Let Bailey & Galyen Be Your Trusted Divorce Lawyers
You’ve tried to work things out with your spouse, but your differences are just too great. You may or may not have amicable relations, but it’s clear that you need to go your separate ways. In most instances, that’s a lot more complicated than it sounds. To ensure that your rights are fully protected, you want an experienced and knowledgeable attorney, someone who can help you:
- Iron out a custody and visitation agreement that promotes the best interests of your children, but that also affords you a meaningful role in their growth and development
- Ensure that your child support order is fair, considering all forms of income and assets, as well as any special expenses related to the child
- Determine whether alimony or spousal maintenance is necessary and, if so, what that should look like
- Divide marital debts and assets under the Texas community property laws
The Fort Worth divorce attorneys at Bailey & Galyen can help.
At Bailey & Galyen, we have provided comprehensive divorce counsel to men and women in Fort Worth and across Texas for more than 40 years. We have a detailed understanding of the laws and procedures governing divorce in the Lone Star State and can quickly and accurately evaluate your unique situation, determine your rights and get you headed in the right direction. The hallmarks of our practice have always been hard work and a commitment to unparalleled client service and satisfaction. We understand the importance of effective communication and strive to be available when you need questions answered.
We offer a free initial consultation to anyone contemplating or planning on filing for divorce. To set up an appointment with a compassionate and knowledgeable Fort Worth divorce lawyer, contact Bailey & Galyen online or call our offices at 844-402-2992.
What Is the Purpose of Divorce in Texas?
In Texas, as in other states, a divorce is a comprehensive legal proceeding whereby the court legally ends a marriage, typically resolving issues related to:
- Child custody and visitation, known in Texas as “managing conservatorship” and “access/possession”
- The necessity for and potential amount of any child support
- The need, by either spouse, for alimony or spousal support (and a determination of how much will be paid and for how long)
- How the marital debts and assets will be distributed under the state’s community property laws
How Long Does It Take to Finalize a Divorce in Texas?
That depends—the duration of divorce proceedings will be impacted by a variety of factors, including the extent to which one or both of the parties seeks to contest any of the issues involved, such as custody or visitation, child or spousal support, or property division. Under Texas law, a divorce may not be finalized for at least 60 days, once the divorce complaint has been filed. If the divorce is essentially uncontested, it may be completed within three to four months. When there are fundamental disagreements, though, a divorce can take months or years to be resolved, based on the complexity of issues involved.
What Is the Difference Between No-Fault vs. At-Fault Divorce in Texas?
In Texas, like every other state, a party may file for divorce without stating specific grounds, simply by alleging that the parties have irreconcilable differences. Such a filing is known as a “no-fault” divorce. A spouse may also be entitled to a “no-fault” divorce if he or she has lived apart for the other spouse for at least three years.
If a spouse can show, however, that the other party “caused” or was “at fault” for the divorce, he or she may be able to get a larger property settlement.
Be advised, though, that a “no-fault” divorce is not the same thing as an “uncontested” divorce. An uncontested divorce simply means that the party upon whom the divorce complaint is served chooses not to challenge any of the allegations in the complaint. An uncontested divorce may still include allegations of fault.
Under What Grounds May a Person File for Divorce in Fort Worth?
An “at-fault” divorce complaint in Texas may state a range of factors as the cause of the marital breakdown:
- Adultery or marital indiscretion by the other spouse
- Mental or physical cruelty that makes cohabitation unbearable
- Imprisonment for at least one year on a felony conviction
- Confinement in a psychiatric hospital or facility for at least three years
- Abandonment by the other spouse for 12 months or longer
How Soon Can a Person Remarry in Fort Worth after a Divorce is Granted?
Under Texas law, a person may not get remarried until the 31st day after the court signs his or her divorce decree. A judge has the discretion, however, to waive the waiting period.
What Are the Legal Requirements to Qualify to File a Divorce in Texas
To be eligible to file a divorce complaint in Texas, you must have resided in the state for a minimum of six months prior to the filing of your petition. Furthermore, you must have been a resident of the county where you file for at least 90 days before the date of filing.
Do I Really Need to Hire a Lawyer for My Divorce Case in Fort Worth?
You may be tempted to handle all matters on your own, saving money in the process. That would be a mistake. The divorce process is complex and potentially confusing. Furthermore, even in an amicable breakup, a divorce can stir up powerful emotions, compromising your ability to make rational decisions.
Your attorney will know what you need to file and when you need to file it, so you don’t miss critical deadlines. Your lawyer can anticipate the tactics and strategies of opposing counsel and help fully protect your rights. An attorney can also review any child support or property settlement order to confirm accuracy and compliance with Texas laws.
How Can I Choose the Right Fort Worth Divorce Attorney
In any legal matter, including a divorce proceeding, there’s generally nothing more important than experience. You want an attorney who has handled cases just like yours, who has successfully helped others get the outcome they want. At Bailey & Galyen, we’ve consistently obtained positive results for our divorce clients for more than 40 years.
Need Help with Your Divorce? Schedule a Free Initial Consultation
At the law offices of Bailey and Galyen, with offices across the Lone Star State, we are committed to helping you get the outcome you want. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can schedule an appointment in the evening or on the weekend, if necessary, and can travel to meet with you.
To set up a consultation to discuss your concerns about a divorce, call our offices at 1-844-402-2992 or contact us by e-mail.
