Divorce Attorney in Humble, Texas

Navigating the complexities of a divorce can feel overwhelming—no matter how far along you are in the process. During this trying time, it’s important to know that you are not alone, and that you have options. With the right kind of guidance, you can move forward from this moment with confidence. Our firm is here to provide support, answer your questions, and advocate for your rights every step of the way. 

At Elizabeth S. Pagel, PLLC, our team is proud to offer compassionate counsel and assertive advocacy during your divorce. Our family law attorney based in Humble, Texas, has been striving to uphold the rights of Texans for decades and she’s ready to offer you the same support. Set up a consultation today to get started. 

Divorce in Texas

Divorce is a significant life event that often comes with a range of emotions. No matter the nature of your specific situation, there are bound to be uncertainties. It’s important to equip yourself with as much knowledge as possible. 
 
In Texas, the legal process involves two main categories: contested divorce and uncontested divorce. 

Contested Divorce

In a contested divorce, spouses disagree on one or more key issues, such as the division of property, child custody, or financial support. This state of affairs typically leads to a more protracted and complex legal process, involving negotiations and, if necessary, court hearings. Contested divorces can certainly involve heated disputes. An attorney’s role in this kind of situation is to advocate fiercely for your interests, so that your voice is heard and your rights are protected throughout what could potentially be a tough process.  

Uncontested Divorce

On the other hand, an uncontested divorce occurs when spouses can reach an agreement on all relevant issues without the need for court intervention. While this process is generally quicker and less adversarial, it's crucial to ensure that the terms of the agreement are fair and legally sound. Your divorce attorney should help you navigate all required paperwork, representing your interests and creating agreements that align with Texas law. One of the benefits of an uncontested divorce is that spouses have more control over the final outcome. By reaching agreements outside of court, both parties have a say in the terms of their divorce and in their futures. 

Of course, not every situation will end up being stress-free. Working together with your soon-to-be-ex-spouse is ideal, but if that’s not possible, you will need to consider other options. 

Eligibility to File for Divorce in Texas

Before diving into the specifics of your case, it's essential to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for filing for divorce in Texas in the first place. The state requires that either you or your spouse be a resident for at least six months before filing and a resident of the county where you plan to file for at least 90 days. This residency requirement is an important factor in initiating divorce proceedings in our state. 

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Texas?

Texas is a "no-fault" divorce state, meaning that neither party needs to prove wrongdoing to obtain a divorce. The most common ground cited is "insupportability," indicating that the marriage has become insupportable due to conflict or discord, and there is no reasonable expectation of reconciliation. 

While "insupportability" is the no-fault option, there are also fault-based grounds for divorce in Texas. Some of these grounds include cruelty, adultery, conviction of a felony, abandonment, or living apart for at least three years. Understanding these grounds is crucial, as they can impact various aspects of the divorce proceedings, including property division and spousal support. A skilled attorney should be able to help you understand how to proceed in the event of a divorce with fault-based grounds.  

How Long Does a Texas Divorce Take?

The timeline for a divorce in Texas can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the level of cooperation between spouses, and court availability. There is a minimum requirement that sixty days must pass after the case is first filed before it can be finalized. The more the parties can agree on, the quicker the process will be. On average, a contested divorce may take several months to over a year.

It's important to note that rushing through the process can have long-term implications, so you’ll need to try to strike a balance between efficiency and thoroughness. 

How Can an Attorney Guide Me?

During such a difficult—or even completely overwhelming—time in your life, it’s important to obtain the guidance of a professional. If you're considering divorce, have already started the process, or have been served with papers, please reach out to us. We're here to listen, understand, and advocate for what you need. Our team brings a wealth of legal knowledge to the table, ensuring that you aren’t making decisions based solely on emotions. You’ll need a steady hand at the wheel.