Divorce is something that tears many Texas families apart. If you are thinking of moving forward with ending your marriage, there are several things that you can do to prepare yourself for the process.
At the James H. Horton Law Firm, P.C., our lawyers have 80 years of combined experience helping families deal with the complications of divorce. We understand the important questions that arise when one of the spouses serves divorce papers, and we are ready to begin work on your case.
When a couple wishes to file for a divorce in Texas, they must meet the minimum residency requirement. This requirement states that at least one of the spouses must have been a resident of Texas for a continuous six-month period prior to filing for divorce. Also, one spouse must have resided for at least 90 days in the county where the divorce petition is filed.
In Texas, you will need to wait for a minimum of 60 days after filing for divorce before the divorce is finalized. Once a judge pronounces the dissolution of the marriage in open court and signs the divorce decree, the divorce will be official. In cases where the spouses do not agree on one or more terms of their divorce, the process can take six months to a year, or even longer.
Texas is indeed a community property state. Understanding what it means to be a community property state is a critical concern for couples filing for divorce in Denton and facing the division of shared assets. If a state abides by community property laws, any assets or debts accrued during the marriage are equally divided by both spouses, with a few exceptions. This differs from states that use equitable distribution to divide marital assets. Equitable distribution divides assets and debts according to what the court deems is most “equitable” rather than dividing assets and debts in half. It is crucial to seek help from a divorce lawyer in Denton when dividing these shared properties; an experienced property division lawyer can review your finances. assets, and debts and advise on how best to handle the division following local laws
Each divorce is different, and it is important to have a clear understanding of all of the options that are available to you. Some couples may benefit from divorce mediation, where you are able to discuss your issues while focusing on a solution to the situation. Other couples may wish to consider the collaborative divorce process, where attorneys can work together as a team with opposing counsel to find a conflict resolution to the case.
At our firm, we represent clients in both contested and uncontested divorces, and we can help you find the approach that is the right fit for you. You can meet directly with one of our experienced attorneys when you have your initial consultation. Should you have any questions about the divorce process in general, we can provide you with answers that are focused on your specific case. We know that a divorce is often very emotional for the parties involved. Our divorce lawyers in Denton are here for you throughout your divorce, available to help you make the important decisions about your future. If we need to take your case to court to obtain results, we are committed to working tirelessly to help you protect your future.