Divorce Lawyer in Dallas

Dallas Divorce FAQs

What is Uncontested Divorce in Texas?

A couple can qualify for an uncontested divorce when the following criteria have been met:

1. Both parties agree on the divorce
2. Both parties agree on the terms of the divorce
3. You or your spouse must be living in Texas for at least 6 months
4. You or your spouse have lived in the county where you are filing for divorce for at least 3 months
5. You and your spouse have agreed on all issues in your divorce.

Examples of standard issues that both parties can agree on relate to things such as visitation, division of assets, child support, etc. Usually, uncontested divorce can be a much smoother process when compared to contested divorce. It can also take half the time.

What is Contested Divorce in Texas?

A contested divorce in Texas can be filed when one of the spouses does not agree to the terms or grounds of the divorce. These terms can include things like property division, child custody, or financial support.

If common ground cannot be met, a court hearing will usually be required. Contested divorces do not have to be viewed in a negative light, as they are necessary to protect your assets, children, and property. These cases are seen more commonly with parties who have amassed large financial holdings or who are facing complex family circumstances.

In a contested case in Dallas, the process often involves temporary orders, discovery, mediation, and, if needed, a trial in one of the local family courts. We help clients prepare for each stage by gathering evidence, working with professionals such as financial or parenting evaluators when appropriate, and developing a strategy that reflects what matters most to them. By approaching contested divorce in a structured way, we aim to reduce surprises and help you make informed choices about settlement versus asking a judge to decide.

How Do I Get a Quick Divorce in Texas?

If you are looking to file for and finalize your divorce in a short timeline, your fastest route will be to have an uncontested divorce, in which you and your spouse are in agreement on the separation terms and therefore do not need to have a legal battle through the divorce process.

The divorce process varies in its length, but will likely take no less than 60 days. There are rare exceptions to this 60-day minimum, such as incarceration and domestic violence. 

Do You Pay Your Wife's Divorce Lawyer in Texas?

In Texas, each party in a divorce is generally responsible for their own legal fees and court costs. However, a family law judge may sometimes order one spouse to pay all or part of their ex's attorney fees.

Courts in Dallas may look at several factors when deciding whether to shift fees, including the income and resources of each spouse, whether one party has had to go back to court repeatedly because the other refused to follow orders, and whether either side has taken unreasonable positions that drove up costs. We help clients evaluate when it may be appropriate to request fees and what documentation can support that request, such as records of nonpayment or repeated violations of court orders. Understanding how judges in our local courts tend to approach fee issues can help you plan for the financial side of your case.

How Can Our Divorce Lawyer in Dallas Help?

Our Dallas divorce attorneys provide a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Legal advice and guidance: Our lawyers explain the legalities of divorce, informing clients of their rights and obligations to help them make informed decisions.
• Paperwork and documentation: We handle all the necessary paperwork, ensuring accuracy and completeness to avoid delays.
• Negotiation: Our attorneys negotiate with the other party on matters like property division and child custody to reach an amicable agreement.
• Representation in court: If a case goes to trial, our lawyers represent you in court, presenting the most compelling case possible.
• Post-divorce modifications: Should circumstances change after divorce, we help clients in making alterations to the divorce decree, such as custody arrangements and alimony.
• Emotional support: While not therapists, our attorneys understand the emotional toll of divorce and provide empathetic support throughout the process.

Is Legal Separation Recognized in Texas?

The state of Texas does not recognize legal separation; however, many families choose to informally separate before their official divorce. Individuals must exercise caution when choosing to informally separate due to the fact that Texas is a "community property" state, meaning that any debts or assets acquired by either spouse will have to be equally split in the divorce.

What is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce in Texas?

In practice, judges in Dallas family courts are required to divide community property in a manner that is “just and right,” which may or may not be a strict 50/50 split. Factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, health, and whether there has been family violence or misuse of assets can influence the final division. We help clients understand which assets are likely to be considered community versus separate, what documentation is needed to prove those characterizations, and how to prepare for negotiations or trial so that the division reflects their contributions and future needs.

Can Terms of Your Divorce Be Modified After the Fact?

• Property division is almost always final after a divorce. However, if you discover that your ex-spouse hid assets, explore your legal options with our help. Our experienced trial lawyers are ready to tackle tough challenges for you.
• Child custody and child support may be modified as family circumstances change. You may need to petition the family law court for a modification. Talk to our Dallas family law attorneys about your goals. If enforcement becomes a challenge, we can help you pursue relief.

There are many other divorce arrangements that can be changed after the fact. These are called modifications and should be handled by an experienced divorce lawyer.

Why Choose The Branch Law Firm For Your Divorce in Dallas? 

We are led by attorney Betsy Branch, who is board certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential that reflects a deep commitment to this field. Our team regularly appears in the family courts serving Dallas, Rockwall, Collin, and Hunt counties, and we are familiar with the local rules that can catch people off guard if they are not prepared. Throughout your case, we focus on steady communication and practical advice so you are never left wondering what comes next or why a particular step is important.

Call (469) 299-5944 or email the law offices to schedule a consultation with our Texas divorce attorneys. Located in Dallas and Rockwall, we represent clients throughout Dallas County, Dallas County, Hunt County, and Collin County, TX.