When facing the dissolution of your marriage in Texas, you need a Moody divorce attorney to navigate the legal aspects while providing emotional support. Legal representation can make the difference between a prolonged, contentious process and a resolution that protects your interests while allowing you to move forward with your life. The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard understands both the legal intricacies and the personal difficulties you are experiencing.

Why Choose the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard to Represent Your Divorce?

Our Moody divorce lawyers have over two decades of experience serving Moody and McLennan County families navigating divorce and family law matters. We have handled all types of divorces, from uncontested to high-conflict, high-net-worth, and high-asset divorces with successful outcomes for our clients. Our commitment to providing honest advice and counsel ensures that you receive the guidance necessary to make informed decisions regarding your case.

Understanding Divorce in Texas

The Texas Family Code provides specific guidelines and requirements for dissolving a marriage that differ from those of other states. Understanding these unique provisions helps you prepare for what lies ahead in your divorce proceedings. Our attorneys ensure you comprehend every aspect of your case and the options available under state law.

Uncontested vs. Contested

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all major issues. A contested divorce involves disagreements that require negotiation, mediation, or court intervention to resolve. While uncontested divorces typically proceed more quickly and cost less, contested divorces demand skilled legal representation to protect your rights and interests.

Fault vs. No-Fault

Under Texas law, adultery, abandonment, cruelty, conviction of a felony, living apart for three years, or confinement in a mental hospital, constitute fault divorce. A no-fault divorce relies on insupportability, meaning the marriage has become insupportable due to conflict with no reasonable expectation of reconciliation.

Include H3: Residency and Waiting Period

One spouse must have lived in Texas for at least six months and in the county for at least 90 days before meeting residency requirements for filing. Texas law also requires a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized.

Divorce Matters We Handle

Our comprehensive legal services address all aspects of your divorce. We understand that each divorce presents distinct challenges requiring tailored legal strategies. The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard provides high-quality legal representation across all divorce-related matters:

• Child custody and visitation arrangements.
• Child support calculations and modifications.
• Spousal maintenance determinations.
• Property and debt division.
• Retirement account division through QDROs.
• Business valuation and division.
• Paternity establishment or disestablishment. 
• Protective orders and domestic violence issues.

Our Moody divorce family attorney team approaches each matter with the attention and dedication your case deserves. We recognize that these decisions affect your future and your children's well-being, making our comprehensive approach essential to achieving favorable results.

The Texas Divorce Process

Understanding the divorce process helps you prepare mentally and practically for each stage of your case. Our attorneys guide you through every step, ensuring you meet all legal requirements while protecting your interests. Knowledge of the process allows you to make informed decisions and reduces anxiety about the unknown.

File or Receive Complaint

The divorce process begins when one spouse files an Original Petition for Divorce with the appropriate district court in the county where either spouse has resided for at least 90 days. This petition outlines the grounds for divorce and requests relief regarding property division, child custody, and support matters. If you receive divorce papers, you must file an answer within approximately 20 days plus the following Monday to protect your rights and present your position to the court.

Serve Your Spouse

The filing spouse must formally serve the other spouse with divorce papers through a process server, sheriff, or certified mail with return receipt. Proper service ensures the receiving spouse has official notice of the divorce proceedings and starts the legal timeline for response. Our attorneys handle service requirements meticulously to avoid delays or procedural challenges that can impact your case.

Interim Orders

Temporary orders govern important matters while your divorce proceeds through the legal system, establishing guidelines for child custody, support payments, and property use until the final decree. These orders maintain stability during the divorce process and prevent either party from disposing of assets or taking actions that can harm the other spouse or children. 

Discovery

The discovery phase allows both parties to obtain information and documentation necessary to make informed decisions about property division, support, and custody arrangements. Through interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions, we gather evidence about assets, debts, income, and other factors relevant to your case. This ensures transparency and helps identify any attempts to hide assets or misrepresent financial circumstances.

Mediation

Texas courts may require mediation before proceeding to trial, providing an opportunity for spouses to reach agreements outside court. Mediation offers a less adversarial environment for resolving disputes. Our skilled negotiators work to obtain favorable settlements that protect your long-term interests.

Trial

If mediation fails, your case proceeds to trial, where the judge makes determinations on contested matters after hearing evidence and testimony from both parties. Our trial attorneys prepare thoroughly to present compelling evidence and legal arguments that advance your interests and demonstrate why your proposed outcomes serve the best interests of any children involved.

Final Order

The divorce concludes with the entry of a Final Decree of Divorce that details all agreements and court orders. This decree becomes legally binding and governs post-divorce rights and obligations. Our lawyers review every provision to ensure accuracy and enforceability of the final order.

Consult an Experienced Moody Divorce Attorney

Your divorce attorney plays a critical role in shaping your post-divorce life through strategic advocacy and negotiation. We understand that divorce represents both an ending and a beginning, requiring careful attention to immediate needs and long-term consequences. 

Trust our firm to represent these matters with the dedication and skill your case demands. Call (254) 220-4225 or reach out online to schedule your free and confidential consultation with an experienced Falls County family lawyer at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard.