Texas Family Law Attorneys

Divorce Attorney

Divorce is a legal process that formally ends a marriage, allowing both parties to move forward independently and resolve their marital obligations. This process often involves addressing complex issues such as property division, spousal support, child custody, and visitation rights. In Texas, the divorce process is governed by specific laws that outline the necessary procedures and requirements. Navigating these complexities requires the expertise of a seasoned divorce lawyer who understands the intricacies of family law.

Why Choose Our Divorce Lawyers?

At Garza & Landers, PLLC, our divorce attorneys bring decades of experience, offering comprehensive and strategic legal support tailored to your unique situation. We are here to guide you through every step of the process.

Our law firm is led by Lisa G. Garza and Lynda Landers, who have established themselves as experienced, compassionate attorneys in the Texas area. With deep expertise in Texas family law, they are dedicated to helping clients navigate through challenging and life-changing times.

Testimonials

★★★★★

“Lynda has now modified my divorce decree twice. I had no idea what to do when my kids Dads substance abuse continued to spiral out of control. She made sure he had supervised visitation and was monitored. My children’s well being was her number one priority! I am very grateful for all her hard work and treating me like a family member not just a client . You are her friend for life ! She gives discounts for repeats customers which I like and appreciate no other attorney I know does this.”

– Kim M 

★★★★★

“We will never look to anyone else except Lisa.”

This is the smallest and most innocent WOLF I have ever met. She takes charge, learns the case quick, and is understanding to needs. Always quick to return your phone call and keep you up to speed on current events with the case. Did I mention she’s a wolf? Yeah wait until you see this lady in court. She is the best decision my wife and I ever could have made and we only hope she can continue to change others lives for the better. We will never look to anyone else except Lisa now. Loyal, trustworthy, and hunting for the best options in the case, she’s the wolf you don’t mind hanging out with!!!

-John

Legal Requirements for Divorce.

To qualify for a Texas divorce, at least one spouse must have resided in Texas for a minimum of six months before filing. Additionally, one spouse must have lived in the county where the divorce is being filed for at least 90 days.

Is Texas a No-Fault Divorce State?

Yes, Texas is a no-fault divorce state. This means that spouses can seek a divorce without needing to prove that one party was at fault for the breakdown of the marriage. The no-fault option, where the marriage is deemed insupportable, allows for a smoother and less contentious divorce process by eliminating the need to assign blame.

Contested and Uncontested Divorce in Texas.

A Texas divorce can be either contested or uncontested. In a contested divorce, the spouses disagree on one or more issues, requiring the court to resolve any outstanding matters on their behalf.

Contested divorces typically take longer and are more expensive than uncontested divorces. They involve more time in court and can be mentally and emotionally taxing for those involved.

In an uncontested Texas divorce, the spouses agree on all major issues, including child custody and support, spousal support, and the division of property and debts. This type of divorce allows the spouses to reach a mutually acceptable resolution without the need for court intervention.

Uncontested divorces are ideal for spouses who can communicate openly. However, they may not be practical in situations where there is an imbalance of power or a history of spousal abuse.

What Are The Grounds for Divorce in Texas?

Lawful grounds for divorce in Texas include:

• No-Fault – if the decision to divorce is mutual, then you can file for a no-fault divorce
• Infidelity – should a spouse commit adultery, you may file for divorce on these grounds.
• Living Apart – If spouses have lived apart for over three consecutive years, you can file for divorce based on these grounds.
• Abandonment – when a spouse leaves to abandon their spouse, and they have remained gone for more than one year, you can file for divorce under abandonment grounds in Texas.
• Felony Conviction – If, during the marriage, your spouse is convicted of a felony or has been imprisoned for more than one year, you may file for divorce.
• Cruelty – a court may consider granting a divorce on cruelty grounds if they find that one spouse has made cohabitation impossible due to physical or verbal abuse.
• Prolonged Confinement in a Mental Hospital – confinement of at least three years in a mental institution is considered grounds for divorce.

What Is the Divorce Process in Texas?

Understanding the divorce process in Texas is crucial for anyone considering or going through this life-altering event. The process involves the following steps:

• Filing for Divorce: The process begins with one spouse filing a petition for divorce in the county where either spouse resides. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through preparing and submitting the necessary documents.
• Temporary Orders: In some cases, temporary orders may be issued to address pressing issues such as child custody, support, and the use of shared property during the divorce proceedings.
• Discovery: This phase involves exchanging information between spouses, including financial documents, to facilitate a fair division of assets and liabilities.
• Negotiation and Mediation: Many divorces can be resolved amicably through negotiation or mediation, allowing the parties to reach mutually agreeable terms without needing a lengthy court battle.
• Court Proceedings: If an agreement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to court. Our skilled attorneys will advocate on your behalf, presenting a compelling case to secure a favorable outcome.
• Final Decree: Once all issues are resolved, a final divorce decree is issued, officially ending the marriage and detailing the agreed-upon terms.

How Long Does a Divorce in Take?

The duration of a divorce in Texas can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the level of cooperation between the parties. Texas generally has a mandatory waiting period of 60 days from the date the divorce petition is filed before a divorce can be finalized. However, many divorces take longer, especially if there are disputes over property division, child custody, child support, or other significant matters.