Divorce FAQs

Is it worth getting a divorce lawyer?

You’ll remember the outcome of your divorce long after the expense of a lawyer is forgotten. In other words, don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re saving money on your divorce only to discover later your mistakes have cost you dearly. If you have no assets and no children, you could consider downloading forms and trying to get through the divorce yourself. Otherwise, hiring a lawyer makes sense.

How much is a divorce lawyer in Fort Worth TX?

Pricing for a divorce lawyer in Fort Worth varies widely, ranging from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. You will typically see new lawyers or lawyers running a high-volume, low contact practice charging less while Board-Certified Family Lawyers and practices catering to wealthy clients charging more.

What does a divorce lawyer do for you?

The best lawyer is a combination of legal knowledge and practical sense and can help you identify the key issues in your case, set priorities, assess outcomes and fight for your interests throughout your divorce.

How much is a divorce lawyer in Texas?

Pricing for a divorce lawyer in Texas varies widely, ranging from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.  You will typically see new lawyers or lawyers running a high-volume, low contact practice charging less while Board-Certified Family Lawyers and other practices catering to wealthy clients charging more.

Do I need a divorce lawyer?

If you and your spouse are in conflict over your property or your children, then you probably need a lawyer. While you always have the right to represent yourself, there are laws and procedures that may hinder your presentation and disadvantage you.

What can you not do during a divorce?

During a divorce, you should not sell or hide marital assets and limit your spending to your reasonable and necessary living expenses, business expenses and legal fees. This in not the time to make a big purchase. As for your children, you should not hide them from the other parent, disrupt their normal routine, withdraw them from school, or disparage the other parent to the kids. And a final word to the wise… do not smoke a joint or eat a gummy to reduce your stress. A failed drug test in court is a problem!

How long does a divorce take from start to finish?

Texas divorces require a 60-day waiting period prior to finalization. So, if you have an agreed divorce decree, signed by both parties, you’re good to go. Things are not always that easy, however, and some divorces can take up to several years to finalize.

What are the requirements to file for a no-fault divorce?

To file for divorce in Texas, you must have lived in the State for the preceding six-months and your county of residence for the preceding 90-days. Otherwise, either spouse may file for divorce if the marriage has become “insupportable.”

How can I get a quick divorce in Texas?

When all matters regarding division of marital assets and debts, as well as child custody issues are agreed, you may present your divorce decree for entry on the first day following expiration of the mandatory 60-day waiting period which runs from the date you filed your divorce petition.

What is the first thing to do when getting a divorce?

Consider your personal safety and the safety of your children. Think about a safe place where you and the kids can stay if you fear there will be any type of domestic violence. Also, take all important documents, including digital files, and store them in a safe place. You may also consider taking funds necessary for your basic needs from a joint account.

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Texas?

Every family law court charges a filing fee that varies slightly from county to county. Depending on the documents you are filing, such as a petition for divorce with a temporary restraining order, fees run between $300.00 and $500.00.

Does Texas have legal separation?

Because you can get a divorce in Texas with only a 60-day waiting period, Texas does not have legal separation.

What are the five stages of divorce?

Divorce is both an emotional and legal process. Good lawyers know the law but are also sensitive to the emotional impact of divorce. The end of a relationship typically flows through these stages: denial; anger; bargaining; depression and acceptance.

Are all assets split 50/50 in divorce?

The law requires assets be divided in a manner that is “fair and equitable” to both parties. Fair and equitable” doesn’t always mean 50/50 and there are factors that can lead to one spouse getting a disproportionate award of assets. For instance, such an award may occur when one spouse has less economic opportunity, is responsible for the children, or when a spouse has engaged in bad conduct such as the wasting of assets.

How do you get a divorce in Texas if you can’t find your spouse?

A divorce is a lawsuit like any other civil suit and the responding party is entitled to proper legal notice of the case. Ordinarily, such notice occurs when the responding party is personally served with court papers. If a spouse is missing, however, the court may authorize “substituted service” of the papers by leaving the papers with another occupant of the residence, issuing a citation by publication in a newspaper, or even service through social media.

What does a spouse get after divorce?

A final decree of divorce will award marital assets to each spouse, or in some instances, the decree may order a marital asset to be sold, and the proceeds divided between spouses.  If a spouse has a retirement through a federally qualified plan, the retirement will also be divided. In rare instances, a spouse may be awarded rehabilitative spousal maintenance. If child support was ordered, such payments should be withheld from the paying spouses wages beginning a few weeks after the decree and other documents are entered in court.

What questions does a judge ask during a divorce?

When both parties are represented by lawyers, judges tend to only ask questions for clarification of certain facts when the testimony is unclear. Beware, however, if you’re telling a wild story or being unruly, a divorce court judge may come at you with some sharp questions!

Does divorce always go to court?

In fact, most divorce cases don’t end in a final trial. Cases often resolve by agreement.& Collaborative divorce and mediation are both highly effective ways to resolve divorce disputes without trial.

How many years do you have to be separated to be legally divorced in Texas?

You’re either divorced or you’re not. No matter how long you’ve been separated, you are legally married to your spouse and it is important you have a divorce decree to protect your marital assets from a long-lost spouse.