No one anticipates a divorce when they first say “I do,” but the reality is that sometimes it’s the only option that can bring relief for a couple living in constant conflict. The divorce process can bring a lot of uncertainty about the future, and there are a lot of consequential decisions that you’ll need to make, which is why having the right legal support in your corner is so crucial.

At De Ford Law Firm, our award-winning Tomball divorce attorneys help you protect your family and fight for your best interests. With 50+ years of collective practical experience, we know the Texas legal system backwards and forwards, giving you an advantage. We don’t believe in generic, “one-size-fits-all” solutions, either; you need a tailored strategy that puts you in the best position for achieving the results you’re seeking.

To learn more about what it’s like to partner with us, call today to book your free case evaluation and speak with a member of our team about your situation. We’re here for you!

Initiating The Divorce Process Successfully

Divorce is a complex legal procedure, so there are critical steps that must be followed. The first is to ensure you meet the proper residency requirements to be eligible to file. In Texas, at least one spouse must have resided here for a minimum of six months before filing, and in order to file in a specific county, one spouse must have resided there for a minimum of 90 days.

Next, you’ll need to consider whether you want to file for a no-fault divorce or a fault-based divorce. Typically, our clients choose the no-fault divorce route because they do not require either spouse to prove wrongdoing in order to be granted a divorce.

On the other hand, fault-based divorces add an additional layer of complexity to the divorce process, and if you’re not able to directly prove that your spouse’s actions (based on the specific fault grounds identified by Texas law) were the cause of the breakdown of your marriage, you may not even be granted a divorce in the end.

However, our Tomball divorce attorneys will help you thoroughly consider your options and choose the one that gives you the greatest chance at achieving the results you’re seeking.

The early stages of the divorce process are crucial, as they involve a lot of paperwork and formal legal tasks that must be handled correctly. The De Ford team will ensure that every detail is managed with precision, setting the foundation for your case to move forward efficiently.

Choosing The Right Path Forward

The level of agreement between you and your spouse will largely determine how your divorce progresses. If you and your spouse are able to reach an agreement on all the issues – including child custody and support, asset and debt division, spousal maintenance, etc. – then you can seek an uncontested divorce. In order to get on the same page, many couples choose to participate in mediation, which is an alternative method of dispute resolution that can help save a significant amount of time and money.

In mediation, you and your spouse work with a neutral third-party mediator who facilitates discussion between the two of you and guides you toward a mutually-beneficial agreement. This does not mean you and your spouse have to be friendly or even like each other – only that you cooperate and actively work toward a solution.

In the event that you aren’t able to reach an agreement or if mediation isn’t appropriate for your situation, your divorce will be considered contested, which means the court will likely have to intervene and a judge will make the final decision. Nevertheless, you can trust that our Tomball divorce attorneys will be your fierce advocate and fight hard and smart to protect your interests.

How Our Tomball Divorce Attorneys Guide You To A Brighter Future

We know this is a difficult time for your family, but we aspire to give you hope for what comes next! At De Ford Law Firm, our priority is arming you with the knowledge and insights you need to make the choices that align with the vision you have for your life. Our Tomball divorce attorneys empower you through the legal process and support you on every step of your journey. Call today to book your free case evaluation and learn more about what comes next.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce In Tomball, TX

Can I get sole custody in Texas?

Sole custody is rare in Texas, as the courts generally believe joint custody is what’s in the kids’ best interests. However, if joint custody would significantly jeopardize the kids’ safety or stability, the court is much more likely to grant sole custody to one parent. Our Tomball divorce lawyers can help craft a strategy to fight for sole custody and protect your kids’ well-being if necessary.

Is there alimony in Texas?

In Texas, there is only one type of post-divorce support, otherwise known as spousal maintenance, which is a temporary amount of money one spouse will pay to the other over a certain amount of time once the divorce is final. For a spouse to receive support, they must qualify for eligibility depending on a few scenarios, such as being the victim of family violence, having a physical or mental disability that prevents them from earning an income, and other strict guidelines.

Will I have to pay back my spouse’s student loan debt?

Because Texas is a community property state, the default procedure for dividing both assets and debts is to split everything equally (50/50). However, that does not mean you and your spouse cannot reach your own agreement regarding property division. Our team can negotiate for the most favorable solution on your behalf!