Going through a divorce for the first time can produce a host of questions. As you prepare to embark on a new journey that could be complicated and emotionally draining, it’s important to gather as much information about the legal divorce process in Texas.
Sometimes the starting point is as simple as, “I filed for divorce now what do I do?” We’re here to provide you with answers to common divorce-related questions in Texas so that you can manage expectations and protect your interests throughout the process.
FAQs About the Divorce Process in Texas
Take a look at the following frequently asked questions and answers about divorce cases to find the information you need.
Question: I Filed For Divorce Now What?
After filing for divorce in the county where you and your spouse reside, your spouse will be served with papers. The papers will outline the reasons why you are pursuing divorce, the grounds for divorce, and other specific information related to your family (e.g. if you have minor children together through the marriage).
After your spouse receives this formal notification, they will have the opportunity to respond to your petition for a divorce. They will be given a set deadline to file a response that disputes the divorce, counters your claim with their own suit, or agrees to the terms of the divorce.
You will need to wait for your spouse to file their response with the court so that you can proceed with the next steps in a legal divorce.
Question: What Should I Do While Waiting For My Spouse’s Reply?
It can be tricky to know what to do, where to live, and how to co-exist with your spouse during the in-between period of serving your spouse with papers and waiting for their response.
One of the most important factors to consider is whether you feel threatened by your spouse.
- Were you a victim of domestic violence and do you need protection as part of the divorce?
- Do you believe your spouse will be provoked to anger once they are served with divorce papers?
If you believe you need a temporary restraining order (known as a protective order) for you and your children, you can request temporary protection through the court system.
However, not every divorce involves domestic violence or threats. If you are still on decent terms with your spouse and the divorce is expected to be amicable, then you may continue to live together until the divorce is finalized. You can also pursue other temporary living arrangements after serving your spouse with papers.
Question: How Long Will the Divorce Proceedings Take?
Divorces can vary greatly in length. Because every divorce is unique, your timeline will vary. Consider these factors that impact how long it will take for the divorce to be completed.
- Is your divorce contested or uncontested?
- Are you on amicable or poor terms with your spouse?
- Have you been married for a short period of time or a long period of time?
- How many assets and debts do you need to divide up?
- Is there a dispute about the marital property or does everyone support division of property?
- What’s the value of the assets and debts that will be assigned to each spouse?
- Do you have children through the marriage or no children?
– For example, an uncontested divorce between spouses that were married for a short period of time with no children, few assets to dive up, and a clear plan for who will receive access to the assets after the divorce requires a short amount of time to complete the divorce.
– However, a contested divorce between spouses who were married longer than 10 years with multiple children through the marriage and disputed assets and liabilities to divide up will require around one year to resolve.
Sometimes, the divorce could go even longer than a year if there are disputes around spousal support, child custody, child support, visitation, and other specific issues.
The key factor to consider is how intertwined your lives are. The more that needs to be untangled and resolved, the longer the divorce will take.
Question: How Can An Attorney Help with the Divorce Process?
The most important step in the legal divorce process in Texas is working with a qualified divorce lawyer. A family law attorney who specializes in divorces can help you navigate every challenge along the way and protect your interests.
Even if you are pursuing an amicable divorce with no disputes, you should work with a family attorney to ensure the proper documents are filed. This action will protect your interests later on in life.
And, if you pursuing any other type of divorce, you will need to work with an attorney to advocate on your behalf, help you formulate responses to any claims from your spouse, and present your arguments before a judge. The divorce process in Texas is complex, so it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side!
Work With Parker & Aguilar to Complete a Divorce in Texas
If you recently initiated a divorce, you probably have many specific questions you would like to ask. We answered some of the most important questions, such as “I filed for divorce now what do I do?” and we can certainly answer even more of your questions.
You can reach out to our team of expert family law attorneys for an initial consultation. You will have the opportunity to work with a divorce attorney who cares about providing you with guidance and support throughout the divorce process.
We currently support spouses in Fort Bend County, Brazoria County, Galveston County, and Matagorda County. If you live in one of these counties, contact us today to ask specific questions about your divorce or other family law matters.
You can reach our offices at 979-267-7660 (Angleton office) or 281-944-5485 (Sugar Land office) to speak with one of our helpful attorneys. We will work hard on your behalf and continue to answer questions that pop up along the way.