Divorce Help in Plano, TX From Attorneys Who Understand What You’re Going Through
Divorce doesn't just change a relationship—it upends daily life. If you're living in Plano and dealing with the breakdown of a marriage, you're likely juggling more than just legal paperwork. You may be worried about your kids, your home, your finances, or what life will look like after everything is said and done. These aren’t small concerns—they affect your peace of mind, your routine, and your future.
At Bailey & Galyen, our family law team works with people in Plano who need support and legal guidance during divorce. Whether you live near Oak Point Park, the Shops at Legacy, or just off Coit Road, a Plano divorce lawyer from our firm is here to listen to your concerns and help you move forward with confidence. We take the time to understand what matters most to you and build a plan that reflects your priorities.
Our firm has worked with individuals and families across Collin County for years, and we’ve seen firsthand how stressful divorce can be. Every case carries emotional weight, and every person needs something a little different to move forward. Our attorneys focus on clear communication, thoughtful legal strategies, and steady guidance throughout the process.You don’t have to go through this alone. Contact Bailey & Galyen today to schedule your free and confidential consultation with a Plano divorce lawyer who’s ready to help.
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Types of Divorces We Handle
No two marriages are alike, and the same goes for divorce. Some couples part on good terms and can sort out the details without much friction. Others deal with deeply rooted disagreements, complex assets, or high levels of conflict. At Bailey & Galyen, we work with individuals from all parts of Plano—from Legacy West to East Park Blvd—who need a legal strategy that fits their unique situation.
Uncontested Divorce
In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on key issues—property division, custody, support, and so on. These cases tend to move faster and cost less than contested divorces. Even so, they still require proper legal filings and a final order from the court. We help clients complete these steps thoroughly and avoid costly mistakes.
Contested Divorce
When spouses disagree about parenting time, finances, or who keeps what, the case becomes contested. These divorces often involve discovery, negotiation, and more court hearings. We help our clients prepare for each phase, respond to requests, and work toward solutions that reflect their long-term goals, whether through mediation or, if necessary, trial.
High-Net-Worth Divorce
Significant assets often raise the stakes in a divorce. Couples with large bank accounts, multiple homes, business ownership, or complex investments face unique legal and financial questions. Our firm works with financial professionals when needed to identify, value, and divide assets accurately and fairly.
Military Divorce
Military families face additional layers during divorce. Deployment schedules, military pensions, and TRICARE benefits come into play. Texas law and federal protections intersect in these cases, and we help ensure service members and spouses receive fair treatment throughout the process.
Same-Sex Divorce
Same-sex couples encounter many of the same divorce issues as other couples—property division, custody, and support—but may also face legal questions tied to parenting rights or property acquired jointly prior to marriage equality. We offer support that respects your family’s structure and your legal rights.
Divorces Involving Family Violence
When a spouse or child is at risk, safety comes first. We act quickly to request protective orders and to secure temporary orders that limit contact and establish safe custody arrangements. Divorce in these situations may include additional emotional and legal challenges, but our team knows how to stand firm when protection is needed.
The Divorce Process in Texas
Getting divorced in Plano doesn’t happen overnight. Texas has specific divorce laws and timelines that shape how the process works. Here's what to know.
Residency Requirements
To file for divorce in Plano, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Collin County for the last 90 days. If you meet those criteria, you can file your divorce petition in the Collin County District Clerk’s office.
Grounds for Divorce
Texas allows both no-fault and fault-based divorces. Most couples file under insupportability, meaning the marriage just isn’t working anymore. However, fault-based grounds like adultery, cruelty, or abandonment can come into play when one spouse’s conduct has significantly impacted the relationship.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce Timeline
Even if both parties agree on everything, Texas law requires a 60-day waiting period after filing before the court can finalize the divorce. Contested divorces, on the other hand, can take several months or even longer depending on the disputes and how quickly parties provide required information.
Temporary Orders
During a divorce, one spouse may need temporary orders to address who stays in the home, who pays the bills, or how parenting time is shared. These court orders provide structure and stability while the divorce is pending.
Final Decree of Divorce
At the end of the case, the court signs a Final Decree of Divorce. This document outlines all agreements or rulings on custody, support, property, and more. Once signed, it’s legally binding.
Child Custody and Support
When parents divorce, the focus often shifts to what arrangement works best for the children. Courts in Plano give significant weight to stability, routine, and the ability of each parent to support a child’s well-being. These decisions affect day-to-day life, including where the child lives, who makes decisions about their care, and how much time each parent spends with them.
Best-Interest-of-the-Child Standard
Judges in Collin County follow the best interest of the child standard. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. The court looks at each parent’s relationship with the child, their involvement in daily routines, their ability to provide a safe and consistent environment, and their willingness to support a healthy relationship with the other parent.
Joint vs. Sole Managing Conservatorship
Texas uses the term conservatorship to refer to custody. In most Plano cases, the court appoints both parents as joint managing conservators. That means they share major responsibilities, like medical decisions, school choices, and religious upbringing. If one parent has a history of abuse, neglect, or instability, the court may award sole managing conservatorship to the other parent.
Visitation Schedules
A standard possession order (SPO) outlines when a child spends time with each parent. For many families, this includes alternating weekends, weekday evenings, and extended time in the summer. Parents can agree on a different schedule if it works better for their situation, and courts usually approve those custom plans unless they believe the schedule harms the child’s interests.
Modification of Custody Orders
Life keeps moving after divorce. If one parent gets a new job or moves to another city, or if a child’s needs change, the existing custody arrangement might no longer make sense. Either parent can file a request to modify the order. The court will review whether the changed circumstance is significant enough to warrant modification of the existing arrangement. The court also will decide whether the child is likely to benefit from the proposed changes to the existing custody order.
Relocation Issues
When a parent wants to move with a child—whether to Dallas for a new job or farther away—the court looks closely at how that move will affect the child’s ties to school, friends, and the other parent. Relocation requests often lead to legal disputes, and any move that affects an existing custody or visitation order requires court approval.
Support Calculations
Child support helps cover expenses like housing, food, clothing, education, and healthcare. Texas calculates support using a percentage of the paying parent’s net monthly income, based on the number of children. Judges may adjust the amount in cases involving unusual income situations or special needs. The parent who receives support can’t waive it, because the money is considered the child’s right—not the parent’s.
Property Division in Texas
Dividing property fairly doesn’t mean a 50/50 split down the middle. Texas uses community property rules to determine who gets what.
Community Property Law
Assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally considered community property, even if only one spouse’s name is on the account or title.
Separate vs. Marital Property
Some property—like inheritances or gifts received by one spouse—may qualify as separate property and stay with that spouse. Clear documentation helps establish what’s separate.
Business Ownership Division
Businesses raise unique questions during divorce. A valuation may be required to determine the business’s worth, and courts may consider options like buyouts or shared ownership to resolve division.
Retirement Accounts and Investments
Retirement plans like 401(k)s, pensions, and IRAs are often part of divorce property settlements. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) may be used to divide these without triggering taxes or penalties.
Real Estate Considerations
Whether it’s the family home in West Plano or rental properties in nearby suburbs, real estate often becomes a sticking point. Our attorneys help resolve property disputes and ensure transfers or buyouts are handled properly.
Spousal Support and Alimony
Texas allows for spousal maintenance in limited situations. A spouse may qualify if they can’t meet their basic needs due to disability, long-term marriage, or other factors. The amount and duration depend on income, the length of the marriage, and each party’s ability to support themselves.
How We Can Help
You deserve more than just paperwork processing. Bailey & Galyen provides comprehensive legal help in Plano divorce cases, including:
- Honest legal consultation and case review
- Preparing and filing your divorce petition
- Identifying and valuing marital and separate assets
- Helping you reach fair custody and support arrangements
- Addressing questions about alimony and maintenance
- Representing you in mediation or informal settlement talks
- Advocating for you in court, if necessary
You don’t have to figure this out by yourself. Let our team support you every step of the way.
Why Our Plano Divorce Attorneys Are the Right Choice
Clients in Plano choose Bailey & Galyen for more than just our experience.
Local Knowledge of Plano and Collin County Courts
We know how things work in local courts—from judges’ preferences to filing processes—so you don’t have to.
Compassionate Counsel and Assertive Advocacy
We listen to your concerns and fight for your goals. Whether that means negotiating a parenting plan or going to court, we adapt to your needs.
Successful Track Record in Divorce Cases
Our firm has helped countless people in Plano move forward after divorce with security and confidence.
Personalized Attention and Open Communication
You’ll never feel like just another case file. We stay in touch, answer your questions, and make sure you understand what’s happening in your case.
Board-Certified and Award-Winning Representation
Our team includes board-certified family law attorneys, a recognition of skill and commitment to clients. We’ve also earned a Top 10 ranking from the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys. We’re proud of our work and the accolades we’ve received. However, our true measure of success is the trust our clients place in us.
Plano Divorce FAQs
The shortest possible timeline is 60 days from the filing date. However, contested cases may take several months or longer, depending on the complexity of the issues and the court’s schedule.
Not always. Many divorces settle out of court through negotiation or mediation. If you and your spouse can't agree, though, you may need a court hearing or trial.
Fault can impact property division or spousal support. For example, if a spouse committed adultery or was abusive, the court might award the other party a greater share of marital assets.
Courts look at the child's best interest, considering each parent's involvement, ability to provide a stable environment, and relationship with the child, among other factors.
Yes. If circumstances change significantly—such as a job move or changes in income—you can ask the court to modify custody, visitation, or support orders.
Contact Our Plano Divorce Lawyers Today
When your marriage ends, the next chapter doesn’t have to feel uncertain. At Bailey & Galyen, we help you take control of the divorce process while protecting your future and your peace of mind.
Call (972) 449-1190 now for your confidential consultation with a Plano divorce lawyer. Ask about our flexible fee arrangements and payment options. Let’s talk about where you are, what you want, and how we can help you get there—with dignity, clarity, and strength.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law
660 N. Central Expy., Ste 290
Plano, TX 75074
Phone: (972) 449-1190
Fax: 972-398-2610