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Willis, TX Divorce Attorneys

Willis, TX Divorce Attorneys

We Put Your Needs First. Let’s Move Forward Together. 

Making the decision to end your marriage can be daunting and your emotions may be overwhelming you to a point where you aren’t sure what your next steps should be. We understand the kind of stress and anxiety you’re likely feeling, but you don’t have to walk this journey alone.

Our experienced Willis divorce attorneys have helped hundreds of individuals navigate divorce and the Texas legal system with confidence. We don’t believe in imposing our own goals onto your case – we take time to learn about the goals you have for your life and family, as well as get a clear picture of the kind of life you want to live post-divorce.

Ready to talk more about your options? We’re just a phone call away. Contact De Ford Law Firm to book your free initial case evaluation today.

Willis, tx divorce lawyer

What You Need To Know About The Texas Divorce Process

There are a few unique aspects of the Texas divorce process that you should be aware of as you initiate and move through each phase.

  • Fault vs. No-Fault Divorce – Though most couples choose to file for a no-fault divorce, Texas does allow for fault-based divorce on grounds such as adultery, cruelty, abandonment, or felony conviction. Fault-based divorces are often much more complex, though, so it’s important that you weigh your options with our experienced Willis divorce attorneys to determine which course of action will be most beneficial to you in the long run.
  • Residency Requirements and Waiting Period – To file for divorce in Texas, either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months and in the county where the divorce is filed for at least 90 days. Moreover, there is a 60 day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized; many couples are able to resolve their issues during that time.
  • Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce – If you and your spouse are able to resolve all the issues in your divorce (such as property division, child custody, spousal support, etc.) on your own and without the need for court intervention, such as through alternative methods of dispute resolution like mediation or collaborative divorce, then you can proceed with an uncontested divorce. But if you are unable to reach an agreement, you’ll have to pursue a contested divorce which requires the court to intervene and make the final decision.
  • Community Property Division vs. Separate Property – Texas operates under community property laws, which means a couple’s marital assets and debts are subject to a “just and right division” upon divorce (often this results in a fairly even split). Our Willis divorce attorneys can help you ensure that your separate property is protected and that your marital property is divided in accordance with Texas law.
  • Conservatorship, Possession, and Access – Conservatorship is the term for custody in Texas. There are two main components: joint managing conservatorship, in which both parents share decision making authority, and sole managing conservatorship, in which one parent has the exclusive right to make those decisions. Possession and Access refers to the visitation schedule for the non-custodial parent. Our compassionate Willis divorce attorneys will help you protect your parental rights while you seek a custody arrangement that meets the best interests of your kids.

How Divorce Issues Are Commonly Resolved

Essentially, there are two ways a divorce can be resolved: in court or out of court (sometimes even a combination of both). A couple does not need to be friendly – or even like each other – to work together and resolve their issues outside of court. Doing so allows them to save a great deal of time and money, as well as maintain control over the outcome, so there are many benefits of choosing this path. Mediation is one of the most common methods of alternative dispute resolution which allows a couple to work with a neutral mediator to reach mutually-beneficial agreements outside of court.

That being said, it isn’t always possible or appropriate to move forward without the aid of the court. For example, in cases of prior abuse or violence, litigation would likely be the safest and most productive option. Litigation may also be necessary if you and your spouse attempt mediation first but are simply unable to reach an agreement.

No matter how your divorce progresses, you can have peace of mind with our Willis divorce attorneys on your side, as they have substantive experience in both types of divorces.

Why Choose Our Willis Divorce Attorneys

There is so much potential to make mistakes during a legal process as intricate as divorce, and with your future at stake, you can’t afford to make even one of them. Let us support you during this challenging time. Contact De Ford Law Firm to book your free initial case evaluation with a member of our team and learn more about how we can have an impact on your divorce experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce In Willis, TX

Is a mediator like a lawyer?

No, a mediator is a neutral third-party that cannot offer legal advice and has no obligation to advocate for your individual interests. However, you have a right to have an attorney present during mediation to protect your rights.

Will I get spousal support (alimony) after my divorce?

Spousal support is rare in Texas, and typically only granted in the following specific situations:

  • The other spouse committed family violence.
  • The support-seeking spouse cannot earn sufficient income for basic needs because of a physical or mental disability.
  • The couple was married for ten years or longer, and the support-seeking spouse cannot earn sufficient income for basic needs.
  • The support-seeking spouse has custody of a child of the marriage who requires special care due to a mental or physical disability, which prevents the custodial spouse from earning sufficient income for basic needs.

If you are deemed eligible and the court determines spousal maintenance is appropriate, an amount and time frame will be decided for how long the award will last.

What if I want a divorce but my spouse does not?

Because Texas offers a no-fault divorce option, your spouse does not have to consent to you initiating the divorce process. If you’re concerned that your spouse may try to retaliate against you in any way if you file for divorce, contact our Willis divorce lawyers as soon as possible.