Filing for divorce is never an easy decision. However, when you do not want to continue a marriage, there is no reason to remain married – Period. The good news is Texas allows for no-fault divorces. In other words, you don’t have to blame your spouse for marital misconduct. Divorce can be an emotionally draining period, and it makes sense to seek legal help and support. Thanks to Google, finding a divorce lawyer in Houston doesn’t have to be hard or complicated. In this post, we are sharing more on Texas laws related to divorce and other key aspects that matter. 

What are the common grounds for divorce in Texas?

As we mentioned, Texas allows for no-fault divorces. There are also fault grounds, including abandonment, adultery, cruel treatment, incarceration (felony conviction), and confinement to a mental hospital (for at least three years). If your spouse does not want a divorce, you can still complete the procedure because the law doesn’t force someone to be in a marriage against their will. 

Is it possible to get a quick divorce?

The short answer is no. There is a 60-day “cooling off” period in Texas, which is the minimum time you have to wait after initiating the procedure. Contested divorces, in general, take much longer because separating spouses cannot agree on marital matters like child support, distribution of debts and assets, and alimony. Each divorce is unique in many ways. 

What about residency requirements?

One of the spouses must have lived in Texas for at least six months continuously before initiating the divorce. Also, one of the spouses must be a resident for 90 days (at the least) of the concerned county where the divorce is filed. 

Should you hire an attorney?

Yes, absolutely. Working with an experienced divorce lawyer can benefit your case in many ways. They can help negotiate key matters with your spouse and take the necessary steps to protect your rights. Your attorney is also in charge of checking and reviewing all paperwork before you sign. Divorce could be a lot more paperwork than you think, and it makes sense to have an attorney on your side. In Texas, the same lawyer cannot work for both spouses. 

Texas is a community property state, but that doesn’t always mean that the court will divide properties equally. Income disparity and other factors like fault grounds can be considered for dividing assets and debts.