Divorce can be a stressful, tricky thing, regardless of what state you file in. The best way to make sure everything goes as quickly and smoothly as possible is to know what you’re getting yourself into and be prepared. Here’s a brief rundown of important things you should know about divorce in Texas.
To be eligible to file for divorce in Texas, at least one spouse must have been a legal resident of the state for at least six months and a resident of the county you file in for at least 90 days. Other than those requirements, Texas is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither spouse must prove a fault or reason for the divorce. However, any fault, or lack thereof, will be considered in court hearings.
A Texas divorce must take at least 60 days from filing to finalization, but it could take several months or even a year. During this period, Texas does not recognize “legal separation,” meaning all assets legally belong to both parties until the divorce is finalized.
If the spouses cannot agree on arrangements for how they will live during the divorce, a temporary orders hearing will be held first. This will determine details such as temporary child custody, living arrangements, and financial responsibility until the divorce is finalized.
Texas divorce proceedings can cost you, on average, $15,000 to $30,000, and this isn’t for nothing. Attorneys study for years to understand the complexities of divorce, including dividing assets and the often-difficult decision of child custody. It’s not something most people want to go through alone.
If you are currently or will soon be going through a divorce in Texas, you don’t have to do it alone, either. Contact us at Fair Family Divorce to schedule a consultation and get the legal help you deserve today.