Practice area
Family law
I handle divorce, custody (called conservatorship in Texas), child support and property division. In an agreed divorce, the written settlement is what matters most; in a contested case, organized evidence and a clear plan carry the day.
What I handle in this area
- 01Agreed divorce and settlement agreements
- 02Contested divorce
- 03Conservatorship, possession and access
- 04Child support and modifications
- 05Division of community property and debts
- 06Protective orders
What are the basic requirements for a Texas divorce?
One spouse must have lived in Texas for the preceding six months and in the county where the case is filed for the preceding 90 days (Tex. Fam. Code § 6.301). The court generally cannot grant the divorce until 60 days have passed since the petition was filed (Tex. Fam. Code § 6.702).
Every term in a divorce decree is an obligation that will be enforced later. Spelling out payment amounts, due dates and the possession schedule for the children reduces the risk of future disputes.
How is property divided?
Texas is a community property state. Property acquired during the marriage is presumed to be community property, and the court divides the community estate in a manner it considers just and right (Tex. Fam. Code § 7.001). That is not always an even split.
Separate property, such as property owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance, is not divided, but it must be proven by clear and convincing evidence. At the first meeting we list the records we will need for this part of the case.
Related calculators
Related legal guides
Agreed and contested divorce in TexasHow an agreed divorce differs from a contested one in Texas: residency rules, the 60-day waiting period, the decree, custody, and property division.- How civil appeals work in Texas and the deadlinesWhat an appeal is, which Texas court hears it, the 30-day notice of appeal deadline, and when a case can go on to the Supreme Court of Texas.
- How a lawsuit starts, court costs, and the main stagesHow a civil lawsuit is filed in Texas: the petition, filing and service costs, which court hears the case, the answer deadline, and the stages that follow.
Appointments
You can schedule an appointment to talk about your family law matter. Bringing the documents above to the first meeting makes the review easier.