Houston, Texas Family Law Attorneys in Harris County

What Is Family Law in Houston, Texas?

Family law in Houston, Texas focuses on legal matters involving family relationships. These cases often arise during stressful and emotionally difficult times and can have long-lasting personal and financial consequences. Texas family law covers a wide range of issues, including dissolution of marriage, conservatorship and possession of children, child support, adoption, paternity, and fathers’ rights.

Because of the emotional and legal complexity of these matters, experienced legal guidance is critical. At Stange Law Firm, PC, our attorneys help individuals and families navigate Texas family law matters with care, diligence, and a strong understanding of local court procedures.

Dissolution of Marriage in Houston, Texas

Dissolution of marriage is the legal process used to end a marriage. In Texas, marriage creates a legal relationship, and ending that relationship requires filing a petition for dissolution with the court.

Texas is a no-fault dissolution state. This means the filing spouse does not need to prove wrongdoing by the other party and may allege that the marriage has become insupportable due to conflict or discord. Texas law also recognizes fault-based grounds—such as cruelty, adultery, abandonment, felony conviction, separation, or institutionalization—which may affect issues like property division or spousal maintenance.

Dissolution as Civil Litigation in Houston

Dissolution cases in Houston are handled in Harris County courts and are a form of civil litigation. As with other civil cases, parties may engage in discovery, which can include depositions, interrogatories, and subpoenas.

Many cases involve mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution, including the collaborative process. While some dissolutions resolve through negotiation, others—particularly those involving contested issues or significant assets—may proceed to trial. Effective representation requires familiarity with Texas family court rules and litigation procedures at every stage of the case.

Alimony and Spousal Support in Houston, Texas

Texas law distinguishes between contractual alimony and court-ordered spousal maintenance. Alimony generally refers to payments agreed upon by the parties, while spousal maintenance is governed by statute and may be awarded only if specific eligibility requirements are met.

Spousal maintenance is not automatic in Texas. Courts consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning ability, education, health, and efforts toward financial independence when determining whether maintenance is appropriate and in what amount.

Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements in Houston

A prenuptial agreement is a contract entered into before marriage that addresses financial matters such as property classification, asset division, and potential spousal support. A postnuptial agreement serves the same purpose but is executed after the marriage has begun.

In Texas, certain issues—such as child custody, visitation, and child support—cannot be determined in advance through these agreements. To be enforceable, the agreement must be entered into voluntarily and must not be unconscionable. Careful drafting is essential to ensure the agreement complies with Texas law.

Child Custody (Conservatorship) in Houston, Texas

In Texas, child custody is referred to as conservatorship. Courts generally favor joint managing conservatorship, meaning both parents share rights and responsibilities related to major decisions affecting the child, such as education and healthcare.

One parent is typically designated as the primary managing conservator and determines the child’s primary residence. The other parent is usually named the possessory conservator and is granted parenting time and access. Sole managing conservatorship may be awarded in certain circumstances, such as cases involving family violence, substance abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

Legal and Physical Custody in Houston

Joint managing conservatorship does not necessarily mean equal parenting time. In many cases, the child primarily resides with one parent, while the other parent exercises possession according to a court-ordered schedule.

Texas courts may also impose geographic restrictions—such as limiting the child’s residence to a specific county or school district—depending on the facts of the case and the child’s best interests.

Financial Support in Houston, Texas

Both parents are legally required to support their children. Texas courts calculate child support using statutory guidelines based on the net income of the obligor parent—the parent ordered to pay support.

Net income is determined after deducting items such as federal income taxes, Social Security taxes, union dues (if applicable), and health insurance premiums for the child. Once net income is calculated, courts apply a percentage based on the number of children involved. In some cases, courts may also order retroactive child support.

Abuse and Neglect Proceedings in Houston, Texas

Abuse and neglect proceedings involve allegations that a child has been harmed or is at risk of harm. Texas law broadly defines abuse to include physical injury, emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, and the use of controlled substances that negatively affect a child’s physical or mental well-being.

Texas law requires any person with knowledge or suspicion of child abuse or neglect to report it to the appropriate authorities. These cases are highly sensitive and may involve state agencies and family courts. Because parental rights may be at stake, abuse and neglect matters require careful legal advocacy and a thorough understanding of Texas law.