Bedford Divorce Lawyer 

Thorough & Compassionate Legal Counsel

Divorce can be complicated. Let our knowledgeable family law attorneys at Holland McGill Law guide you through this process, taking the time to explain the divorce process so you fully understand each step and know what is coming. 

Call our family law firm at (817) 934-5922or fill out our online contact form today to find out more about how our Bedford divorce lawyers can assist you.

Filing for Divorce in Texas

Texas allows spouses to file for a "no-fault" divorce. This means both spouses recognize that their relationship has gotten to the point where it can no longer be fixed. 

Texas also allows for a fault divorce, meaning one spouse was the main reason breakdown of the marriage. Fault divorce grounds include adultery, abuse, or abandonment. 

Fault divorce does not require a separate procedure; the "fault" most likely will come into play when the property is being divided.

The Steps of Filing for Divorce in Texas

• Before filing for divorce, one of the spouses must have continuously lived in Texas for at least 6 months and continuously lived in the county where the divorce is being filed for at least 90 days. 
• The next step in the divorce process is for the other spouse to file an "answer" and either acknowledge or take issue with the original divorce claim. 
  • The "answer" must typically be filed within 20 business days of the initial filing. 
  • During this time period, however, the court may issue temporary orders for child custody and support for spouses and children.
• The next phase is a discussion and discovery period for the spouses to agree on property division, confirmation of separate property, and provisions relating to any children. 
  • If this cannot be done, the spouses will likely go to mediation either by agreement or by court order. 

Who Has to Leave the House in a Divorce in Texas?

In Texas, neither spouse can force the other to leave the marital home without a court order unless there is a domestic violence component. The spouses must decide together what to do with the house, such as selling or keeping it. 

Divorce Mediation in Texas

The goal of divorce mediation is to attempt to resolve these issues before the matter must go to a trial in Bedford, TX. Cases that settle at mediation can save both spouses thousands of dollars by avoiding a final trial.

If mediation fails, and the spouses are unable to come to an agreement, the divorce will then move onward to an evidence and argument-based trial. Having an experienced Bedford attorney at this stage is crucial, as court hearings demand knowledge of court-specific rules of argument, evidence, and conduct.

Our experienced Bedford family law attorneys will be able to provide the necessary legal knowledge, insight, and guidance for spouses going through a divorce.

Additional Issues Pertaining to Divorce in Bedford, Texas

Any individual who has personally experienced divorce or knows someone who has knows that the dissolution of a marriage is never as simple as just ending the marriage. There is much more to divorce than what the spouses themselves even consider. A family law attorney knows the always evolving law, the pertinent case law, and has the experience to target issues and deal with them appropriately. Our experienced lawyers are the key to protecting your interests.

Spousal Support in Texas

In Texas, some spouses may be able to get temporary spousal maintenance while the divorce is pending. This is because income during marriage is community property. The higher-earning spouse may have to pay the lower-earning spouse some spousal support. In most cases, the court seeks to equalize income between the parties while the case is pending.

Alimony

Post-divorce alimony or court-ordered spousal support are much more difficult to get in Texas. There are a multitude of factors that a court may consider to determine if a spouse should receive spousal support. Before a court can even consider spousal support, the parties must have been married for at least 10 years.

Post-divorce alimony is money that is paid to a former spouse as a result of an agreement between the spouses. Alimony is enforced under contract law principles. Alimony is also relatively uncommon, but there are cases where one spouse may agree to pay alimony for a limited time.

Our divorce lawyers in Bedford have the knowledge to assist you with determining the likelihood of receiving post-divorce spousal support.

Property Division in Texas

Texas courts must divide community property in a just and right manner. Property possessed by either spouse during the marriage is presumed to be community property. Some spouses are concerned that their spouse will take everything. Rest assured this scenario is very uncommon in Texas. An experienced divorce attorney will help you understand the likely outcome of your property division case. It helps to have a divorce attorney on your side who is compassionate and understands your needs as a client.

What Is Uncontested Divorce and What Are the Benefits of It?

An uncontested divorce is a type of divorce where both spouses agree on all major issues, including the division of assets, child custody, child support, and spousal maintenance. This agreement eliminates the need for a lengthy and costly court battle. Instead, the process is streamlined, as the court's role is primarily to approve the agreement reached by the parties.

One of the primary benefits of an uncontested divorce is that it can be significantly faster than a contested divorce. Since both parties are in agreement, the process typically moves through the court system more quickly, allowing both individuals to begin their new lives sooner. This efficiency can also translate into cost savings. Without the need for extensive litigation, legal fees and other associated costs are often much lower.

An uncontested divorce also tends to be less emotionally taxing. Divorce is inherently stressful, but by working together to reach a mutual agreement, the emotional toll on both parties, as well as any children involved, can be minimized. This cooperative approach can lead to better post-divorce relationships, which is especially important when children are involved.

Additionally, an uncontested divorce provides the parties with more control over the outcome. Instead of leaving important decisions in the hands of a judge, the spouses can tailor their agreement to better suit their unique needs and circumstances.

While an uncontested divorce offers many advantages, it is still crucial to seek legal guidance to ensure that the agreement is fair and legally sound. Our experienced Bedford divorce lawyers can help you navigate the process and protect your rights, ensuring a smooth transition to the next chapter of your life.

If you or a loved one is undergoing divorce proceedings, contact our law office today at (817) 934-5922to schedule your consultation with one of our Bedford family law attorneys.