Compassionate Legal Counsel Backed by Experience

The divorce process can be long and expensive. A case does not begin and end with signing divorce papers. In fact, many different factors are critical to a divorce case. Whether your divorce takes place in or out of court, you should consult an attorney.

At the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard, our team of legal professionals has over two decades of experience. We take an empathetic approach to legal counsel because we understand that divorce is highly emotional and affects the whole family. Backed by a history of success, and we are honored to serve clients in Fort Hood and the surrounding area.

Call the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard at (254) 220-4225 today.

Is Divorce Different in Texas?

The divorce process is different in every state. Speed, cost, property division, and custody all vary from state to state. That’s why it is crucial to understand how laws in your state could affect your divorce.

One of the most common concerns regarding divorce is how long it could take to settle. Every divorce case is unique, and there is no time limit for divorce cases. In Texas, divorce is not finalized for at least 60 days after filing, but it can take up to a year from filing to finalization. Your unique circumstances like income, marriage duration, and children may affect your case.

You may be familiar with the term “legal separation,” which means that, in some states, if spouses are living separately for a certain amount of time, they are not married according to the law. However, in this state, spouses are married until the divorce process is finalized.

Another factor to consider is fault. Texas is a no-fault state, which means that the court does not need a specific reason for the divorce when filing. Essentially, the court only needs to see that the marriage cannot continue under the current circumstances, whatever they may be. In this way, our courts take a more general approach to divorce proceedings.

However, they are more specific when dealing with property. There are a few states, including Texas, that recognize community property. This means that there must be a clear division of community and separate property during the divorce proceedings.

Community property is anything bought or paid for during the marriage with joint funds. For example, a car purchased during the marriage with communal funds would be community property. The court views community property as belonging to both spouses. This becomes more complicated when pensions and retirement funds are communal.

Separate property is anything you or your spouse owned or purchased before your marriage or with independent funds. Using the car as an example, if you bought the vehicle with inheritance money given exclusively to you, not your spouse, it is separate.

It is important to understand that these are very complex issues that take time to work through. In cases involving a high net worth, the divorce is more likely to be handled in court to ensure proper oversight of the division of funds. There could be elements of your divorce that are particularly complicated due to your unique circumstances. The best way to help your divorce go smoothly is to consult a qualified legal professional.

Understanding Military Marriage and Divorce Statistics

Fort Hood represents one of the largest military installations in the United States, housing thousands of service members and their families who face unique marital challenges. Military marriages experience higher divorce rates than civilian couples due to extended separations, frequent relocations, and the high-stress nature of military service. 

Research indicates that military couples divorce at approximately 3.5% annually compared to 2.3% for civilian marriages, making experienced legal representation essential for this community.

Deployment-related stress significantly impacts military relationships, with studies showing increased divorce rates during and immediately following combat deployments. Our attorneys understand these pressures and work with military families to address divorce proceedings sensitively while protecting both spouses' interests. We recognize that military divorce often involves circumstances beyond typical marital discord, requiring compassionate legal guidance throughout difficult transitions.

Career military personnel face additional complications when marriages end after decades of service, particularly regarding retirement benefit calculations and long-term financial planning. Our comprehensive approach addresses these concerns while ensuring equitable distribution of assets accumulated throughout extended military careers.

Navigating Security Clearance Implications During Divorce

Security clearance considerations add another layer of complexity to Fort Hood divorce proceedings that civilian attorneys may not fully understand. Financial difficulties, contentious divorce proceedings, and personal conduct issues can potentially jeopardize a service member's security clearance, affecting career advancement and long-term earning potential. Our attorneys work strategically to minimize negative clearance implications while protecting our clients' rights during divorce proceedings.

Debt division becomes particularly critical for service members holding security clearances, as excessive debt or financial irresponsibility can trigger clearance reviews or revocations. We ensure that divorce settlements address debt allocation fairly while protecting our military clients' professional standing and career prospects. This focused knowledge distinguishes our military divorce practice from general family law representation.

Foreign marriages present additional security clearance concerns that require careful handling during divorce proceedings. Our attorneys understand the reporting requirements and potential complications associated with international marriages and work to address these issues proactively throughout the divorce process.

Base Housing and Geographic Considerations

Fort Hood's on-base housing arrangements create unique property and custody considerations not present in civilian divorce cases. Military families living in government quarters face different property rights and relocation requirements that affect custody arrangements and financial settlements. Our attorneys understand these housing-specific issues and develop strategies that address both immediate housing needs and long-term stability for military families.

Permanent change of station (PCS) orders can significantly complicate ongoing divorce proceedings, requiring careful coordination between multiple jurisdictions and an understanding of military assignment procedures. We maintain relationships with attorneys in other military communities to ensure seamless representation when military clients receive unexpected reassignment orders during divorce proceedings.

Geographic separation between Fort Hood and other Texas population centers can create logistical challenges for court appearances and legal meetings. Our firm offers flexible scheduling and communication options to accommodate military service requirements while ensuring thorough legal representation throughout divorce proceedings.

Post-Divorce Military Benefits and Transitions

Understanding post-divorce military benefit eligibility requires knowledge that extends beyond basic family law practice. The 20/20/20 rule governing former spouse military benefits, TRICARE eligibility, and commissary privileges significantly impact divorce settlement negotiations. Our attorneys ensure that eligible military spouses understand their benefit rights and work to protect these valuable entitlements during divorce proceedings.

Remarriage implications for military benefits require careful consideration during settlement negotiations, as remarriage can terminate certain spousal benefits while preserving others. We provide comprehensive counseling regarding long-term benefit considerations to help clients make informed decisions about settlement terms and post-divorce planning.

For military divorce representation at Fort Hood, contact the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard at (254) 781-4222 or online to schedule your free consultation with attorneys who truly understand the unique challenges facing military families during divorce proceedings. 

Compassionate Counsel from Filing to the Final Decree

Divorce is not easy for families, emotionally or legally. Property division is especially difficult, and the help of an attorney is necessary to work through the complexities of your case.

Our team has helped thousands of clients with their divorces. We work with you to understand the steps in the divorce process and how your circumstance could affect your case. The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard puts our clients’ needs first.

Contact our Fort Hood legal team at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard.