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Houston Attorney Specializing in Divorce

Houston Attorney Specializing in Divorce

  • Divorce

In Texas divorce cases, it is advisable to consider obtaining legal representation as an option. By working with an attorney, you not only gain a representative in court, but also access to valuable insights on common practices in similar divorce proceedings. An attorney is committed to advocating for their client’s best interests and can provide guidance throughout this challenging period. If you’re searching for a Houston attorney specializing in divorce to assist with your divorce, consider reaching out to Renken Law Firm.

With extensive experience supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles, our team of family law attorneys is dedicated to guiding clients through their divorce proceedings. We provide skilled legal representation to assist you during this challenging period.

Based in Houston, our divorce lawyers are well-versed in handling various aspects of divorce cases, including child custody and support, spousal support, division of marital assets, and other family law matters pertaining to children. Do not wait for your spouse to file, instead contact us today to arrange a comprehensive evaluation of your specific divorce and family law case.

Why Being the First to File for Divorce Matters

To get a divorce started, one (or both—more on joint filing later) spouse must file a divorce petition with the court. The filing spouse is often called the “petitioner,” and the non-filing spouse is called the “respondent.”

If you know that there’s no chance for reconciliation, filing first might give you some strategic advantages such as:

Choice of court location. As long as the petitioner follows state and local laws about where a divorce can be filed, the petitioner gets to choose the jurisdiction (location) for the divorce proceedings. Many states have some form of residency requirement to prevent either spouse from intentionally filing for divorce in a state or county that might favor that spouse more than the other. For example, in Michigan, the filing spouse must live in the state for at least 180 days and the county of filing for at least 10 days before the court can accept the divorce petition. (Mich. Comp. Laws § 552.9 (2021).) So, if your spouse lives 100 miles away and files first, you’ll have to travel to your spouse’s courthouse for all divorce-related matters, which will cost you more time and money than if you’d filed first in the court nearest you.

  • Control over the pace of the divorce. The spouse that files for divorce often has a bit more control over how fast the divorce progresses. By filing first, you’ve started the process at a point of your choosing, while your spouse has no choice but to respond on the court’s timeline. Then, while your spouse is working on a response, you’ll have the opportunity to plan your next move.
  • The chance to make the first impression. The initial divorce paperwork contains the petitioner’s statement about the grounds (reasons) for the divorce. The allegations in the petition will be the first information about the case that the court sees—and when you file first, the ball is in your spouse’s court to change the court’s first impression.
  • The first opportunity to ask for temporary orders. The spouse who files first can ask the court for temporary orders before notifying the other spouse of the initial divorce filing. These orders might limit what each spouse can do with marital funds or property, protect one spouse from the other, award temporary child custody, or grant temporary child or spousal support. Although non-filing spouses will have the chance to respond to any requests for orders, their response must be filed before or at the same times as their response to the petition. Non-filing spouses can’t request their own temporary orders until after they have filed their response to the petition.

Does One Spouse Always File First?

Depending on your state’s laws, you might be able to file a “joint” petition for divorce (some states call this an uncontested or collaborative divorce), which means that both spouses agree not only to the divorce but to all divorce-related issues that follow. The spouses write up a divorce settlement agreement, and file it with their petition. The uncontested process in many states is more streamlined than a contested divorce, saving time, money, and relationships.

Your divorce settlement agreement must include the specifics about:

  • the reason (grounds) for the divorce
  • each spouse’s share of the court’s filing fees
  • how you will divide your marital property and debts
  • whether one spouse will pay spousal support, and if so, the amount and length of the payments
  • which spouse will become the primary caregiver (custodial parent) for any minor children
  • a parenting time or visitation schedule for the non-custodial parent, and
  • the amount of child support the non-custodial parent will pay.

As long as both spouses agree to all the divorce terms in writing, the court will approve it in most states. When minor children are involved, the court might require the judge to review the terms more carefully before approval. Still, as long as the custody and support arrangements favor the children’s best interests, the court will approve it.

Houston Family Lawyer for Complex Divorce Cases

Are you looking for a divorce lawyer in Houston to help you navigate the difficult divorce process? Our law office can help you. We work with individuals going through complex separations to help them reach a divorce settlement that fits their specific needs.

Why Choose Us?

Attorney Dawn Renken is a highly skilled family law practitioner based in Houston, Texas. Her expertise lies in handling a broad spectrum of divorce cases, ranging from amicable mediation to challenging contested situations. In 2014, Attorney Renken obtained her mediation license from ADR Services International Inc. Since then, she has assisted numerous divorcing couples who seek alternatives to traditional courtroom proceedings.

Mediation, one of Attorney Renken’s areas of focus, offers a confidential and private approach to divorce, eliminating the need for public court appearances and lengthy litigation battles. As a neutral third-party mediator, she ensures that both parties are equally and fairly represented throughout the process, facilitating constructive communication and enabling the couple to work together towards a mutually agreeable resolution.

If you are in search of an exceptional divorce attorney in the Houston area, consider contacting Attorney Dawn Renken to benefit from her extensive experience and commitment to helping clients achieve peaceful and satisfactory outcomes.

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.