Texas Divorce and Personal Injury Lawyers
Kingwood | Sugar Land | Houston
Divorce
The divorce process in Texas begins with one of the two sides filing a petition for divorce. After the other side responds, the family law judge will hold a hearing to issue temporary orders for child custody, child visitation, spousal support and, if one side wants the other to pay his or her legal expenses, interim attorney's fees. Our lawyers will also seek a restraining order to protect the community estate while the divorce case is pending. More information about divorce.
Child Custody
Child custody in Texas is often decided by the temporary orders that award custody while the divorce case is pending. While these orders are temporary, they often last for six months to a year. Once a child custody arrangement becomes the status quo, it can be very hard to convince a Texas court to reverse it later. More information about child custody.
Child Support
Child support in Texas is determined by charts and formulas that determine how much support you must pay (or are entitled to receive) based on the payer's net income. However, the judge can order higher child support based on factors such as the child's needs or the amount of separate property the payer has. More information about child support.
Spousal Support
In Texas, family law courts may order both temporary and long-term spousal support alimony when there is a disparity in earnings between the husband and the wife. Long-term alimony is usually limited to three years and is only awarded in long-term marriages (those lasting 10 years or longer). More information about spousal support.
Division of Property
Texas is a community property state. This means that all property accumulated during the marriage, with the exception of gifts and inheritances, is community property and must be divided. However, that doesn't mean it will be divided equally. More information about community property division.
Mediation
Mediation is a process whereby a third party will help the two parties in a divorce reach an agreement. If you and your spouse are ready for mediation, the process will give you an opportunity to settle your divorce without going to court. Mediation is not binding on either party. This means that if you don't get what you want out of mediation, you still have the option of going to court. More information about mediation.
Modifications and Enforcement
Texas courts have continuing jurisdiction over child custody, child support and spousal support orders after a divorce, and have a right to modify or enforce these orders. Our lawyers often represent clients who want to enforce custody or support orders, as well as clients who need to modify these orders due to a change in circumstances. More information about modifications and enforcement.
Child Relocation
After divorce, there are few issues where the wishes of the two parties are more diametrically opposed than in a relocation of a child. For a mom who has custody of a child, relocation can offer opportunities for career growth or increased support from family members who live out of state. For a divorced father who has visitation rights, the same event is a nightmare that threatens to cut him off from his child. More information about child relocation.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements do not have to be fair. However, they do have to be in writing. The side giving up property rights must be represented by his or her own lawyer, and the agreement cannot be sprung on the other side at the last minute or signed under duress. The person who wants the agreement must make a complete disclosure of assets and not create an agreement that is unconscionable. More information about prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Discuss your case with an aggressive Texas attorney
Contact an attorney at Martin & Lilly. For your convenience, we have offices in Kingwood, Sugar Land and Houston. Our initial consultation fee is waived in personal injury cases and under appropriate circumstances in divorce cases.
