Each divorce case will come with its own set of unique circumstances making it important to take your time when choosing a divorce attorney for your case. At Renken Law Firm, our Houston divorce lawyers work with you through a wide range of issues including child custody, spousal support, property division, and much more.
How to File for Divorce in Texas
Eligibility
Before you go any further, you’ll want to make sure that you are eligible to file for divorce in Texas or if, for some reason, there is another state you should be filing in. To be eligible to file for divorce in Texas, at least one of the spouses must have been a continuous resident of the state for at least six months. Additionally, you’ll have to file in a specific county within the state. To be eligible to file for divorce in any county in Texas, at least one spouse must have been a resident of that county for at least 90 days.
Grounds for Divorce in Texas
Texas allows for no-fault divorces. This means that the person requesting the divorce does not have to present any evidence that the other party has done something wrong. In Texas, though, judges do consider fault when making decisions regarding property division. If you are the one filing for divorce include fault if you can. Legally recognized reasons for a fault divorce include: adultery, cruel treatment, abandonment for at least a year, incarceration for more than a year, confinement to a mental hospital for more than three years or estrangement by living apart for at least three years.
Process for a Divorce
The process for a divorce in Texas is fairly straightforward. First, one spouse files with the court and has the other spouse served with papers. The petitioner is the spouse who files with the court. The other spouse is the respondent. The petitioner has the option of getting a standard temporary restraining order, which will prevent either party from disappearing assets before the court can divide them. It also effectively requires that both parties act civilly toward each other.
From there, the respondent must file an answer. Then the court will issue rulings on matters like child custody, property and outstanding debt. After that, the spouses can engage in discovery if they believe they do not have all the facts. They can also try to settle the case at this point, either alone or with the assistance of a lawyer. If they can’t, the judge sets a trial date. The law requires mediation for both parties before the trial begins.
Once the trial is over, an attorney prepares a Final Decree of Divorce for the judge to sign. This document will contain all of the rulings that the court has made.
Why Work With Renken Law Firm?
The Texas divorce specialists working at Renken Law Firm in Houston, are experienced with helping individuals find divorce solutions that fit their unique situation. We understand each marriage and divorce case is different. This is why we work closely with our clients to ensure their specific needs are being met and they feel heard.
Working with an experienced divorce attorney can help you reach a divorce settlement that fits the specific needs of you and your family. Our divorce attorneys will represent you by being your ally and advocating for you throughout the entire divorce process.
We offer mediation services for those who are interested in working together to create a divorce agreement that serves both parties. This can be a more affordable and private option for divorce that gives the control to the divorcing parties if they are able to maintain peaceful and productive communication throughout the process.
At Renken Law Firm we focus our efforts to ensure every client we work with is able to come to a divorce settlement with their spouse that represents their needs. No matter how you file, our team of divorce specialists are here to help you. Call our office today to learn more about how our Houston divorce attorneys can help you and to schedule an initial consultation.
Experienced Family Law Attorney in Houston, TX
At Renken Law Firm, we work with our clients to help them navigate the divorce process. We understand how complicated and emotionally draining this experience can be, this is why we work with you every step of the way. 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.
Renken Law Firm, PLLC
11500 Northwest Fwy #586
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 956-6767
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