your future, your present….And, because it’s “in issue” in your case, your ex-factor’s lawyer has as right to look into it (within the limits of the Rules).
In this video, Attorney Hannah Hembree Bell provides some insight into the discovery process as a whole as we kick off a series that breaks down each piece of the puzzle, one video at a time.
#yourfamilyslawyer #hembreebelllaw #womendivorcedifferently #austindivorce #sanantoniodivorce #familylaw101
Mary Oliver has been my longtime companion. Her words bring comfort, inspiration, and quiet when noise and bustle buzz all around me. If you're in the middle of a wild time (aren't we all right now?), I cannot overstate the power of an Oliver poem to remind you what's important and to quiet an anxious mind. This excerpt in particular made me drop the book I was holding when I first read it (I'd somehow never seen it before that moment). It still has the power to stop me in my tracks. We only get one wild, and precious life. What will you do with yours?
If you have other favorite Oliver quotes (or any great lines, for that matter), please share below! We can all use an extra dose of inspiration right now!
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#yourfamilyslawyer #hembreebelllaw #womendivorcedifferently #austindivorce #sanantoniodivorce #onewildandpreciouslife
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“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” -Ian Maclaren
The more I do this work, the more I realize how important it is to give people more than a little grace, patience, and compassion.
I have the opportunity to see into some of the darkest nooks and crannies of people’s lives. What may appear shiny and perfect on all the socials, is often harrowing and heartbreaking behind the curtain.
Because we are dealing with our own share of hard things, our first response is often to assume the worst, take offense, or gear up to “put that person their their place”. Lord knows that’s true in my line of work. (Lawyers are not exactly well-known for our patient temperaments!)
But, as often as I can, I try to bring this quote to the forefront of my thoughts. I think: what if this person were my daughter? How would I want someone to react to her? What if this person is facing a health crisis I know nothing about? What if their world is in shambles and one kind word might ease the burden?
Especially with the state of the world right now - let’s all do what we can to react the way we wish others would react to us. And listen, others may not reciprocate. That’s okay. You can only control you. Let them worry about them.
#womendivorcedifferently #hembreebelllaw #austindivorce #sanantoniodivorce
Since we were kids, some well-meaning, wise adult warned us: “You get more flies with honey than with vinegar.” Though I’m not quite sure why anyone would want more flies 🤷♀️, this concept has served me well in life and in the family law arena. It will do the same for you, if you let it.
This is one that’s a lot easier to say than to do. You’re divorcing this person and often the urge to correct them, set the record straight, wound them as they’ve wounded you, etc. is overwhelming. But you’ve got to be smarter - play the long game. If you’re headed to mediation or trying to broker a deal, your ex-factor’s willingness to sign on the dotted line often depends on how mad they are at you at any given moment.
Don’t add fuel to the fire. Be nice (ish). Use honey instead of vinegar and remove added aggression from its seat at the bargaining table.
You can go back to vinegar once it’s over, if you please - though I don’t recommend. Being nice also lets you sleep at night.
#yourfamilyslawyer #hembreebelllaw #womendivorcedifferently #sanantoniodivorce #austindivorce #familylaw
Super excited about this - joining the one and only Frank Ramos to talk shop on protecting yourself before, during, and after marriage. Click below to register!
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpfuigqDMpGt1h-VHfy55She02TeIFgU7W
#yourfamilyslawyer #hembreebelllaw #womendivorcedifferently
Help Support Respite Care of San Antonio!
The Bexar County Women's Bar is hosting a "Back to School Snacks and Supplies Drive" through an Amazon Wishlist - Link in Bio to shop for needed items that go directly to Respite Care!
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Support Bexar County Women's Bar and Respite Care of San Antonio joining together, helping special kids learn and grow!
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#BCWBHelpingRCSA #ChangeAChildsLife #schoolsupplydrive #donate #yourfamilyslawyer
Hands-down one of our favorite things to do is spend time with St. Mary's University School of Law students talking all things law, life, and living a life that’s worth it. Thanks to Dean Mater for having us back, semester after semester! Expecting great things from this crew!
#yourfamilyslawyer
#hembreebelllaw #stmaryslawschool #womendivorcedifferently #austindivorce #sanantoniodivorce
Help us support Bexar County Women’s Bar Association and Foundation efforts to provide much needed supplies for Respite Care of SA! Shop for a cause! Use the link in our bio to access the Amazon Wishlist! https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1CLGHKQ46WM2Z?ref_=wl_share
#shopforacause
#helpingothers #yourfamilyslawyer #hembreebelllaw
Are you still bummed that you had to miss our Zoom with Frank Ramos, "Don't Give Away the Farm: Protecting Your Ass*ets Before, During, and After Marriage"? Well, turn that frown upside down! You can now watch in full! https://youtu.be/SgTyBWZtbXs
While you are at it, subscribe to our YouTube channel, Austin Divorce Lawyers, so you don't miss another update!
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#yourfamilyslawyer #hembreebelllaw #austindivorce #sanantoniodivorce #womendivorcedifferenty #protectyourassets
We couldn’t agree more — history favors the bold. Life’s too short to play it safe.
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#yourfamilyslawyer #hembreebelllaw #austindivorce #sanantoniodivorce #womendivorcedifferently #bebold
There are several grounds in Texas under which an individual can file for an annulment. Today, we review what these are and how to get an annulment in the state. Read more on our blog:
AUSTINDIVORCELAWYERS.US
How to Obtain an Annulment in Texas
Hembree Bell Law is closed today in honor of the legacy and continued hope of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
His life ended too soon. It is up to us to carry the torch of equality and justice for ALL—not only in word but in deed, in policy, and in fostering our collective identity. Our success as a republic and a nation depends upon it.
#hembreebelllaw #mlk2021 #equality #justice #legacy
Take the time to listen.
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#hembreebelllaw #yourfamilyslawyer #listen #sanantoniodivorce #austindivorce
Spousal support payments can provide necessary support to a requesting spouse in need; however, how do you figure out if you are eligible for these payments? Today, we go over spousal support eligibility. Read more on our blog:
AUSTINDIVORCELAWYERS.US
How to Determine if You Can Receive Spousal Support in Texas
“On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….twelve drummers drumming.”
Drum roll please! 🥁 We made it to the grand finale of the 12 Days of Christmas - Divorce Edition (notice the extra flair??). Thanks to everyone for sticking with us on this journey. It’s been a blast!
Now for day 12, we are all going to finish strong. Be it in your divorce, custody modification, or just surviving 2020. When it gets close to the end, you may feel the temptation to let up or take your foot off the gas. But, we got this! Dig deep, pull yourself up by the bootstraps, and finish strong. We’ll supply the drum roll.
#12daysofxmashblfstyle #yourfamilyslawyer #hembreebelllaw
#austindivorce #sanantoniodivorce #texasdivorce #divorce
