Mesquite Divorce Lawyer

Divorce Support When You Need It Most

Divorce doesn’t always begin with shouting matches or legal threats. Sometimes, it starts with silence. You may be living under the same roof but barely speaking. Maybe you’ve tried counseling, or perhaps you’re quietly packing up your life in boxes. No matter how it starts, divorce changes everything, and the decisions you make now will shape your future.

At Bailey & Galyen, we know that divorce brings more than legal questions. It often disrupts routines, family dynamics, and financial security. Whether you're raising children in Falcon’s Lair, managing shared property in Town East Estates, or looking for a peaceful split in the Mesquite Highlands area, you need someone to step in and handle the legal work while you focus on rebuilding. A Mesquite divorce attorney from our firm can help you move forward with confidence and dignity.

Our family law team provides compassionate legal support tailored to your unique needs. We offer guidance on everything from property division to custody schedules and will stand by your side every step of the way. The first conversation is free and confidential. You don’t need to figure this out alone—let’s talk about how we can help. Contact us today to explore your options.

 

Types of Divorces We Handle

No two divorces follow the same path. Some couples work together to end their marriage respectfully and efficiently. Others deal with difficult disagreements involving children, finances, or long-term commitments. At Bailey & Galyen, we handle a broad range of divorce cases for clients throughout Mesquite and Dallas County.

Uncontested Divorce

In uncontested cases, both spouses agree on key issues—custody, property division, and support. These divorces often move quickly through court and are generally less expensive. We ensure your paperwork is properly prepared and filed, so your agreement becomes legally binding without unnecessary complications.

Contested Divorce

Contested divorces involve unresolved disputes that may require negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Whether you're concerned about dividing complex assets or securing parenting time, we advocate for your goals at every stage of the process.

High-Net-Worth Divorce

Divorces involving significant financial assets, such as real estate portfolios, closely held businesses, or large retirement accounts, demand careful legal and financial analysis. We work with financial experts to identify and protect what you’ve built, aiming for fair and sustainable outcomes.

Military Divorce

Divorces involving active-duty or retired service members have unique legal requirements, particularly regarding retirement benefits, military pensions, and time-sharing schedules. Our team has experience addressing both Texas family law and federal rules impacting service members and their spouses.

Same-Sex Divorce

Same-sex couples face the same legal processes as any other married couple, but some issues—such as parental rights , previous civil unions, or property acquired before federal marriage recognition—require extra attention. We help ensure your divorce is handled with the care and legal accuracy it deserves.

Gray Divorce

Couples divorcing later in life often face different concerns, including division of retirement savings, spousal maintenance, health insurance, and estate planning issues . We understand the impact divorce can have in your 50s, 60s, or beyond, and we work toward solutions that protect your financial and personal well-being.

Texas Divorce Process

Divorce in Texas follows a structured legal process. While some couples resolve everything quickly, others need more time and legal support to reach a final agreement. But whether you’re pursuing an uncontested divorce or preparing for litigation, the legal framework remains the same.

Residency Requirements for Filing in Mesquite

To file for divorce in Mesquite, either you or your spouse must have lived in Texas for at least six months and in Dallas County for a minimum of 90 days. If you're unsure whether you meet the requirement, our attorneys can assess your situation during an initial consultation.

Grounds for Divorce in Texas

Texas allows for both no-fault and fault-based divorces. Most people choose to file under insupportability, which means the marriage can’t continue because of discord or conflict that can’t be resolved. Fault-based grounds—such as cruelty, adultery, or abandonment—might impact property division or spousal maintenance but are less common.

Timeline for Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

Uncontested divorces, where both parties agree on key issues, typically take a few months, depending on court availability. Texas imposes a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the filing date, which applies in nearly all cases. Contested divorces, where disagreements remain, often take longer due to hearings, negotiations, or trial preparation.

Temporary Orders During Divorce

Temporary orders help maintain stability during the divorce process. A judge may issue orders regarding child custody, spousal support, or use of marital property. These orders stay in place until the divorce is finalized and can help avoid unnecessary conflict during the transition.

Final Decree of Divorce

Once all matters are resolved, either by agreement or court decision, the judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce. This legally ends the marriage and outlines each party’s rights and responsibilities moving forward, including custody arrangements, property division, and support obligations.

Child Custody Considerations

When children are involved, divorce becomes more than the end of a marriage—it reshapes your child’s day-to-day life. Texas family courts focus on protecting their well-being, and so do we.

Best-Interest-of-the-Child Standard

Texas law requires courts to base custody decisions on what serves the best interest of the child. This includes evaluating each parent’s involvement and ability to provide stability, as well as the child’s emotional and physical needs. Judges also consider any history of abuse, neglect, or drug use.

Joint vs. Sole Managing Conservatorship

Texas uses the term “managing conservatorship” instead of legal custody. Most parents are named joint managing conservators, meaning they share decision-making authority. However, one parent may still be granted the right to determine the child’s primary residence. Sole conservatorship is rare and typically applies when one parent poses a risk to the child’s well-being.

Visitation Schedules

A standard possession (visitation) order outlines the schedule for parenting time. This may include alternating weekends, holidays, and extended summer visits. Parents can create custom schedules if both agree, and the court approves the plan. Our team helps draft and review these schedules to ensure they meet your family’s needs.

Modification of Custody Orders

Life doesn’t stay the same after divorce. If a job change, remarriage, or other factor makes the current order unworkable, a parent can request modification. Courts review requests based on significant changes in circumstances and whether the update benefits the child.

Relocation Issues

Moving away from Mesquite can complicate existing custody arrangements. Texas courts typically require approval before a parent relocates with a child, especially if it affects the other parent’s access. We help evaluate whether relocation is permitted and guide clients through the legal process of requesting or contesting a move.

Property Division in Texas

Dividing property isn’t just about splitting the furniture or bank accounts—it’s about ensuring you can move forward on solid ground. Texas follows specific rules for dividing marital assets.

Community Property Laws

Texas law assumes that most property acquired during the marriage belongs equally to both spouses. This includes income, homes, cars, and other shared assets. The court divides this community property in a way that it deems fair and just, which doesn’t always mean a 50/50 split.

Separate vs. Marital Property

Assets owned before the marriage, along with inheritances or gifts received individually, usually remain separate. However, disputes can arise when separate and marital property become mixed—such as using inheritance funds for a down payment on a shared home.

Business Ownership Division

When one or both spouses own a business, dividing those interests takes careful evaluation. We work with financial experts to determine business value and develop creative solutions—such as buyouts or shared ownership—that protect your future income and keep operations stable.

Retirement Accounts and Investments

Retirement savings accumulated during the marriage are usually considered community property. That includes 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, and stock portfolios. We help divide these assets using Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) to avoid penalties and ensure proper handling.

Real Estate Considerations

Your home may be your most significant shared asset. Whether you're living in a family home near Palos Verdes or holding investment property across Mesquite, we help determine fair market value and explore options for sale, buyout, or continued co-ownership if needed.

How Our Divorce Attorneys Can Help

A strong divorce lawyer doesn’t just file paperwork—they provide clarity and structure in uncertain times. Our team at Bailey & Galyen delivers thoughtful legal support and takes proactive steps to protect your rights and future.

Legal Consultation and Case Evaluation

We begin by listening. Every case starts with a detailed consultation where we assess your goals, concerns, and the legal path ahead. You'll leave with a clear understanding of what to expect and how to prepare.

Filing Divorce Petitions and Paperwork

Legal documents must be accurate and timely. We handle all filings, from the initial petition to final orders, so you don’t miss deadlines or get caught in procedural errors.

Asset and Debt Division Negotiations

We help identify, value, and fairly divide property and debts. Whether you’re negotiating over a home in Creek Crossing or business investments, we build a strategy tailored to your financial situation.

Child Custody and Support Arrangements

We advocate for parenting plans that reflect your child’s needs and your family’s realities. From custody terms to child support calculations, we ensure nothing gets overlooked.

Spousal Maintenance/Alimony Matters

Not every divorce includes spousal maintenance, but when it does, we help establish fair terms based on income, length of the marriage, and future earning potential.

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Litigation isn’t the only path forward. We often resolve conflicts through mediation, saving time, reducing cost, and giving you more control over the outcome.

Court Representation If Litigation Becomes Necessary

When court hearings become necessary, our attorneys stand by your side. We prepare strong arguments, anticipate challenges, and protect your interests in every proceeding.

Why Choose Our Mesquite Divorce Attorneys

Every divorce is personal, but you don’t have to handle it alone. At Bailey & Galyen, we treat you with respect, honesty, and a sense of urgency.

Local Knowledge of Mesquite and Dallas County Courts

Our attorneys work daily in the Dallas County family courts and understand the nuances of local procedures, judges, and court staff. We know how to build a strong case tailored to Mesquite residents.

Compassionate Yet Assertive Representation

We listen carefully, speak plainly, and take firm action when needed. You’ll never feel left in the dark or out of the loop.

Proven Track Record in Family Law Cases

Bailey & Galyen has earned the trust of thousands of Texas families through decades of consistent, results-driven work in family law.

Personalized Approach to Each Client’s Unique Situation

Divorce isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re seeking an amicable split or need to defend your parental rights, we adjust our approach to fit your goals.

Mesquite Divorce FAQs

Contact Our Mesquite Divorce Lawyers Today

Taking the first step in your divorce may feel like the hardest part, but you don’t have to do it alone. The family law attorneys at Bailey & Galyen offer confidential consultations to discuss your rights, your options, and how we can help protect what matters most.

Whether you're in Meadowview Farms or Lawson Road Estates, our team is here to support you with clear advice, strong legal action, and personalized care every step of the way. We offer flexible consultation options and transparent fee structures to make this process easier.

Call (972) 449-1196 for your consultation and take the first step toward a more stable future.