When confronting the end of your marriage, obtaining knowledgeable legal advocacy can substantially influence the resolution of your matter. The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard delivers over 20 years of experience providing high-quality legal representation for spouses navigating Texas divorce proceedings in Heidenheimer and throughout Bell County. 

Our firm has built a reputation for combining experience and aggressiveness to protect our clients' interests throughout the divorce process. We offer free initial consultations to clarify your rights and options under Texas law.

Grounds for Divorce in Texas

The Texas Family Code (Sec. 6.001) establishes the legal grounds required to obtain a divorce in our state. Understanding these grounds helps you and your attorney develop the most effective strategy for your case. Your choice of grounds can influence various aspects of your divorce, including property division and spousal maintenance determinations.

No-Fault Grounds

Insupportability represents the most common grounds for divorce in Texas. When citing insupportability, you assert that your marriage has become insupportable due to discord or conflict of personalities that destroy the legitimate ends of the marital relationship. No specific wrongdoing by either spouse needs to be proven, making it often the most straightforward path forward.

Fault Grounds

Texas law recognizes several fault-based grounds for divorce. Proving fault requires presenting evidence to support your allegations, which our experienced attorneys can help you gather and present effectively for grounds including:

• Cruelty: Willful and persistent infliction of unnecessary suffering.
• Adultery: Voluntary sexual intercourse with a person other than your spouse.
• Conviction of felony: Imprisonment for at least one year without pardon.
• Abandonment: Leaving with the intention of abandonment for at least one year.
• Living apart: Living apart without cohabitation for at least three years.
• Confinement in a mental hospital: Confinement for at least three years, with unlikely recovery.

Establishing fault grounds requires substantial evidence and skilled advocacy for your rights in negotiations and court. Our Heidenheimer divorce attorney team possesses the knowledge and resources necessary to build compelling fault-based cases. We evaluate whether pursuing fault grounds aligns with your goals and best interests.

Contested Vs. Uncontested Divorce

The classification of your divorce as contested or uncontested significantly impacts the timeline, cost, and complexity of your case. Understanding these distinctions helps you prepare for the process ahead:

• Uncontested Divorce: Both spouses agree on all major issues, including property division, child custody, and support. The process typically proceeds more quickly and costs less than contested cases.
• Contested Divorce: Spouses disagree on one or more significant issues requiring negotiation or court intervention. These cases demand skilled legal advocacy to protect your interests through potentially lengthy proceedings.

Our Heidenheimer divorce attorney team provides comprehensive representation regardless of your case's complexity. Our lawyers work assiduously to resolve disputes efficiently while ensuring your rights remain protected throughout negotiations. When agreement cannot be reached, we stand ready to advocate aggressively for your interests in court.

Texas Divorce Process

Understanding the procedural requirements of Texas divorce law helps you prepare for each stage of your case. Our attorneys guide you through every step, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements while pursuing favorable outcomes.

Filing and Residency

Texas Family Code (Sec. 6.301) requires that either you or your spouse must have been a domiciliary of Texas for at least six months and a resident of the county where you file for at least 90 days. Meeting these residency requirements establishes the court's jurisdiction over your divorce case.

Service and Waiting Period

After filing your Original Petition for Divorce, your spouse must receive proper legal notice through formal service of process. Texas law mandates a 60-day waiting period from the filing date before a divorce can be finalized, allowing time for reconciliation or negotiation.

Property Division

Texas follows community property principles, requiring just and right division of marital assets and debts. Courts consider various factors when determining property division:

• Length of the marriage.
• Each spouse's earning capacity and education.
• Contributions to the marriage.
• Fault in the breakup of the marriage.
• Future needs of each spouse.

Our firm works to ensure you receive your fair share of marital property while protecting your separate property interests. We provide strategic legal guidance throughout property valuation and division negotiations.

Spousal Maintenance

Texas law (Sec. 8) governs spousal maintenance, which requires meeting specific eligibility criteria. Courts may award maintenance when a spouse lacks sufficient property to provide for reasonable needs and meets additional statutory requirements regarding disability, marriage duration, or family violence.

Child Custody and Support

Texas courts prioritize children's best interests when determining conservatorship and possession arrangements. Child support calculations follow statutory guidelines based on the paying parent's net resources:

• Conservatorship decisions determine legal rights and duties regarding children.
• Possession schedules establish when each parent spends time with the children.
• Support obligations ensure children's financial needs are met.

Our attorneys advocate vigorously for custody arrangements that protect your parental rights while serving your children's best interests. We understand the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships between children and both parents whenever possible.

Speak to a Heidenheimer Divorce Attorney Today

The legal counsel you select will dramatically shape your divorce results and long-term prosperity. Contact us at 254-781-4222 or by reaching out online to consult with a reliable Heidenheimer divorce lawyer at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard for your free initial meeting. Our team delivers the seasoned, determined representation you deserve throughout this difficult period, ensuring your rights are protected and your interests are prioritized every step of the way.