Same Sex Couples

Renken Law Firm have the compassion and trial lawyer skills to tell your story to a jury.

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After the groundbreaking June 26th, 2015 ruling by the United States Supreme Court, same-sex marriage is now legalized in all states. Seen as one of the greatest victories for LGBT rights activists, this decision affects more than just marriage for same-sex couples, as it also opens the door for various other family law matters.

However, as more laws become available to same-sex couples, it is entirely likely that more legal concerns and litigation may also arise. The correct choice is to seek professional counsel as soon as you encounter complexities with your newfound rights or feel that someone is infringing upon them.

With the Right to Marry Comes the Right to Divorce

Although courts and lawmakers are still sorting through the specifics of the Supreme Court’s ruling, it is clear that same-sex couples should be granted all the same rights surrounding marriage as other couples. This even includes the right to dissolve their marriage through divorce or legal separation. Whether the decision to end your same-sex marriage was contested, uncontested, or collaborative, Renken Law Firm  can help you navigate through the specifics of your case.

We can help you with:

Child custody

Child support

Mediation

Prenuptial/postnuptial agreements

Property division

Visitation

Adoption

Child abuse

Domestic violence

Modifications to agreements/rulings

The recently established rights are not only center around divorce, though. Our firm is more than ready to help you understand other family law issues that may be important to you now.

Latest News

Divorce Attorneys in Houston Area for Queer Couples

Divorce Attorneys in Houston Area for Queer Couples

October 29, 2023

Divorce is a challenging and emotional process for any couple, but for queer couples, the hurdles can be even higher. The need for compassionate, understanding, and experienced divorce attorneys in the Houston area cannot be overstated. In this article, we will explore the importance of selecting an attorney who is not only familiar with family law but also dedicated to providing inclusive services for queer families. Attorney Dawn Renken, founder of The Renken Law Firm in Houston, stands out for her commitment to serving the diverse needs of the LGBTQ+ community in divorce cases. Understanding the Unique Challenges of Queer Divorce Queer couples face unique challenges when going through a divorce. Legal issues, such as property division, child custody, and spousal support, are already complex, but they become even more intricate in the context of queer relationships. One of the primary challenges is that the legal landscape for LGBTQ+ families has evolved rapidly over the years, with varying laws and regulations in different states. In Texas, where Attorney Dawn Renken practices, there have been significant advancements in LGBTQ+ rights, but navigating the legal intricacies still requires an attorney with expertise and experience in this specific area. Queer couples may encounter issues related to child custody, adoption, or the recognition of their marriage, all of which require a nuanced understanding of LGBTQ+ family dynamics. Attorney Dawn Renken: A Beacon of Inclusivity Attorney Dawn Renken has earned recognition for her exceptional work with queer families, providing a comprehensive range of family law services, including divorce. Her dedication to serving the LGBTQ+ community stems from a deep understanding of the unique challenges they face. In-Depth Knowledge: Attorney Renken possesses an in-depth understanding of LGBTQ+ family law issues. Her expertise allows her to navigate complex legal terrain efficiently, helping queer couples achieve fair and …

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Award Winning Same Sex Divorce Attorney

Award Winning Same Sex Divorce Attorney

September 25, 2022

The results are in: OutSmart Magazine Votes Renken Law Firm One of the Best in Houston when it comes to Family Attorneys in the recently concluded 2022 Gayest & Greatest Readers’ Choice Awards! Award winning same sex divorce attorney, Dawn Renken works with queer couples and individuals to help them tackle a wide range of family law matters. This includes LGBTQ divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, adoption, and more. If you are looking for a family law attorney that is an ally to the queer community, look no farther than Attorney Renken. Reasons to Hire a Family Law Attorney Most family lawyers represent clients in divorce proceedings and other matters related to divorce. But family law is a relatively broad practice area, including such issues as foster care and reproductive rights. Since family law matters hit so close to home, having a trusted legal professional by your side can help you ensure your loved ones are properly represented and protected during any legal process. The most common reasons to hire a family law attorney include: Divorce: Each partner hires their own attorney, who will help devise a settlement plan in order to avoid a trial. Divorce attorneys typically are skilled at dividing marital property, calculating spousal support, and proposing a plan for child custody, visitation, and support (if applicable). Child Custody / Child Support: Court orders and settlement agreements involving both custody and support usually are included in the larger divorce case, but may be revisited as conditions change. For instance, child support may be altered after the non-custodial parent’s financial situation changes. Paternity: In most cases, paternity cases are filed by the mother in an effort to secure child support payments from an absent father. But sometimes biological fathers file for paternity in order to …

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OutSmart Magazine Votes Renken Law Firm One of the Best in Houston

September 22, 2022

The results are in: OutSmart Magazine Votes Renken Law Firm One of the Best in Houston when it comes to Family Attorneys in the recently concluded 2022 Gayest & Greatest Readers’ Choice Awards! Who Is OutSmart? Established in 1994, OutSmart is an award-winning monthly publication that has delivered local and national news to Houston’s LGBTQ audience for over 25 years. Published in print and online, we reach 200,000+ readers each month and have a loyal fan base spanning from Houston to Los Angeles. The magazine even has an international following in Canada, Mexico, The United Kingdom, Australia, and various other locations across the globe. OutSmart has proudly received recognition on both local and national levels. The magazine was voted “Nation’s Best Local Magazine” by the Vice Versa Gay Press Awards and has been named “Best Local Publication in Houston” by the Houston Press for four consecutive years (2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009). Attorney Dawn Renken has been an ally to the LQTBQ+ community throughout her entire career. She knows how to navigate same-sex divorce and family legal matters. Listed below is some insight into the division of assets in same sex divorce cases: The Duration of the Relationship Judgment In many same-sex divorce cases, the judge will need to consider all factors available and determine his or her own judgment on how long the marriage truly is when the two spouses are together in all ways that make a marriage before the federal change in 2015. With the legal way open for same-sex couples to receive a marriage license throughout the country, there are additional problems that arise when the two spouses want to get a divorce. The duration of the marriage will affect what assets and debts are part of the relationship and at what point they are no …

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Divorce Mediation For Same Sex Couples

Divorce Mediation For Same Sex Couples

August 31, 2022

Divorce Mediation in Texas “Family mediation” means the mediation of disputes in actions for divorce, annulment, establishment of paternity, child custody or visitation, or child or spousal support. Mediation programs can be very beneficial to people who are divorcing as well as to those who have long been divorced but who find themselves in a dispute in their post-divorce relationship. Not only can it save money but it promotes positive dispute resolution rather than adversarial procedures. That being so, it is well worth investigating by any couple facing divorce, a child custody fight, a visitation dispute or other interpersonal conflict. Mediation is a process that may help you resolve your case so you can have an uncontested divorce. Mediation is particularly useful in situations involving children, since it is in the interests of the children that their parents “get along” even if they will no longer live together as husband and wife. In the State of Texas, all cases that involve contested custody or visitation matters are referred to mandatory mediation, provided the parties are represented by an attorney and there is no allegation of domestic abuse. Mediation attempts to change disputes from “win-lose” to “win-win.” Mediation is a non-adversarial process of helping people come to agreement on issues like parenting arrangements, support of children and spouses and division of real and personal property. Mediation occurs when a neutral third-party, who has training in dispute resolution, assists you and your spouse and helps you resolve the issues that are causing conflict and to make cooperative, informed decisions. How does mediation work? As one mediator described the process, “Mediation is neither therapy, nor the law””it’s an educational process.” Usually, the couple attends an orientation session in which the mediator thoroughly explains the process of mediation such as what the couple should …

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OutSmart Magazine Recognizes Dawn Renken As An Advocates For The LGBTQ+ Community

OutSmart Magazine Recognizes Dawn Renken As An Advocates For The LGBTQ+ Community

December 14, 2020

OutSmart Magazine recently noticed Dawn Renken as a finalist when ranking the best female attorneys in Houston in their reader’s choice awards for 2020. According to their website: OutSmart is an award-winning monthly publication that has delivered local and national news to Houston’s LGBTQ audience for over 25 years. Published in print and online, we reach 200,000+ readers each month and have a loyal fan base spanning from Houston to Los Angeles. The magazine even has an international following in Canada, Mexico, The United Kingdom, Australia, and various other locations across the globe. In response to this recognition, Dawn Renken said, “I am so humbled by this honor, I support the LGTBQ community and proudly advocate for their rights.” Attorney Renken recognizes the difficulty that can come with same-sex divorce cases, especially when the divorcing parties are unable to find attorneys that understand their specific perspective and needs. She fights for justice in family legal matters to help her clients reach resolution without being held back by barriers in their community. Whether you are looking for a same-sex divorce, have a custody issue in a same-sex relationship, or are in need of other family legal advice, Dawn Renken is here for you. Make sure you are working with an attorney that advocates for your rights. Since 2015, same-sex couples have been granted the right to marry and divorce as they please. While this is a huge step in the fight for equality in the United States, it can still be difficult for same-sex married couples to find experienced legal professionals to help them navigate their divorce. At Renken Law Firm, we have experience working with same-sex couples and do everything we can to ensure the divorce is being handled with the same level of dedication and attention as any other. …

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Same-Sex Couple Custody Attorney in Houston

Same-Sex Couple Custody Attorney in Houston

November 3, 2020

Family law cases for same-sex couples changed in the summer of 2015 when the United States Supreme Court legalized marriage for same-sex couples across the nation. While this is a relatively new ruling, the attorneys at Renken Law Firm in Houston have been helping same-sex coupled families and members of the LGBTQ+ community navigate legal matters through domestic partner agreements long before. For the most experienced same-sex couple custody attorney in Houston, contact us today.  With same-sex marriage legalized in all 50 states, couples with children now will be faced with the same legal obstacles as any other divorcing couple. For same-sex married couples with children, this means having to reach agreements for everything from child custody, visitation rights, child support, and more. The dedicated attorneys at Renken Law Firm have always provided comprehensive legal counsel to members of the LGBTQ+ community in order to address their family law needs. Now, with the push for marriage equality, our team will also be able to provide representation in same-sex divorce cases. How Is Custody Different in Same-Sex Divorce Cases? Unfortunately in the state of Texas, being legally married does not automatically mean the courts will recognize a non-biological parent as the presumptive parent of any children born throughout the marriage. A non-biological parent must legally adopt any children in the marriage in order to be recognized as their parent and given any parental rights after a divorce. If you are interested in learning more about how we can help you navigate your divorce case and tackle child custody issues, contact our team by filling out our case evaluation form today. At Renken Law Firm in Houston, our team provides legal counsel to people of all gender identities. When it comes to divorce cases, we have experience working with both opposite-sex couples …

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LGBTQ+ Family Law Attorney in Houston

LGBTQ+ Family Law Attorney in Houston

October 30, 2020

In June of 2015, the United States Supreme Court granted it legal for same-sex couples to marry in all fifty states. However, in addition to granting this long-awaited civil-right to members of the LGBTQ+ community, it also was the start of many new family law issues, including those relating to divorce and child custody.  A common misconception many same-sex couples face is that the false belief that being legally married will recognize a non-biological parent as the presumptive parent of any children born throughout the marriage. The laws that govern these decisions are made on a state-level. In the state of Texas, a non-biological parent must legally adopt the children in order to be recognized as their parent and given any parental rights.  Our LGBTQ+ family law attorneys are experienced in handling same-sex divorce cases. We will work closely with you so that you do not have to navigate the legal process alone, or with an attorney that does not understand the specific needs of a same-sex divorce case. It is our mission to provide a safe and comfortable environment in order to help your family access the same legal rights and protections given to opposite-sex married couples.  Some of the services offered by our LGBTQ+ family law attorneys in Houston include: Same-Sex Divorce Same-Sex Premarital Agreement Same-Sex Postmarital Agreement Same-Sex Divorce Mediation Same-Sex Protective Orders Same-Sex Child Support Same-Sex Child Custody & Visitation Same-Sex Second-Parent Adoption Our team of LGBTQ+ family law attorneys fights to protect families and their property while putting a strong focus on protecting the best interest of any children in the marriage. If you are currently looking to file a same-sex divorce or are going through one, contact Renken Law Firm in Houston. We will help you navigate this difficult time and work closely to …

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LGBTQ+ Divorce Mediator in Houston

LGBTQ+ Divorce Mediator in Houston

October 29, 2020

Since 2015, same-sex couples have been given the same right as opposite-sex couples to marry and divorce as they please. While this is a huge step in the fight for equality in our country, it can still be difficult for same-sex married couples to find experienced legal professionals to help them navigate their divorce. At Renken Law Firm, we have experience working with same-sex couples and do everything we can to ensure the divorce is being handled with the same level of dedication and attention as any other. We understand in some same-sex divorce cases, couples will have specific needs that may not be present with opposite-sex marriages. Whether you are looking for a divorce attorney to represent you solely, or are looking for an LGBTQ+ divorce mediator in Houston, the team at Renken Law Firm can help you. Contact us today to learn more about your options for divorce and to begin the process of divorce.  Amicable Divorce Agreements Through Mediation The point of divorce mediation is to provide a simpler method of divorce for couples who are able to sit down and work through the terms of their divorce. If the couple is unable to participate in civilized dialogue about important issues, such as property division, child custody, debt allocation, and more, mediation is not the right option. Our team of divorce professionals can help couples to determine what they need from their divorce and how to move forward with the next chapter of their family’s life. If you and your spouse are searching for an alternative divorce method that allows you both to work through the divorce process together, Renken Law Firm in Houston can help. Our staff is dedicated to helping families come to a divorce agreement that suits the needs of all parties in a …

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LGBTQ+ Divorce Attorney in Houston

LGBTQ+ Divorce Attorney in Houston

October 27, 2020

In 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in favor of same-sex marriage, marking a huge stride in our country’s fight for civil equalities. With all types of marriage, there is always the risk of divorce. However, it can be difficult for same-sex couples to find attorneys and legal professionals who are experienced in handling same-sex divorce cases. At Renken Law Firm in Houston, we have experience handling many different types of divorce cases, from mediating same-sex divorces to going to court to represent one party of a same-sex marriage for a divorce. We understand every divorce case is unique and we believe in treating it as such. When it comes to handling your case our attorneys are prepared to help you in every way possible to reach an agreement that fits your specific needs.  Our team of legal professionals fights for families to help them protect themselves and their belongings while putting a strong focus on promoting the best interest of any children in the marriage. If you are currently looking to file a same-sex divorce or are going through one, contact Renken Law Firm in Houston. We will help you navigate this difficult time and work closely to ensure you are not missing out on any major factors that may lead to financial or family issues down the road. Schedule a consultation with our team today. LGBTQ+ Family Law in Houston While our country has recognized and legalized gay marriage on a national level, they still may hold multiple statuses. Therefore, it is important for same-sex divorcing couples to work with an attorney that has experience in same-sex divorce cases. At Renken Law Firm in Houston, we understand the legal ramifications that are present in Texas and work with couples to help them reach divorce agreements …

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Houston Same-Sex Divorce Attorney

Houston Same-Sex Divorce Attorney

October 26, 2020

If you are part of a same-sex marriage and looking for a divorce, working with an attorney that has experience in same-sex divorce cases can help make the process easier to navigate. At Renken Law Firm our Houston same-sex divorce attorneys are experienced when it comes to helping couples dissolve their marriage in any method they choose. This includes the following: Same-Sex Divorce Mediation: Divorce mediation is an excellent option for couples who wish to work together in order to reach an amicable divorce agreement. Mediation works best when both parties are able to communicate effectively and discuss important issues without getting upset. Mediation is generally more affordable than other methods of divorce and allows the divorcing couple to finalize the terms of their divorce on their own without a judge. The agreement will be made in the presence of a neutral third-party who acts as a mediator to help ensure the couple is not excluding any important matters from their divorce agreement.  Same-Sex Contested Divorce: Contested divorces are never easy, however, in the case of same-sex contested divorces matters can be made more complicated when you are working with an attorney that is not experienced in same=sex divorce cases. At Renken Law Firm in Houston, we understand the needs of our same-sex divorce clients and do everything in our power to protect their rights and property, so they are able to reach a divorce settlement that fits their long-term needs.  Same-Sex Uncontested Divorces: It is helpful to always work with an attorney in your divorce case, even if the divorce is uncontested. This is helpful because many times divorcing couples may forget to establish terms about all matters that are relevant to their divorce. Schedule your consultation with our attorneys today to learn more about how we can help …

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Divorce Attorney for Same Sex Marriages in Houston

Divorce Attorney Same Sex Marriages in Houston

July 31, 2019

In late June of 2015, the United States Supreme Court made a ruling that legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states. This ruling has been marked as one of the greatest achievements in our country’s fight for equality. While we look at this as a victory, marriage for same-sex couples comes with more family matters than just a simple marriage certificate. When any couple chooses to get married, they are choosing to combine their property and assets. Unfortunately, this means, whenever a couple chooses to separate and end their marriage, there is a long list of family matters that may come into play. These include but are not limited to, child custody, child support, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, division of property, visitation rights, child abuse, domestic violence, and more. At Renken Law Firm, we understand that divorces are often times difficult and stressful for both parties to endure. No matter their gender or sexual orientation. This is why we do everything we can to offer our clients peace of mind knowing they are working with the most dedicated legal team in the Greater Houston area. We want to help alleviate your stress, and make your divorce process go as smoothly as possible for you and your family. While same-sex marriage has been legal in Texas for the last three years, it is important to realize the process of sorting out the specifics of this ruling are still active. One thing is for certain, same-sex couples deserve the same rights when it comes to marriage and divorce as any other married or legally bound couple. 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 a same-sex marriages that have …

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Houston Divorce Attorney Reviews

Divorce can be an emotionally and financially taxing process, but mediation can offer a more amicable and cost-effective alternative to courtroom battles. In this blog post, we’ll explore the critical do’s and don’ts of divorce mediation. We’ll also introduce you to experienced divorce mediator and attorney, Dawn Renken, of The Renken Law Firm in Houston, who can help couples navigate this process and make thorough and informed choices when drafting a divorce agreement. Divorce is never easy, but divorce mediation can make the process smoother and more manageable. Unlike traditional divorce proceedings, which often involve lengthy courtroom battles, mediation allows couples to work together with a neutral third party to resolve their differences and create a mutually acceptable divorce agreement. When done right, mediation can save time, money, and emotional distress. However, divorce mediation isn’t a walk in the park. It requires open communication, patience, and a willingness to compromise. To help you navigate this process successfully, here are 10 things you should never say or do during divorce mediation: 1. Refusing to Communicate Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful mediation. Refusing to talk or listen can hinder progress and lead to a more protracted and contentious divorce. It’s essential to be open and honest about your concerns, needs, and preferences during mediation. Dawn Renken, an experienced divorce mediator, is skilled in facilitating constructive communication between divorcing couples. She can help create an environment where both parties feel heard and understood. 2. Letting Emotions Take Over Divorce is an emotionally charged process, but it’s crucial not to let your emotions dictate your actions during mediation. Outbursts of anger or resentment can escalate conflicts and hinder resolution. Instead, try to remain calm and composed. Dawn Renken specializes in guiding clients through the emotional challenges of divorce, helping them focus on their long-term interests rather than short-term emotions. 3. Failing to Prepare Preparation is key to a successful mediation. Failing to gather and organize your financial documents, legal papers, and other relevant information can lead to delays and misunderstandings. Dawn Renken can help you prepare for mediation by ensuring you have all the necessary documentation and information at your fingertips. 4. Being Inflexible Mediation involves compromise, and being too inflexible can hinder progress. While it’s crucial to protect your interests, it’s also essential to understand that some give and take will be necessary to reach an agreement. Dawn Renken has extensive experience in helping clients find middle ground and make compromises that are fair and reasonable. 5. Bringing Up the Past Dragging up past mistakes, hurts, or grievances during mediation is counterproductive. It can create tension and prevent a positive resolution. Dawn Renken can help keep the focus on the present and the future, guiding couples toward constructive discussions that lead to productive solutions. 6. Playing the Blame Game Blaming your spouse for the divorce or trying to make them feel guilty won’t help during mediation. In fact, it’s more likely to create animosity and impede the process. Dawn Renken can act as a neutral mediator, keeping discussions on track and preventing blame from becoming a roadblock to resolution. 7. Disregarding Your Children’s Well-Being If you have children, their well-being should be a top priority during divorce mediation. Failing to consider their needs, feelings, and interests can lead to contentious custody battles and long-term emotional repercussions. Dawn Renken is well-versed in helping divorcing parents create a custody and visitation plan that prioritizes their children’s needs. 8. Making Unrealistic Demands Mediation is about finding realistic and mutually beneficial solutions. Making extravagant or unrealistic demands can lead to an impasse. Dawn Renken can provide insight into what is legally and practically achievable, ensuring that both parties understand the boundaries and possibilities of their divorce agreement. 9. Hiding Assets Concealing assets during mediation is not only unethical but also illegal. It can result in severe legal consequences and damage your credibility in the eyes of the mediator and the court. Dawn Renken can help ensure full financial transparency during mediation, preventing disputes over hidden assets.

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. Prenuptial agreements, commonly referred to as prenups, are contractual agreements made between two individuals prior to their marriage. They establish the framework for how assets, debts, and other financial matters will be handled should the marriage end in divorce or due to the death of one spouse. Prenuptial agreements provide a level of financial security and peace of mind to both parties by outlining their rights and responsibilities. When considering a prenup, it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable Prenup Attorney in Houston, like the experts at The Renken Law Firm, to ensure that your agreement is comprehensive and tailored to your unique needs. The Importance of a Prenuptial Agreement Prenuptial agreements are not only for the wealthy or those anticipating divorce. They can be invaluable tools for protecting individual assets, managing financial expectations, and ensuring a fair resolution should the marriage end. Here’s a breakdown of what is typically included in a prenuptial agreement: 1. Property Division One of the primary purposes of a prenup is to specify how assets and debts will be divided in the event of a divorce. This includes real estate, personal property, bank accounts, and investments. The agreement can outline whether certain assets will remain separate property, and which will be considered marital property, subject to division. By clearly defining these terms, you can protect your financial interests and avoid potential disputes in the future. 2. Spousal Support Spousal support, also known as alimony, can be a contentious issue during divorce proceedings. A prenuptial agreement can specify the amount, duration, and conditions under which spousal support will be paid. This allows both parties to have a clear understanding of their financial responsibilities, reducing the risk of prolonged legal battles. 3. Division of Debts Debts incurred during a marriage can be a significant source of concern if the relationship ends. Your prenup can outline how debts will be divided, whether they are considered marital or separate, and who will be responsible for paying them. 4. Inheritance and Estate Planning A prenuptial agreement can address how inheritance and estate planning matters will be handled. It can specify whether certain assets are to be kept separate and secure the interests of children from previous relationships. 5. Business Interests If you own a business or have a stake in a company, a prenup can help protect your business interests. It can outline how the business will be managed and whether your spouse will have any ownership rights in the event of divorce. 6. Financial Responsibilities Your prenuptial agreement can include provisions detailing each spouse’s financial responsibilities during the marriage. This may cover how household expenses will be shared, savings and investment strategies, and other financial matters that will affect your day-to-day life.

Divorce is an emotionally charged, life-altering event. When a marriage reaches a point where it can no longer be sustained, the process of legally ending it can be intricate and emotionally draining. While Texas law provides for various divorce options, understanding the different types of divorce is crucial for making informed decisions. In this article, we will explore the various divorce options available in Texas, from uncontested to contested, mediation, and more. Additionally, we will highlight the invaluable role of an experienced divorce attorney like Dawn Renken from the Renken Law Firm in Houston, emphasizing how they can help make the process smoother and ensure you don’t overlook important details. 1. Uncontested Divorce An uncontested divorce is often the most straightforward option for couples who have reached an agreement on all significant aspects of their separation, such as child custody, property division, and alimony. This type of divorce is generally less time-consuming and costly than other alternatives, as it minimizes the need for court appearances and lengthy legal battles. An experienced divorce attorney like Dawn Renken can guide you through the process, ensuring all legal requirements are met. Their role is to make sure that the agreement is comprehensive and that no crucial details are overlooked, thus preventing future disputes or complications. 2. Contested Divorce Contrary to uncontested divorce, a contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot come to an agreement on one or more critical issues. These disputes often lead to court proceedings and can be lengthy and emotionally taxing. In a contested divorce, a skilled attorney becomes crucial in protecting your rights, ensuring a fair outcome, and representing your interests in court. Dawn Renken’s experience in contested divorces allows her to navigate the intricacies of Texas divorce law effectively. Her insight into the legal system can prove invaluable in resolving complex disputes and advocating for your rights. 3. Collaborative Divorce Collaborative divorce is an alternative to traditional courtroom battles. In this process, both parties work together with their attorneys to reach a mutually beneficial settlement. This approach can save time and money while preserving relationships and reducing emotional stress, especially when children are involved. An experienced attorney like Dawn Renken can help you through this process by providing legal advice and ensuring that all legal requirements are met. Their guidance can lead to a more amicable resolution, which is especially important when co-parenting in the future. 4. Mediated Divorce Mediation is another non-adversarial option for couples who wish to avoid the courtroom. In a mediated divorce, a neutral third party, often a certified mediator, helps couples negotiate and reach an agreement. This approach encourages open communication and collaboration while addressing concerns and needs of both parties. Having a divorce attorney like Dawn Renken on your side during mediation can be advantageous. Her legal expertise ensures that your rights are protected and that any agreements made align with Texas divorce laws. Additionally, her presence can provide guidance and reassurance during a potentially challenging process. 5. Default Divorce In some cases, one spouse may not participate in the divorce process or may be unreachable. In such instances, Texas law allows for a default divorce. This process typically moves forward with minimal involvement from the absent spouse, making it necessary to ensure all legal steps are correctly followed. An experienced attorney like Dawn Renken can help you navigate a default divorce to ensure that all legal requirements are met, minimizing the risk of complications down the road. Her guidance can expedite the process and provide you with the resolution you seek, even in the absence of cooperation from your spouse. 6. No-Fault Divorce Texas allows for “no-fault” divorces, which means that neither party has to prove wrongdoing or assign blame for the marriage’s dissolution. Instead, one or both parties can simply state that the marriage has become insupportable due to discord or conflict of personalities. While a no-fault divorce may seem straightforward, an experienced attorney can help ensure that this process is executed correctly and that the necessary legal documents are filed. Dawn Renken’s expertise can prevent any issues that might arise from improperly handling the paperwork. 7. Fault Divorce Although Texas recognizes no-fault divorces, some situations may warrant pursuing a fault divorce. Grounds for fault divorce in Texas can include adultery, cruelty, abandonment, or a felony conviction. This type of divorce typically requires the gathering of evidence to support the allegations of fault. Dawn Renken’s experience as a divorce attorney can be invaluable in building a strong case for a fault divorce. Her knowledge of the legal requirements and procedures ensures that your claims are well-substantiated and your interests are protected. 8. Annulment An annulment is different from a divorce, as it legally declares a marriage void or null from the beginning. Grounds for annulment in Texas include bigamy, impotence, fraud, or underage marriage. An annulment can be a complex process, and having an experienced attorney is crucial to present a convincing case before the court. Dawn Renken’s experience and legal acumen can be instrumental in successfully pursuing an annulment in Texas. Her expertise in the intricacies of the legal system can guide you through the process and ensure your interests are protected.

What Is Divorce Mediation? For couples that have come to the decision together to divorce, mediation provides an alternative method than traditional courtroom divorces. Mediation involves a neutral third party: the mediator. The mediator works to help both spouses work through divorce issues and communicate while trying to make decisions that impact their futures. Divorce mediation has become increasingly more popular because it is private, affordable, and allows both parties to have more control over the final outcome of their divorce agreement. Divorce mediation is a great option for divorcing couples where both parties are willing to put their emotions aside and work together to amicably end the marriage. Family law attorney, Dawn Renken is a licensed mediator who can provide helpful legal advice throughout your divorce case. This includes resolving disputes, creating a child custody schedule, settling on child support payments, property divisions, and much more. Why Choose to Mediate Your Divorce? Although judges often order divorcing couples to participate in mediation before going to trial, you have the option of mediating on your own—either before you file for divorce or at any time after. Mediating your divorce has a lot of advantages over litigating it (fighting it out in court). ost. Mediation is much less expensive than a trial. Settling the case. Most mediations end in settlement of all of the issues in the divorce. Confidentiality. Mediation is confidential, with no public record of what goes on in your sessions. Freedom. Mediation allows you to arrive at a resolution based on your own ideas of what is fair in your situation, rather than having a solution imposed upon you based on rigid and impersonal legal principles. Advice still available. You can go to mediation and still choose to have a lawyer give you legal advice. Control. You and your spouse—not the court—control the process. Communication. The mediation process encourages communication between you and your spouse, helping you avoid future conflicts. Successful mediation makes the rest of your divorce easier: Because you’ve done all the hard work of hammering out the details in the mediation, you can file an “uncontested” divorce. Uncontested divorces are usually less expensive and faster than litigated divorces (divorces where the couple battles in court). With an uncontested divorce, you’ll save money on attorneys’ fees and the costs of going to trial. Also, many courts fast-track uncontested cases because everything has been worked out in advance, meaning that a judge will be able to finalize your divorce faster than if you’d gone to trial. There are many reasons that make divorce mediation attractive to couples but it is not for everyone. In order to have a successfully mediated divorce, both parties must be willing to work together and compromise in a civil exchange to come to an agreement. Reaching an amicable divorce can be difficult in relationships where spouses do not share similar goals or ideas about property division, child custody, or other important aspects of their divorce. Additionally, in situations where emotions are high and discussions are strained, mediation may not be the most efficient manner to reach a divorce agreement. There are other options such as collaborative divorce, arbitration, and of course litigation for couples that mediation does not work for. Contact us today to get the answers you are looking for about divorce in Houston, TX and surrounding areas. Experienced Family Law Attorney in Houston, TX Our team proudly serves the Greater Houston area. All marriages are different, making each divorce equally unique with its own set of needs that must be addressed. Our team is dedicated to helping you and your family move forward without legal matters complicating your life. Contact our law office to explore your options for traditional marriage divorce and common law divorce, and find out how we can help you resolve any legal problems you are currently facing.

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