Houston, Texas Divorce Lawyers & Attorneys in Harris County

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Houston, Texas Divorce Lawyers Serving Harris County, Texas, and the Surrounding Areas

If you’re facing a divorce in Houston, Texas, it’s essential to have compassionate and caring legal representation. The outcomes of these cases can have a profound and lasting impact on you and your family.

At Stange Law Firm, our practice is entirely focused on divorce and domestic relations. This focus gives our attorneys the ability to effectively guide you through your case with care and compassion. Whether your divorce requires courtroom litigation or resolution through alternative dispute methods, our firm has the resources and dedicated team to support you.

From our office in Houston, Texas, located in Harris County, we serve residents of Houston and the surrounding areas, offering assistance with a wide range of domestic relations matters, including:

 

The attorneys at Stange Law Firm understand that your divorce in Houston, Texas may be one of the most emotionally challenging and difficult periods of your life. That’s why our Houston divorce lawyers are prepared to advocate on your behalf, whether your divorce is uncontested or contested. Whether your case can be resolved outside of court or proceeds to trial, the divorce attorneys at Stange Law Firm are here to help you.

You can also find out more information about Harris County, TX here:

COMMON DIVORCE QUESTIONS IN TEXAS

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Texas?

It’s important to understand that Texas allows for “no-fault divorce,” which is based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. The petitioner is not required to assign blame to the other spouse or provide evidence of any misconduct. Although at-fault evidence is not required for divorce, it can affect alimony, property division, and child support. Grounds and factors that could come into play for a divorce in Texas include:

  • Insupportability
  • Separation
  • Institutionalization
  • Cruelty
  • Adultery
  • Felony conviction
  • Abandonment
 

Residency Requirements for Divorce & Waiting Period in Houston, 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 being filed for at least 90 days prior to filing.

There is a required 60-day waiting period from the time the divorce petition is originally filed before the court can finalize the divorce. This period gives both parties time to reconsider the decision and allows for the chance of reconciliation. However, complications or contested issues such as child custody or property division may cause the process to take longer.

Name of Court and Title of Action/Parties in Houston, Texas

Divorce cases in Texas are generally filed in the District Court. The process begins with a document called the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, and the final step is the Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage, which officially ends the marriage. The person filing for divorce is known as the Petitioner, while the other spouse is the Respondent.

Legal Separation in Houston, Texas

Texas law does not recognize legal separation. However, there are options for couples to consider that can provide similar results to what you may think of when considering a legal separation. 

Temporary orders, protective orders, suits affecting the parent-child relationship, or separation agreements can accomplish many of the same objectives that people seek in a legal separation. These options serve a similar purpose by addressing visitation, financial support, and property arrangements without finalizing a divorce, or while the divorce process is still in progress.

Spousal Support and Alimony in Harris County, Texas

Texas law allows spouses to request alimony during divorce proceedings under certain conditions. In Texas courts, “spousal support” and “alimony” have varying meanings. Alimony refers to regular monthly payments from one spouse to another, while spousal support, or spousal maintenance, refers to temporary financial assistance that lasts until the receiving spouse can financially be self-supporting. The receiving spouse must meet specific eligibility requirements to be awarded spousal support.

Distribution of Property and Debt in Houston, Texas

Texas is a “community property” state, which means that the court will divide any marital property and debt in a divorce equally between the parties. Texas considers community property any property that is obtained by either party during the marriage. Separate property and debt (that was owned or acquired before marriage, or gifts, inheritances, heirlooms, monetary injury settlements, etc. acquired during marriage) is not divided as part of the divorce. 

Speaking to our divorce attorneys can help you understand your rights and options regarding property and debt division in Houston, Texas, and ensure that your rights and best interests are put at the forefront.

Child Custody in Harris County, TX

Child custody is frequently one of the most emotional and difficult aspects of any divorce case in Houston. In Texas, child custody is referred to as “conservatorship.” This means that the parents are generally considered joint managing conservators and share the right to make important decisions for their children. The children will reside primarily with the primary managing conservator (even if it is only 51% of the time), and the other parent will have visitation rights.

In some situations, only one parent obtains conservatorship of the children. This could be due to allegations against the other parent of domestic violence, substance or alcohol abuse, child abuse/neglect, or absence/abandonment. In this situation, the other parent is named the possessory conservator and is still granted parental rights, however, they will not have the final say over any decisions regarding the children. In other scenarios, a third party may receive sole conservatorship over the children.

Child Support in Houston, Texas

Texas law expects that both parents will provide financially for their children with or without a court order in place. Texas courts may order one parent to pay child support to the other parent, and this obligation begins when the judge signs the order. In some cases, a judge may also order a parent to pay child support retroactively, also referred to as “back” child support. Child support in Texas is calculated through the use of formulas and specific guidelines. Generally, the support amounts are calculated based on a percentage of the obligor’s (possessory conservator or non-custodial parent paying child support) income after deducting:

  • Social Security taxes
  • Federal income tax (based on the tax rate for a single person claiming one personal exemption and the standard deductions)
  • State income tax
  • Union dues (if being withheld)
  • Expenses for health insurance coverage for obligor’s children (if payments are being withheld)
 
Once the net income of the parent paying child support is calculated, Texas courts will then apply a percentage that is based on the number of children involved in the matter.
 

Name Change in Harris County, Texas

A spouse can request a name change during a divorce by including it in the divorce petition, waiver, or response. The name change will be included in the divorce decree in such cases. When changing a name as part of a divorce decree in Texas, the individual may only revert to the name they had immediately before the marriage. A separate court order is required if a spouse would like to change to a different name or make changes to any minor children’s names.

Contact Our Houston, Texas Divorce Attorneys Today to Schedule a Consultation in Harris County, TX

If you’re dealing with a divorce in the Houston, Texas area, our dedicated team of attorneys at our Houston divorce office is here to assist. At Stange Law Firm, we understand the importance of family and are committed to helping you rebuild your life. 

Harris County (Houston), Texas Office (346-466-4901) | 12 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1147, Houston, Texas 77046

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Helpful Information for Individuals Going Through a Divorce

You can also find out the following topics on our webpage by clicking below or looking at the menus:
Dissolution of Marriage
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Legal Separation
There are some instances where married parties are separated, but are unsure whether their marriage can be reconciled or may later need to be dissolved. We can help with a legal separation if thi...
Domestic Litigation
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Annulment
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Collaborative Law/Mediation
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontes
Paternity Law/Mediation
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Guardianships and conservatorships Law/Mediation
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a d
Surrogacy Agreements
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Name Change
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Orders of Protection
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Step-parent adoption
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Adoption
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Minor emancipation
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Grandparents' rights
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Appeals
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Child Support
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Child Custody
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Juvenile Matters
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Modifications
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Contempt
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
Military Divorce
Unfortunately, there are times when a marriage is irretrievably broken and a divorce is the only option. We can help with your uncontested, contested, simple or complex divorce case.
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Multi-State Divorce & Family Lawyers at Stange Law Firm, PC

From our webpage, you can also read articles about family law, view informational videos, seminar videos, listen to our podcast, download our mobile application, or view support calculators for MissouriIllinoisKansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Indiana, or Iowa.

If you are looking to find and hire a child custody lawyer, contact us online or by phone to schedule a consultation at any of our convenient locations.

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Prenuptial Agreements Line by Line

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Strategies For Family Law Illinois

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Strategies For Military Family Law

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