Menu

CONTACT

PAYMENT

REVIEW US

Call for Case Evaluation
Case Evaluation
Make a Payment

Houston Divorce Attorney Near Me

  • Divorce

Divorce is one of the most significant and life-changing legal proceedings an individual can go through. Whether the separation is amicable or contentious, it is crucial to have an experienced divorce attorney who understands the intricacies of Texas family law. If you’re searching for a Houston divorce attorney near me, The Renken Law Firm is here to provide skilled legal guidance, ensuring a smooth process while protecting your rights, assets, and future.

This guide will walk you through the importance of hiring a divorce attorney, what to expect from the Texas divorce process, and how The Renken Law Firm can help you navigate your case efficiently.

Why Hiring a Divorce Attorney Is Essential

Many people wonder if they can handle a divorce on their own, especially in uncontested divorces where both parties seem to agree on all major aspects. While it is legally possible to file for divorce without an attorney, doing so can result in critical mistakes, overlooked legal protections, and financial complications that could impact you for years.

Here are some key reasons why hiring a divorce attorney is crucial:

Legal Knowledge and Guidance

Divorce laws in Texas are complex, and without legal expertise, you might not fully understand your rights or obligations. An experienced attorney can help you with property division, child custody arrangements, and spousal support calculations, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement.

Negotiation and Mediation

Even if a divorce starts amicably, disputes can arise over time. A skilled attorney can negotiate on your behalf to prevent unnecessary legal battles. Additionally, mediation services can help resolve conflicts without going to court, saving time and money.

Protection of Assets and Interests

A divorce settlement determines who gets what, including property, bank accounts, investments, and even debts. Without legal representation, you risk losing assets that you may be entitled to. Attorneys ensure that all marital property is properly evaluated and fairly divided.

Minimizing Stress and Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Divorce is emotionally exhausting, and handling legal procedures on your own can add unnecessary stress. Having an attorney allows you to focus on moving forward while ensuring that all paperwork is filed correctly and on time, preventing costly mistakes that could prolong the process.

Understanding the Texas Divorce Process

Before filing for divorce in Texas, it’s important to understand the key steps involved in the legal process.

1. Meeting the Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Houston, Texas, one spouse must have been a resident of Texas for at least six months and a resident of the county where the divorce is filed for at least 90 days.

2. Filing the Divorce Petition

The process officially begins when one spouse files a Petition for Divorce with the court. This document outlines the grounds for divorce, which in Texas can be based on fault (such as adultery or cruelty) or no-fault (irreconcilable differences).

3. Serving the Other Party

The non-filing spouse must be formally served with the divorce petition, giving them a chance to respond and participate in negotiations.

4. Temporary Orders (If Needed)

If immediate issues like child custody, financial support, or property use need to be addressed before the final settlement, the court can issue temporary orders to provide structure while the divorce is pending.

5. Discovery and Negotiations

This phase involves gathering financial records, asset disclosures, and determining child custody arrangements. Negotiations or mediation may occur to settle disputes without a trial.

6. Finalization and Court Judgment

If both parties reach an agreement, the final divorce decree is signed by a judge. If disputes remain unresolved, the case proceeds to court hearings or trial, where a judge makes the final determinations.

Key Considerations in a Texas Divorce

Child Custody and Support

Child custody is often the most emotionally challenging aspect of a divorce. Texas courts prioritize the best interests of the child, considering factors such as:

  • Each parent’s relationship with the child
  • Stability of home environments
  • The child’s education and emotional needs

In most cases, Texas encourages joint custody arrangements to allow both parents to maintain a relationship with the child. Child support is calculated based on income, parenting time, and specific needs of the child.

Division of Property

Texas follows community property laws, meaning that any assets or debts acquired during the marriage are presumed to be owned equally. This includes:

  • Homes and real estate
  • Retirement accounts and pensions
  • Business interests and investments

However, courts do not always divide property equally—factors such as earning potential, contributions to the marriage, and future financial stability can influence the final outcome.

Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)

Unlike some states, Texas does not automatically grant spousal support (alimony). A spouse may qualify if they lack sufficient property or income to support themselves and meet specific legal criteria. Factors include:

  • Length of the marriage
  • Financial need and earning capacity
  • Contributions as a homemaker or parent

How The Renken Law Firm Can Help

At The Renken Law Firm, we provide tailored legal representation to help clients achieve the best possible outcome in their divorce cases. Whether your case is straightforward or involves complex financial and custody matters, we are committed to protecting your interests.

Personalized Legal Strategies

Every divorce is unique, and we take the time to understand your specific needs. Our firm develops customized legal strategies, ensuring that your rights, assets, and family relationships are safeguarded.

Experienced Negotiation and Mediation

We believe in resolving disputes amicably whenever possible. Our attorneys are skilled in mediation and negotiation, helping clients reach fair settlements without unnecessary litigation. However, if court representation is necessary, we are prepared to aggressively advocate for your rights.

High-Asset and Business Owner Divorces

For professionals and business owners, divorce can have significant financial implications. We work with financial experts to properly value assets, protect business interests, and create fair property division agreements.

Compassionate Representation for Parents

We understand how crucial child custody and support agreements are. Our firm works diligently to establish fair parenting plans that prioritize the well-being of the children while ensuring parents’ rights are respected.

Protecting Your Financial Future After Divorce

Divorce can have long-term financial consequences, and failing to plan ahead can leave one or both spouses in a difficult financial position. Whether you have significant assets, own a business, or simply want to ensure stability after your divorce, it is essential to take proactive steps to protect your financial future.

One of the most critical aspects of financial security after divorce is understanding how property division works. Since Texas is a community property state, most assets acquired during the marriage are subject to division. However, determining what constitutes community versus separate property can be complex. Items such as inheritances, gifts, and assets acquired before marriage may be protected, but without proper legal guidance, you could risk losing assets that should remain yours.

Another key consideration is spousal support. While Texas does not automatically grant alimony, certain circumstances allow for spousal maintenance, such as long-term marriages where one spouse has been financially dependent. If you are concerned about securing financial support or preventing an unfair obligation, a skilled divorce attorney can help present a compelling case for your needs.

Additionally, individuals going through divorce should evaluate their financial standing, including credit, debt obligations, and future earning potential. It is wise to create a post-divorce budget, reassess financial goals, and work with a financial planner to establish long-term stability. Ensuring that your divorce settlement accounts for future needs, such as retirement, homeownership, and insurance policies, can prevent financial hardship down the road.

At The Renken Law Firm, we help clients navigate the complexities of property division, spousal support, and financial planning to ensure they are set up for success post-divorce. By taking a strategic approach to financial matters, we help protect what matters most and provide clients with a foundation for long-term security.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Best Houston Divorce Attorney Near You

Choosing the right divorce attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make when navigating a marital separation. The Renken Law Firm provides trusted, results-driven legal support for individuals throughout Houston, including Montrose, The Heights, Midtown, and surrounding areas.

If you’re searching for a Houston divorce attorney near me, we are here to help. Whether you need assistance with a simple uncontested divorce or a complex contested case, our team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process.

Divorce is a major transition, but you don’t have to face it alone. Contact The Renken Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.

Renken Law Firm, PLLC
11500 Northwest Fwy #586
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 956-6767
Visit our website
View our Google Business Listing

Recent Articles

Share:

About Our Firm

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.

Explore Our Site

Renken Law Firm, PLLC

Connect With Us

Facebook Instagram Linkedin Pinterest-square Twitter-square Youtube-square

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.

© 2025 The Renken Law Firm. All rights reserved.   

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.