What Are The Steps For Getting Divorced in Houston

What Are The Steps For Getting Divorced in Houston?

Divorce Procedure in Houston

In order to divorce your spouse, there are many things you will need to do in order for Texas courts to grant you an official divorce. Most commonly. A Texas divorce will require you and your spouse completing the following steps:

 

-First of all, one spouse, who will be identified as the petitioner, will file an Original Petition for Divorce with the court. The person most commonly has the papers served to the other spouse, who can be identified as the respondent. If this is a divorce where both partners wish to work together, this step can be avoided by the respondent waiving their rights to be served with the Original Petition for Divorce. Doing this will speed up the process and take away some of the initial legal paperwork.

 

-Whenever the petitioner files the Original Petition for Divorce, they can speak to the courts and ask for a standard temporary restraining order to be issued in their divorce case. The point of this restraining order is to help both parties reach a fair settlement in their divorce. The restraining order can be used to ensure no assets are altered or disappear before they are divided, as well as legally require both parties work together in a civil manner with no threatening behaviors.

 

-In divorce cases where there is not a Temporary Restraining Order issues, the respondent will have a 20 day period plus the next following Monday, in which they can file a document known as, “an Answer.” During this time, the court will also in some cases see it appropriate to place temporary orders. These temporary orders affect a wide range of issues in the divorce including temporary custody agreements, visitation, use of shared property, as well as financial orders. In some cases, these temporary orders can even include guidelines that impact the payment of the interim attorney’s fees.

 

-In cases where the spouses think they are lacking important information from one another, they can engage in what is known as discovery. This is the process where spouses can exchange information and important documents that are relevant to the couple’s finances and debt.

 

-After all of the information has been shared to both parties satisfaction, the spouses can begin to discuss the settlement specifics of their case. They can do this either directly or under the guidance of their attorneys, or a mediator. Mediators are third parties who do not specifically work for one spouse, but instead try to help them reach the most amicable and fair solution for everyone in the case. If the couple is able to work out an agreement, an Agreed Decree of Divorce will be prepared for both parties to sign as well as the judge in

 

Houston Texas Divorce Professionals

Renken Law Firm is here to help couples who wish to dissolve their marriage, whether that be through divorce or legal separation. We are here to help those who are ending marriages that have been contested, uncontested, or collaborative. We are fully prepared to help you navigate the specifics of your case. All marriages are different, making each divorce equally unique with its own set of needs that must be addressed. Contact our law office to explore your options moving forward, and find out how we can help you.

 

Renken Law Firm, PLLC
11500 Northwest Fwy #618
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 956-6767
https://therenkenlawfirm.com