Galveston, Texas Divorce Lawyers Serving Galveston County, Texas and the Surrounding Areas
If you’re going through a divorce in Galveston, Texas, it’s important to have a supportive and empathetic legal team by your side. Divorce can have a significant and lasting effect on both you and your family. At Stange Law Firm, we focus exclusively in divorce and family law. This focused approach allows our attorneys to guide you through your case with the understanding and care you deserve. Whether your divorce requires litigation or alternative dispute resolution, we have the knowledge and resources to support you every step of the way.
From our nearby office serving residents of Galveston County and the surrounding areas, we assist with a variety of family law matters, including:
- Galveston, Texas Domestic Litigation Attorneys in Galveston County: We are here to assist with your domestic relations needs in the Galveston, Texas area.
- Galveston, Texas Child Support Attorneys in Galveston County: If you’re in Galveston County and seeking information about financial support for children, visit this page for details. You can also access our Texas support calculator.
- Galveston, Texas Child Custody Lawyers in Galveston County: For those in need of parenting time representation in or around Galveston, TX, our attorneys are ready to help.
- Galveston, Texas Paternity Attorneys in Galveston County: Unmarried parents in Galveston or nearby areas can contact our attorneys for custody and paternity matters.
- Galveston, Texas Fathers’ Rights Lawyers: Fathers seeking divorce or domestic relations representation near Galveston County, Texas, can speak with our caring attorneys.
- Galveston, Texas Estate Planning Lawyers: Need help with estate planning, including wills, trusts, or probate? Our team is here to assist.
- Galveston, Texas Adoption Lawyers in Galveston County: If you’re exploring adoption options in Galveston, TX, our attorneys can guide you through the process.
- Galveston, Texas Modification Lawyers: Need assistance modifying a custody or support order? Our attorneys in Texas can provide the help you need.
- Galveston, Texas Guardianship Attorneys: For help establishing or revoking guardianship in Galveston County, you can find more information by visiting this link.
- Galveston, Texas Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreement Lawyers: These critical documents require precise drafting. Visit this page for additional details.
The divorce attorneys at Stange Law Firm understand that divorce in Galveston, Texas can be one of the most emotionally difficult times in your life. That’s why our dedicated team of divorce lawyers is ready to advocate for you, whether your divorce is uncontested or contested. Whether your case can be settled outside of court or requires a trial, the attorneys at Stange Law Firm are here to provide the support you need.
You can also find out more information about Galveston County, TX here:
- Government Website for Galveston County, Texas: Want to learn more about the government in Galveston County, TX? Click this link for additional details.
- Galveston County, Texas Court Information: To learn about the rules, procedures, and other general information on the Galveston County Court, click this link for more details.
- Galveston County Civil Courthouse: Click here for a Google Maps link with directions to the Galveston County Civil Courthouse.
- Galveston, Texas Children’s Advocacy Center: Seeking help for a child dealing with sexual or physical abuse in Galveston County, Texas? Click here for valuable resources and to locate a nearby advocacy center.
COMMON QUESTIONS FOR DIVORCE LAWYERS IN GALVESTON, TEXAS
What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Texas?
In Texas, it’s important to understand that the state allows for “no-fault divorce,” which is based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. This means the petitioner does not have to assign blame or provide evidence of misconduct. While fault is not necessary for divorce, it can still influence decisions related to alimony, property division, and child support. Grounds and factors that could be relevant in a Texas divorce include:
- Insupportability
- Separation
- Institutionalization
- Cruelty
- Adultery
- Felony conviction
- Abandonment
Residency Requirements for Divorce & Waiting Period in Galveston, Texas
To file for divorce in Texas, you must have lived in the state for at least six months and be a resident of the county where the case is filed for at least 90 days prior to filing.
There is a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the time the divorce petition is filed before the court can finalize the divorce. This waiting period provides both parties with time to reconsider their decision and allows for the possibility of reconciliation. However, complications or contested issues, such as child custody or property division, may extend the overall process.
Name of Court and Title of Action/Parties in Galveston, Texas
In Texas, divorce cases are typically filed in the District Court. The process starts with the filing of a document called the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, and it concludes with the Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage, which legally ends the marriage. The person filing for divorce is referred to as the Petitioner, while the other spouse is known as the Respondent.
Legal Separation in Galveston, Texas
Texas law does not recognize legal separation. However, there are alternatives that can achieve similar outcomes to what many consider when thinking of a legal separation.
Temporary orders, protective orders, suits affecting the parent-child relationship, or separation agreements can serve many of the same purposes. These options address matters such as visitation, financial support, and property arrangements without finalizing a divorce, or while the divorce process is still underway.
Spousal Support and Alimony in Galveston County, Texas
Texas law allows spouses to request alimony during divorce proceedings under certain conditions. In Texas, the terms “spousal support” and “alimony” have different meanings. Alimony refers to regular monthly payments from one spouse to the other, while spousal support, or spousal maintenance, refers to temporary financial assistance provided until the receiving spouse becomes self-supporting. To be eligible for spousal support, the receiving spouse must meet specific requirements set by Texas law.
Distribution of Property and Debt in Galveston, Texas
Texas is a “community property” state, meaning the court will divide marital property and debt equally between the spouses during a divorce. Community property includes anything obtained by either party during the marriage. Separate property and debt, such as assets owned or acquired before marriage, or gifts, inheritances, heirlooms, and certain monetary injury settlements obtained during marriage, are not subject to division in the divorce.
Consulting with our divorce attorneys can help you understand your rights and options regarding property and debt division in Galveston, Texas, ensuring that your rights and best interests are prioritized.
Child Custody in Galveston County, TX
Child custody is often one of the most emotional and challenging aspects of a divorce case in Galveston. In Texas, child custody is referred to as “conservatorship.” Generally, both parents are considered joint managing conservators, meaning they share the right to make important decisions for their children. The children will primarily live with the primary managing conservator (even if it is only 51% of the time), while the other parent will have visitation rights.
In some cases, only one parent may be granted conservatorship of the children, typically due to allegations of domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse or neglect, or abandonment. In these situations, the other parent becomes the possessory conservator, maintaining some parental rights but not having the final say on decisions regarding the children. In certain circumstances, a third party may be granted sole conservatorship of the children.
Child Support in Galveston, Texas
Texas law requires both parents to financially support their children, regardless of whether a court order is in place. However, Texas courts may order one parent to pay child support to the other, and this obligation begins when the judge signs the order. In some cases, a judge may also order retroactive (or “back”) child support, which requires the parent to pay support for a period prior to the order being signed.
Child support in Texas is calculated using specific formulas and guidelines. Typically, the amount is based on a percentage of the obligor’s (the non-custodial parent paying child support) income after deducting:
- Social Security taxes
- Federal income tax (calculated based on the tax rate for a single person claiming one personal exemption and standard deductions)
- State income tax
- Union dues (if applicable)
- Expenses for health insurance coverage for the children (if payments are being withheld)
Once the net income of the parent paying child support is determined, Texas courts apply a percentage based on the number of children involved in the case.
Name Change in Galveston County, Texas
A spouse can request a name change during a divorce by including it in the divorce petition, waiver, or response. If granted, the name change will be included in the divorce decree. In Texas, when changing a name as part of a divorce decree, the individual may only revert to the name they had immediately before the marriage. If a spouse wishes to change to a different name or make changes to the names of any minor children, a separate court order is required.
Contact Our Galveston, Texas Divorce Attorneys Today to Schedule a Consultation
If you’re dealing with a divorce in the Galveston, Texas area, our dedicated team of divorce attorneys in our nearby office is here to assist. At Stange Law Firm, we understand the importance of your case and are committed to helping you rebuild your life.
