Filing for Divorce in Texas

Divorce is a serious, life-altering event. Community property, separate property, child support, child custody—these are all complicated issues that must be resolved with care.

You already have enough on your mind. You need an experienced divorce lawyer to help guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are protected. At Garza Law Firm, we take care of the legal matters and help make sure you get everything you are entitled to from the marital estate. We have years of experience handling both simple and complicated divorce cases.

Put your divorce in our hands; call Garza Law Firm at (214) 225-4344or contact us online for a complimentary one-hour consultation. 

Common Reasons for Divorce and Challenges Faced

While every relationship is unique, there are several common reasons why spouses may seek a divorce, including infidelity, lack of communication, financial disagreements, and growing apart over time. However, the decision to end a marriage can be fraught with emotional turmoil, and navigating the divorce process presents its own set of challenges. Issues such as property division, child custody arrangements, and emotional stress can complicate an already difficult situation.

At the Garza Law Firm, LLLP, our Dallas divorce attorneys understand the complexities involved and are committed to guiding you through each stage of the process. We aim to alleviate much of the stress associated with divorce by providing personalized legal support and expert advice. Our experienced team works diligently to protect your rights and ensure that your best interests are prioritized, allowing you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

How to File for Divorce in Texas

Filing for divorce in Texas can be a complex and emotionally draining experience for many people. Fortunately, the Dallas divorce attorneys at Garza Law Firm can help alleviate the process. Our knowledgeable team of divorce lawyers will guide you through the entire process to ensure a successful resolution of your case.

Generally, the steps to file for divorce in Texas include:

1. Meet the residency requirement of six months. 
   • You or your spouse must have been living in the state of Texas for at least six months before filing for divorce.
2. File a petition for divorce. 
   • You or your spouse must file a petition for divorce with the district clerk in the county where either of you lives.
3. Serve your spouse with the petition. 
   • After filing the petition, you must formally notify your spouse by serving the petition through a legal process server or a constable. Your attorneys can help you determine the best way of completing this task.
4. Wait up to 20 days for response. 
   • Your spouse will have 20 days to respond to the petition. If they fail to respond, the court may proceed with a default judgment.
5. Negotiate a divorce settlement. 
   • A divorce settlement can be drafted if both parties are in agreement on divorce-related issues such as: 
     • Child custody
     • Visitation 
     • Property division 
     • Spousal maintenance
6. Attend your court hearings with your attorney. 
   • If you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement on the above issues, a court hearing will be scheduled. It is very important to attend all hearings and be represented by an experienced Dallas divorce lawyer.
7. Receive a Final Decree of Divorce. 
   • Once a settlement agreement is reached between the parties or the judge makes a decision after a hearing, a final decree of divorce will be issued. This will complete the divorce process

Our attorneys have a thorough understanding of how local courts operate, which helps to best protect your rights as well as those of any children that may be involved in your divorce. If you have more questions about filing for divorce in Texas, contact our Dallas divorce attorneys today.

The Most Common Divorce Mistakes

Divorce can be overwhelming, and many individuals may inadvertently make mistakes that can negatively impact their future. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make during a divorce:

• Not Seeking Legal Representation: Attempting to navigate the complexities of divorce without an attorney can lead to unclear judgments about rights, responsibilities, and legal options.
• Failing to Document Financial Assets: Not accurately accounting for all financial assets, including debts, can result in receiving less than what one is entitled to in a divorce settlement.
• Ignoring Support Obligations: Underestimating the importance of child support and spousal maintenance can lead to future financial instability.
• Making Emotional Decisions: Decisions driven by emotions rather than facts can cause detrimental long-term effects, particularly concerning child custody and visitation arrangements.
• Not Communicating Effectively: Poor communication with an ex-spouse can escalate conflicts and complicate negotiations, especially when it comes to co-parenting.
• Rushing Through the Process: Many individuals may want to finalize a divorce quickly, but rushing can lead to failures in negotiating a fair settlement or addressing important issues.

How a Dallas Divorce Attorney Can Help

Engaging a knowledgeable Dallas divorce attorney can significantly reduce the likelihood of making costly mistakes during the divorce process. Here are several ways an attorney can assist:

• Providing Legal Expertise: Divorce attorneys possess a deep understanding of Texas family law, ensuring that all filings, deadlines, and legal requirements are met accurately.
• Asset Evaluation: Experienced attorneys can help identify and evaluate all marital assets and debts, ensuring a fair distribution during property division.
• Negotiating Support Payments: They can advocate for fair child support and spousal maintenance agreements, aligning with Texas guidelines while considering your needs and situation.
• Emotional Guidance: A divorce attorney can provide emotional support and guidance, helping clients make rational decisions based on their best interests rather than emotions.
• Facilitating Communication: They can serve as a mediator, improving communication between spouses, which can lead to smoother negotiations concerning custody and other important issues.
• Ensuring a Thorough Settlement: A dedicated attorney will take the time to evaluate all aspects of the case, preventing hasty decisions that could negatively impact financial and familial relationships long-term.

By working with Dallas divorce attorneys from Garza Law Firm, individuals can navigate the complexities of divorce with peace of mind, minimizing errors and maximizing their rights during this challenging time.

Why Do You Need Our Dallas Divorce Attorneys? 

When you are going through a divorce, there are two things you need from your attorney: firm, effective negotiation skills and a measure of compassion and care. With Garza Law Firm, you can rest assured that we have both.

Michele and Marc Garza are trusted by their family law clients for the following reasons: 

• Nearly 40 years of combined legal experience, focusing on family law
• Known for an emphasis on efficiency, hard work, and strong communication with our clients
• Passionate about helping people in difficult circumstances
• A brother-sister team with personal experience with divorce

We have negotiated complex divorce cases with hundreds of thousands of dollars in property to consider, and we have helped individuals protect their families and their legacies. At the same time, we understand how difficult the process can be emotionally, and we make sure each client receives the time and attention they need. We pride ourselves on how we work with our clients, keeping them informed every step of the way.

Experience the Garza Law Firm difference. Contact our Dallas divorce attorneys by calling (214) 225-4344.