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Home 9 Divorce 9 5 Steps to Have an Easy Divorce

Getting a divorce is one of the top five most stressful events that can occur during your life. However, with the guidance of an experienced legal team and a little preparation, achieving a happy and healthy divorce is possible. The attorneys at Balekian Hayes, PLLC have tapped into their many years of experience practicing family law in North Texas to create a guide that will help people prepare for a stress-free divorce.

Step 1: Find a Family Lawyer That Fits

It’s important to choose a divorce lawyer wisely because the decision will ultimately impact your bottom line. There is no such thing as the perfect lawyer, but there is the perfect lawyer for you. The best lawyer is one that is experienced, knowledgeable, and fits well with you. As the client, you can set the tone for your divorce. Your lawyer is there to advise you and respect your position on approaching the negotiations. Just because a lawyer is expensive doesn’t necessarily mean they will honor your wishes.

Step 2: Choose the Date You File for Divorce Wisely

It might sound like a good idea to file as soon as you can, but it’s essential to consider that property division is based on the date of marriage separation in some states. The court will often rely on a formal date of separation to determine property division and the value of assets.

Step 3: Get Organized

To avoid losing important documents to a disgruntled spouse, make copies as soon as you decide to file for divorce. Additionally, create a detailed inventory of household items to limit disputes over assets’ division.

Step 4: Keep Calm and Don’t Rush the Process

There are not many benefits of rushing through the divorce process. Everyone involved needs time to adjust to the changes that come with a divorce. By taking your time, you can make smart and precise decisions that will be sustainable for the future.

Step 5: Don’t Forget to Budget Essential Services to Get You Through This Challenging Time

Most people budget for the cost of their divorce but fail to account for additional services that are vital to maintaining their mental health during this challenging time in their lives. Now is the time to make sure there is extra cash for therapy, massages, fitness classes or whatever you need to help keep you sane.

About Balekian Hayes PLLC:

Led by Kris Balekian Hayes, the family law attorneys of Balekian Hayes PLLC are dedicated to fighting for their clients and their clients’ children. From contested divorces to child possession disputes, to out-of-court mediation and arbitration proceedings, the firm provides the knowledge and expertise needed to help people during what can be one of the most stressful times in their lives. Kris Balekian Hayes is one of 37 lawyers in Texas that are board-certified in both family law and child welfare and she also brings a Master of Business Administration to the equation to assist with high net-worth divorces and business preservation.

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From the bottom of my heart, I cannot recommend Balekian Hayes enough. As a father fighting to protect his daughters and secure meaningful protections for our future, I needed more than legal representation — I needed a team that understood what was truly at stake. This firm didn’t just manage my case; they stood beside me while I fought for my children with passion, discipline, and faith. They recognized my effort to always put my girls first and reinforced that commitment at every turn.

Lisa at reception is the heartbeat of this firm. From the very first call, she treated me with sincerity and compassion. On days when I felt overwhelmed or discouraged, Lisa gently reminded me that my faith was evidence and that trials are temporary. She consistently reassured me that everything would work out the way it was meant to. She addressed every concern directly or made sure someone did. Her kindness grounded me more than she probably realizes. She sets the culture — patient, understanding, and steady.

Bryn is one of the hardest working professionals I have ever encountered. She was my go-to throughout the case and handled every detail with empathy, precision, and follow-through. What stood out most was how she consistently reinforced that I was a great father. When doubt crept in, Bryn reminded me that my effort to secure protections for my daughters mattered deeply. She genuinely cared about the outcome, not just legally but personally. Her calm strength made some of the hardest moments feel manageable.

And then there is Emory. Emory is exceptional. Her knowledge and strategic leadership transformed our case and ultimately led to a strong victory for my family. But what separates her is her empathy. She saw my pain. She recognized the weight I was carrying as a father trying to do everything right. On days when I questioned whether I was doing enough, Emory consistently reminded me that I was doing amazing — even when I didn’t feel like my best self. She pointed out the victories I had already achieved before she and her team ever stepped in. That perspective restored my confidence. “Relax — we’ve got this,” she would say, these struggles may feel like loses right now, but soon they will be your victories— and she meant it. She fought fiercely for the protections my daughters deserved while also protecting me emotionally through the process.

This firm was the greatest blessing of my year. To the fathers out there: I know how heavy this road can feel. But when you have Balekian Hayes in your corner, the burden truly lifts. They honor your role. They fight for your family. They believe in you when you need it most.

Personally, I know what it feels like to lie awake at night wondering if you’re doing enough… if you’re going to protect your children… if the system will truly see your heart. I lived it. As a father fighting for my daughters and the protections they deserve, I needed more than legal advice — I needed a team that understood what was truly at stake. From day one, Balekian Hayes saw my passion, my effort, and my unwavering commitment to put my girls first. They didn’t just represent me or defend me in court — they strengthened me as a father. Without hesitation, I can say this firm was the greatest blessing of my year.

To my team I am beyond thankful for your effort, thank you all so much for these blessings we get to live.

If you’re praying for help — this is your sign. Make the call.

John

“Dedicated lawyers who will work hard and fight for you. Kris and Justin went above and beyond in my case. A big thanks to both of them. I would not hesitate to recommend.”

Dustin

“Balekian Hayes is the best law firm I’ve ever had the pleasure of doing business with. Very happy with everything!”

Travis

“I had a fantastic experience with Balekian Hayes law firm and highly recommend them. I initially met with Kris in 2007 regarding a potential divorce. She immediately knew what an emotionally challenging and stressful time this was going to be for me and didn’t want me to be alone during this journey. She helped me plan effectively to protect myself, my financial future, and my time with my kids. I interviewed several attorneys prior to meeting her, but none had the compassion and law knowledge combination that she and her team did. Hiring her was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Elizabeth

“Ms. Hayes was not only an excellent attorney throughout the duration of my case, but counseled me through some very tough financial decisions and marital obstacles outside of litigation. We forged a friendship that will last well beyond our professional relationship and I was blessed to have her on my side.”

Previous Client

“She was and continues to be professional, caring, and honest.
Ms. Balekian Hayes is a bulldog who fights for what’s best for the child.”

– Krystal