Divorce proceedings in Hay County, Texas, can prove daunting without professional legal guidance to protect your interests and secure your future. When facing the complexities of family law matters, partnering with an experienced Hays County divorce attorney, you gain the experience, knowledge, and advocacy needed to navigate complex family law issues and pursue the best possible results.

The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard provides free initial consultations for individuals ready to file or who have received a divorce petition, offering immediate support during this challenging time. Contact us today to learn more.

Why Hays County Chooses the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard

From San Marcos to Driftwood, our divorce lawyers have been serving Hays County families for over twenty years, successfully representing thousands of clients throughout Texas and securing favorable outcomes. Matters of divorce we handle from initial filing to post-divorce include:

• Child custody and support.
• Asset protection and investigation of hidden assets.
• Property division.
• Spousal support (alimony).
• Establishing or disestablishing paternity.

We provide personalized attention to each case, understanding that every family situation presents unique circumstances requiring tailored legal strategies. You can trust our dedicated Hays County attorney team to advocate for your interests while protecting your legal rights under Texas family law.

Texas Divorce Laws

As outlined in the Texas Family Code (Sec. 6.301), at least one spouse must have been a resident of the state for six months and a resident of the county where filing occurs for ninety days. Texas recognizes fault and no-fault grounds for divorce, with insupportability being the most common ground, meaning the marriage has become insupportable due to discord or conflict destroying the legitimate ends of the marital relationship.

Steps to Initiating Your Divorce in Hays County, Texas

Understanding the Texas divorce process helps you prepare for each phase and make informed decisions about your future. Our attorneys guide you through every step, ensuring compliance with state laws and statutes while advocating for your best interests:

• Filing or Receiving Petition: The divorce process begins with filing an Original Petition for Divorce with the district court, establishing the legal foundation for proceedings.
• Serve Your Spouse: The spouse who did not file must be formally served with notice of the divorce, protecting their constitutional right to receive information and provide a response.
• Observe the Waiting Period: Texas requires a mandatory sixty-day waiting period from the filing date before finalizing any divorce.
• Temporary Orders: Courts may issue temporary orders addressing immediate concerns such as child custody, support obligations, and property use during proceedings
• Negotiate and Settle: Parties work toward agreement on divorce terms through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law, proceeding to trial if necessary.
• Resolve Divorce Matters: All issues must be addressed and finalized, including property and asset division, child custody and support, and spousal maintenance.
• Finalize the Divorce: The court issues a Final Decree of Divorce, legally ending the marriage and establishing binding orders for both parties.

Our experienced Hays County divorce lawyer team manages each step to ensure a smooth process. We go the extra mile to minimize conflict while pursuing resolutions that protect your financial security and family relationships.

Property Division

Texas follows community property principles for dividing marital assets and debts, as established in the Texas Family Code (Chapter 7). Courts strive for a just and right division, considering factors such as each spouse's earning capacity, fault in the marriage dissolution, and custody arrangements.

Community Property

Property acquired during marriage typically constitutes community property, belonging equally to both spouses, regardless of whose name appears on titles or accounts. Courts strive to divide these assets in a manner that is fair and equitable:

• Wages and salaries from employment.
• Business interests established during marriage.
• Investment accounts and stock portfolios.
• Real property and personal property acquisitions.
• Retirement and pension plan contributions.

Courts have wide discretion when dividing community property and may allocate unequal shares depending on the circumstances. Our Hays County divorce attorneys focus on proper property characterization and valuation to safeguard your financial interests throughout the division process.

Separate Property

Separate property remains with the individual spouse and includes assets owned before marriage. Maintaining clear documentation proves essential for establishing separate property claims during divorce proceedings:

• Property owned before marriage.
• Inheritances received by one spouse.
• Gifts explicitly given to one spouse.
• Personal injury settlements, excluding lost wages.
• Property designated as separate through prenuptial agreements.

Tracking individual property through multiple transactions demands thorough financial examination and evidence. At The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard, we use strategic methods to safeguard separate property rights while guiding clients toward fair resolutions in community property matters.

Consult a Reputable Hays County Divorce Attorney in Texas

A knowledgeable Hays County divorce lawyer can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case. With strategic guidance, they protect your rights and work toward favorable resolutions in matters involving property division, custody, and support. Whether navigating an uncontested divorce or addressing the challenges of a high-asset or high-net-worth divorce, having an experienced attorney by your side is essential.

Contact The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard at 254-781-4222 or reach out online to schedule your free and confidential consultation with an experienced Hays County family attorney, as delaying legal consultation may compromise your rights and limit available options for achieving optimal outcomes in your divorce proceedings.