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Filing for a Divorce in Texas

Filing for a Divorce in Texas

  • Divorce

If you’re thinking about getting a divorce, there are many important things to consider when discussing it with your partner. The division of property and rights can be a sensitive process that requires agreement from both parties. If you’re ready to start the divorce process, the attorneys and legal team at Renken Law Firm are here to assist you.

Our dedicated professionals can provide advice and information to help you navigate this challenging time and ensure you get what you deserve. Contact us to schedule an appointment and protect your rights. We offer a free one-hour consultation with no obligation. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you navigate the process and reach a fair agreement that suits your unique needs.

If you’re thinking about divorcing your spouse in Texas, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. Divorces can be complex and emotionally and financially challenging. Many couples postpone filing because of these difficulties. However, even a simple divorce can take several months or longer to complete.

In Texas, the minimum time for a finalized divorce is 61 days. If child custody, complex finances, or shared property are involved, the process can take months or even more than a year. Texas law requires a mandatory 60-day waiting period before finalizing a divorce, starting from the day the Original Petition for Divorce is filed.

Take Steps to Separate Your Life

Starting a life of your own comes with a bunch of to-dos. Here are some of the most important.

  • Protect your credit. Divorces have the potential to harm your credit, so you might want to consider opening a new credit card in your name. However, check your state laws first, because if you open a credit card while you’re still married, a court may consider this to be a community or joint credit card. Once you are separated, though, opening a new account in your own name will help you maintain your credit after the divorce.
  • Line up a bank account. If you and your spouse have joint checking and savings accounts, go to your bank and open a new account in your name only. Again, check your state laws to figure out if you should wait until you are formally separated before opening a bank account in your name only. Establishing a new bank account will help you keep track of your finances and the account will be readily available for you to use once the judge finalizes the divorce. It’s important that you do not move your direct deposit to your new account until your lawyer (if you hire one) or the court tells you to. In many states, both spouses’ earnings are joint property, and removing those funds from joint accounts could later impact your divorce.
  • Protect your information. Get a secure email address and change any passwords you’ve used in the past. It would be best to change passwords to any social media accounts in your name, especially if you think your spouse might access this information to use against you in the divorce.
  • Set up a P.O. box. If you have a lawyer or expect to get other mail related to your divorce or the process of separating from your spouse, get a P.O. box in your name so you can receive important documents without your spouse gaining access. If you can’t afford a P.O. box, consider asking a family member or friend to allow you to have your lawyer send mail to their addresses.
  • Find health insurance. Begin exploring your options for health care if you depend on your spouse’s employer for insurance. If you are unemployed, you can start the process of looking for health care on the Affordable Care Act website or contact your local Health and Human Services Department to determine if you qualify for state assistance.
  • Itemize your belongings. Create a list of personal items that belong only to you, like family heirlooms or gifts. If necessary, secure these items with a family member, but be sure to disclose them in the financial or other disclosures when the court or opposing attorney asks. Make sure you include any inheritances from before and during the marriage.
  • Update insurance documents. Most if not all states don’t allow divorcing spouses to modify estate planning documents and insurance plans until after the judge finalizes the divorce. You should update your documents as soon as allowed, though. Additionally, if you have powers of attorney that grant your spouse the right to make medical or financial decisions for you if you’re incapacitated, but you no longer want your spouse to have that authority, you will need to update your paperwork. Speak with an attorney if you’re unsure how to change these important legal documents.

If You Have Minor Children, Prepare for the New Parenting Arrangement

Divorcing parents have a lot to think about, but here’s a good way to start.

  • Sketch out a plan. Learn about your state’s custody process and begin creating a proposed custody plan, including each parent’s visitation with the children, holiday and school break schedules, and other special occasions.
  • Create a calendar. Create a calendar where you can keep track of the children’s time with each parent. Include issues with communication, transportation (if applicable), canceled visits, or expenses you’ve paid.
  • Learn about child support. Begin considering whether you will need to pay or receive child support after the divorce. If you need child support while the divorce is pending, and your spouse won’t agree to pay it, you can ask the court for a temporary support order when you file your petition or response.

Collect Marriage Documents

Start a documents file by gathering paperwork related to your marriage and estate planning.

  • Agreements. Find copies of any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements and all estate planning documents. For example, locate copies of wills, living wills, trust documents, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives.
  • Marriage license. Find your marriage license and place it in a secure location.
  • Life insurance policies. Gather copies of life insurance policies for either spouse.

If you haven’t filed your petition yet, the experienced divorce attorneys at Renken Law Firm can assist you. Our legal professionals are dedicated to providing the best support for your case. Contact us today to learn more about filing for divorce in Texas and to schedule your free one-hour consultation.

Why Choose Us?

Attorney Dawn Renken has dedicated her career to helping families find solutions for their needs. In addition to having years of experience practicing as a family law attorney, she is also a Licensed Mediator through ADR Services International Inc. She is able to use her hands-on knowledge of divorce cases and agreements to help couples work together to reach divorce agreements. This includes helping divorcing couples work together to divide property, assets, debt, child custody, and more.

Schedule a consultation with our team to learn more about your options for divorce.

Family Law Attorney in Houston

Renken Law Firm is a trusted resource for family law matters in Houston, TX. Our team of family lawyers is dedicated to providing personalized attention as you navigate through complex family issues, such as custody disputes, divorces, and other familial conflicts. We offer a range of services, including family mediation and adoption, aiming to help our clients find resolutions without the need for costly court litigation. Our clients engage our family law attorneys at Renken Law Firm to ensure the protection of their rights and the best interests of their families.

While every family law case is unique, understanding the process can alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that accompanies it. At Renken Law Firm, we have a team of committed professionals who will guide you through every step of your case, from beginning to end. We believe that knowledge is empowering, and we will work tirelessly to provide you with the information and support necessary to make informed decisions for yourself and your family. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, where we can discuss your individual situation and address any questions you may have.

 

Renken Law Firm, PLLC
11500 Northwest Fwy #586
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 956-6767
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Renken Law Firm knows how difficult and painful dealing with these issues can be. We will take your case, and all the turmoil that comes with it, very seriously. You can trust us to not only be relentless in our pursuit of the best possible solution for you, but we will also take into consideration how much this process is both emotionally and financially impacting you. Renken Law Firm can be relentless, but you can always trust us to listen.

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Parents are also obligated to provide health and dental insurance for their children in Texas.The court can order either parent to enroll a child on an existing health insurance policy but customarily orders the child support obligor to do so or to reimburse the cost of the health and dental care premium to the primary custodian of the child.While the terms alimony and spousal maintenance are often used interchangeably, they are very different things under Texas law.They both achieve the same goal during a divorce, however.They both allow one spouse to receive financial support from the other.Renken Law Firm understands the distinction between alimony and spousal maintenance.Our understanding of the difference between these two means of financial support allows us to pursue an outcome that best meets your needs.Along with her ability to aggressively litigate Family Law matters, Dawn Renken is a Licensed Mediator through ADR Services International Inc, since 2014. Traditionally, mediation has been shown to be an excellent option for couples seeking an amicable divorce who ultimately have compatible goals for property settlements and custody disputes.Mediation promotes a compromise that works well for both parties, while making it possible to avoid court appearances and additional attorney’s fees.What is Divorce Mediation?Divorce mediation is a private process in which a neutral third person (a mediator) helps divorcing couples reach a mutually satisfactory settlement of the issues in their case, including child support, custody and visitation, alimony, and property division.A mediator does not act as a judge, arbitrator, or counselor, but assists the spouses in reaching a voluntary agreement.Along with her ability to aggressively litigate Family Law matters, Dawn Renken is a Licensed Mediator through ADR Services International Inc, since 2014. Traditionally, mediation has been shown to be an excellent option for couples seeking an amicable divorce who ultimately have compatible goals for property settlements and custody disputes. Mediation promotes a compromise that works well for both parties, while making it possible to avoid court appearances and additional attorney’s feesDivorce mediation is an affordable and private divorce option, mediation also has a proven history for helping families resolve disputes without the need for a trial. Taking your case to trial typically will increase the amount of time, money, and stress involved in your divorce.While no divorce method is completely stress free, divorce mediation allows both parties to have their needs represented. The divorcing couple will be given the chance to work together to reach an amicable resolution in their case, instead of allowing a judge to have the final say.Dawn Renken, became a licensed mediator through ADR Services International Inc. in 2014. Since this time, Attorney Renken has been working as a Cypress divorce mediation expert with couples to help them work together to reach divorce agreements that are mutually beneficial for their long term needs.The role of the mediator is to simply ensure all important matters are discussed and dealt with, as well as ensure neither party is using bully tactics in order to get the other party to agree to the terms they desire for their divorce. Your divorce agreement is only finalized when both parties agree to the terms of the divorce and sign off on it. If you are unable to work together to reach an amicable divorce agreement, mediation will not be a viable method for divorce. If you and your spouse are actively looking to work through your divorce together, Renken Law Firm can help by offering affordable divorce mediation in Houston, TX.In addition to traditional divorce methods, we excel in providing the best divorce mediation services in Houston, TX. Divorce mediation offers a more cost-effective and private approach, allowing the divorcing parties to determine the final terms of their divorce. To explore this option further, we encourage you to contact our office and learn more about our mediation services.Renken Law Firm understands that many individuals hesitate to initiate the divorce process due to uncertainty and concerns about excessive legal fees. We assure you that our Houston, TX team is dedicated to your success and has a proven track record of achieving client satisfaction.We recognize the emotional toll that divorce takes on families, and we strive to make the process as smooth as possible. Whether your case involves mediated or contested divorce, our attorneys will provide unwavering support every step of the way until your divorce is finalized. Take the first steps toward filing for divorce in the state of Texas by scheduling a consultation with our legal team at Renken Law Firm today.Is Texas an At-Fault State?In the state of Texas, divorce proceedings do not require spouses to provide a specific reason or cause for seeking the divorce, making it a “no-fault” state. However, it is important to note that if one spouse is at fault for the breakdown of the marriage, it may be considered by the court when dividing property. This means that the at-fault party may be responsible for providing more to the other spouse. Although fault grounds are not mandatory, it is advisable for spouses to include them in their divorce petition.At Renken Law Firm, our mission is to advocate for families and help them make the best decisions for their unique circumstances. Our top priority is protecting the best interests of any children involved in the divorce. Our dedicated legal team is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for you and your family. Whether you are contemplating filing for divorce or currently going through the process, contact Renken Law Firm for assistance. We will guide you through this challenging time and ensure that you consider all significant factors that may impact your finances or family dynamics. Reach out to us today to learn more about our comprehensive family law services and how we can support you.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.Receive prompt service and protect your rights by contacting us to schedule an appointment. In times of personal crisis we understand that you want answers. As your legal counsel, this firm will provide you with answers and options. Additionally, we will guide you through what you can expect during the process and help you to understand your options and rights as mandated by Texas Law. Our knowledge and experience has provided us with a strong base of strategies and methods to assist you to reach a successful resolution. Once retained, we invite you to demand and expect your case to be handled in an organized, timely, effective and cost-efficient manner. Step 1: Consult Contact Renken Law Firm to schedule your no obligation one hour consultation to evaluate your case. Step 2: Prepare You’ve never been through this. We understand that. We are here for you. Step 3: Negotiate Whether informal negotiation or mediation, you can trust Renken Law Firm’s decades of experience. Step 4: Litigate When negotiation fails, Renken Law Firm is prepared to fight for you at trial with experienced litigators. Your family law case may be the most important legal issue you ever face in your life. It can also be the most emotionally and financially challenging life event you experience. Renken Law Firm knows how difficult and painful dealing with these issues can be. We will take your case, and all the turmoil that comes with it, very seriously. You can trust us to not only be relentless in our pursuit of the best possible solution for you, but we will also take into consideration how much this process is both emotionally and financially impacting you. Renken Law Firm can be relentless, but you can always trust us to listen. © 2023 The Renken Law Firm. All rights reserved. Our comprehensive family law services include the resolution of divorces through litigation, divorce mediation or collaborative law, depending on the specific details of your case. We can take on all matters related to Divorce Practice or dissolution of a common law marriage, including: We are committed to aggressively and efficiently advocating for your rights . We customize our representation to the needs of your case. Throughout the process, we will keep you involved. We will provide honest information about the progress of your case and strive to achieve the best possible outcome. Enforcing Texas Orders Renken Law Firm, PLLC represent clients seeking to enforce the terms of a divorce decree or custody order. You may need to seek to enforce an order when the other parent has failed to pay their court ordered child support or if you have been denied visitation with your child. We have extensive experience with both seeking relief for these types of issues and also defending against these types of cases. Having an experienced lawyer who has handled both sides of the issue provides you a unique attorney who can reasonably anticipate what the other side may attempt to do. If the non-custodial parent refuses to pay court ordered child support or you have been denied visitation, contact us. If you have been accused of nonpayment or denying the opposing party visitation, a possible contempt outcome is jail time. Do not go to court alone, contact Renken Law Firm, PLLC. Enforcement for Delinquent Child Support Child support arrearages not only can lead to wage garnishment, property liens and loss of tax refunds, they can also result in loss of your license to drive, fish, hunt, sell real estate, teach or practice medicine. Whether your problem involves modification or enforcement of family law rights, our lawyers can advise and represent you. Enforcement / Contempt of Court Actions When a parent refuses to honor visitation orders, fails to pay child support or fails to comply with other court orders, the parent is in contempt of court. In most circumstances, it is important that a child is supported by and has meaningful relationships with both parents. That is why it is so important to follow custody, visitation and support arrangements. Failure to do so can jeopardize the child’s well being. If a parent willfully and recklessly avoided complying with orders when it was feasible to do so, the parent may be charged criminally with contempt and could face potential jail time, fines and other consequences. Our attorneys help clients pursue court orders of enforcement. We also defend against actions where enforcement or contempt cases are brought against you unjustly or for spite. Child Support Enforcement Actions If you are facing a child support enforcement action initiated by the Attorney General, Renken Law Firm, PLLC can answer the complaint and try to transfer your case to family court, where your options for a realistic payment plan will be somewhat broader. If you are the parent trying to enforce the terms of a divorce or paternity child support order, we can help ensure that your right to payment is brought current as quickly as possible.