Williamson County Divorce Attorneys

Compassionate Legal Counsel Backed by Two Decades of Experience

Whether you are just considering a divorce or are ready to file, it is important to understand your options. Divorce cases are not always straightforward, and even those that are can encounter complications.

At the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard, we have over 20 years of experience working on a variety of divorce cases. We how emotional this time is for you and your family, so we provide compassionate legal counsel to help you every step of the way.

We look forward to working with you! Call our Williamson County divorce lawyers at (254) 220-4225.

My Spouse and I Have an Agreement, Do We Have to Go to Court?

Divorce cases come in all shapes and sizes, and while the expectation for most cases is a long, drawn-out court battle, the reality is that many cases reach a resolution outside of court. These are called uncontested divorces, and they typically happen without the court’s intervention. Contested cases usually go to court because both parties cannot agree on a divorce settlement without the input of a judge. These cases can take more time and money compared to an uncontested case.

In some cases, spouses may agree to the more general aspects of divorce, like who gets the house or how much spousal maintenance will be paid. However, there are far more complex issues that will also need to be resolved in a divorce. When these issues arise, spouses may require mediation services.

Mediation is a private process where an impartial third party helps both spouses discuss their goals and resolve disagreements. This can be especially helpful when determining a parenting plan or dividing business assets – both of which can quickly lead to a contentious divorce case. Once both parties reach a mutual agreement, the mediator can draw up a contract enforceable by the court.

Military Divorce

While all divorce cases have the potential for complications, military divorce cases are particularly complicated. Not only do spouses follow state law regarding their divorce, but they are also obligated to follow military restrictions, which can be frustrating.

One unique factor of military divorces is the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Essentially, SCRA protects active servicemembers from court proceedings and civil actions, including divorce. You can still file for divorce against an active-duty spouse, but any efforts to dissolve the marriage will be put on hold for 90 days or until they return from deployment.

Active service members often have to relocate based on their assignments, and in doing so, attempting to file for divorce becomes difficult. Texas has a residence requirement of 60 or more days before filing, and many military spouses cannot meet this requirement given the nature of their circumstances. However, the court can waive residency rules in some cases. Whether or not you can meet state residency requirements, you should always consult a licensed attorney for help through the process.

Texas is a community property state, which means that communal property, or things purchased with joint funds, are subject to division during divorce. This means that if a service member earns a pension or benefits during marriage, those assets are subject to division. This specifically applies to spouses who were married for more than ten years.

Essentially, if a couple is married for at least ten years of the military spouse’s service, the civilian spouse is eligible to receive a share of all retirement benefits. Those who are married for 20 or more years can receive full medical benefits in addition to exchange privileges and commissary access.

Military divorces are not simple by any means, and you should always leave your case in the hands of a qualified professional. Not all attorneys have experience with military divorce cases, but our team at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard has over two decades of experience with cases like yours.

Personalized Counsel for Your Unique Case

It is crucial to consult an attorney to receive the information you need before you file. Divorce is an incredibly emotional process regardless of whether your case is contested. Unlike some other law firms that view people as case numbers to be pushed through the system, our team genuinely cares about you and your future. We understand the emotional toll divorce can take on you and your family, which is why we work hard to take care of your legal matters so you can focus on building a new future.

The Williamson County divorce lawyers at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard are here to help. Schedule your consultation today.