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Pinehurst, TX Divorce Attorneys

Pinehurst, TX Divorce Attorneys

Your Goals, Our Mission. Build a Brighter Future Together With De Ford Law Firm’s Award-Winning Pinehurst Divorce Attorneys.

Deciding to end your marriage can feel overwhelming, with emotions running high and uncertainty clouding your next steps. We understand the stress and anxiety you may be experiencing, but you don’t have to navigate this journey on your own.

Our skilled Pinehurst divorce attorneys have guided hundreds of individuals through the complexities of divorce and the Texas family court system with confidence and clarity. Rather than telling you what we think you should do, we take the time to learn about the vision you have for your post-divorce future, to ensure that our legal strategy aligns with your goals and supports your overall well being through every step of the process.

Trust De Ford Law Firm to help you start the next chapter in the best possible position for accomplishing your dreams. Call today to book your free initial case evaluation with a member of our team!

Pinehurst Divorce Attorneys

Essential Information About the Divorce Process in Texas

It’s critical that you’re prepared for what divorce in Texas entails to avoid falling victim to common misconceptions.

  • Fault vs. No-Fault Divorce – Most couples choose to file for a no-fault divorce, as it is not required for either spouse to prove wrongdoing. However, Texas does allow for fault-based divorce on grounds such as adultery, cruelty, abandonment, or felony convictions. These types of divorces are much more intricate, though, and failure to prove the fault you are alleging could result in not being granted a divorce. Our Pinehurst divorce attorneys will help you weigh the pros and cons of both options to determine the most beneficial path forward.
  • Residency Requirements and Waiting Period – Either you or your spouse must be residents of Texas and have lived there for at least six months prior to filing for divorce, as well as in the county where you plan to file for at least 90 days. Furthermore, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized, but many couples are able to work through their issues during that time to finalize their divorce as quickly as possible once the waiting period has ended.
  • Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce – If you and your spouse can reach an agreement on all aspects of your divorce – such as property division, child custody, and spousal support – through alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation or collaborative divorce, you can move forward with an uncontested divorce. However, if you’re unable to reach an agreement, a contested divorce will be necessary, and the court will have to step in and make the final decisions.
  • Community Property Division vs. Separate Property – In Texas, a couple’s marital assets and debts are subject to a ”just and right division”, which often results in a fairly even or 50/50 split, upon divorce under community property laws, but each spouse’s separate property is not. Determining which assets are marital property and which are separate property can be a complex procedure, so it’s in your best interests to have our Pinehurst divorce attorneys there to ensure your property is divided according to Texas law and your separate property is protected.
  • Conservatorship, Possession, and Access – In Texas, custody is referred to as conservatorship. There are two primary types: joint managing conservatorship, where both parents share decision-making authority, and sole managing conservatorship, where one parent has the exclusive right to make those decisions. Possession and access refer to the visitation schedule for the non-custodial parent. Our dedicated Pinehurst divorce attorneys will work to protect your parental rights and help you pursue a custody arrangement that prioritizes your children’s best interests.

Resolving Key Divorce Issues in Pinehurst, TX

There are two basic ways to resolve a divorce – in court or out of court (though some may require a combination of both). Mediation is commonly the path couples choose to work through their issues in order to avoid court intervention; it involves working with a neutral third-party mediator to reach mutually-beneficial agreements regarding things like property division, custody, child support, and more. It is typically faster and much more cost-effective than having to resolve things in court,

A common misconception about mediation is that it’s only for couples who are still friendly with each other or ended things on good terms – this simply isn’t true. You do not have to like your spouse or even have a good relationship with them to take advantage of the benefits of mediation; you must simply commit to cooperation and be willing to actively work toward a resolution.

That being said, there are situations where court intervention becomes necessary or more appropriate. For instance, in cases involving past abuse or violence, litigation is often the safest and most effective course of action. Similarly, if mediation is attempted but fails to yield an agreement, pursuing litigation may be required.

Our skilled Pinehurst divorce attorneys have considerable experience in all manner of divorce, from the highest level of conflict to the lowest, so you can trust that your future is in the best possible hands.

How Our Pinehurst Divorce Attorneys Can Have An Impact On Your Experience

Divorce in Texas is a highly complex process, and there is a lot of potential to make mistakes which are difficult to correct down the road – it’s best to hire a team that has the experience and strategic knowledge to get it right the first time! Our Pinehurst divorce attorneys are here to support you and put you in the best possible position to achieve the outcome you’re seeking. Reach out to De Ford Law Firm today to book your free initial case evaluation with a member of our team and take the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce In Pinehurst, TX

Will I have to pay child support after divorce?

Typically, the non-custodial parent pays child support. Even in cases of 50/50 possession and access, child support amounts will be determined based on each parent’s income, so the higher earning parent will often be required to pay some child support.

Can I get sole custody of my child?

Sole custody is rare in Texas, as the courts generally believe a joint custody arrangement is in the best interests of children. However, if there is a serious concern for the child’s safety or stability, sole custody would be a much more likely outcome. Our Pinehurst divorce attorneys will always fight to protect a child’s wellbeing and will advocate on your behalf to a judge, if necessary.

Is there any advantage to being the first to file?

No. Texas courts do not take into account who filed first when deciding on any divorce issues, so there is no significant advantage. However, in cases where there is domestic violence or one spouse has substance abuse or mental health issues that may impact the children, getting your version of the story out first may be beneficial to you in the long run.