Texas has a mandatory waiting period of 60 days from the time the divorce petition is filed with the clerk’s office to the time the divorce can be finalized. So, at minimum, your divorce will take 60 days. Unfortunately, beyond the 60 days, there is no way to know exactly how long the process will take. Although we would love to predict this for you, the time it ultimately takes depends on unknown factors like how long it takes both parties to come to an agreement or if the parties must go to trial.

The overall cost of a divorce is dependent on many factors, including how long it takes for parties to make agreements, how many times an attorney goes to court and if mediation or a trial is necessary. We would be happy to evaluate your specific circumstances to give you an estimation based on your needs.

An uncontested divorce means both parties agree on how to divide property, debt, and all custody matters related to any children of the marriage. A contested divorce means there are some issues the parties cannot agree on and will need a judge or jury to decide for them.

Legal separations are not a legal option in Texas.

Yes, 60 days. A divorce petition must be on file with the court for at least 60 days before the divorce can be finalized.

A post-marital agreement is a contract entered into between spouses and are a great option for those who would like to consider protections for their assets while currently married. Post-martial agreements usually include provisions for division of property. They can vary greatly depending on people’s desires, assets and liabilities.

Yes, Texas is a “no-fault” state. You can file for divorce without proving that one person was at fault for the break-up of the marriage.

We understand there are some issues that need to be addressed quickly, if not immediately. We can ask the court to make orders that will be in effect on a temporary basis to help with those issues.

Duggan Family Law has been representing LGBTQIA+ clients for nearly 15 years. We have handled all types of family law cases including divorce, custody, adoptions, name changes and gender marker corrections. Even before marriage equality became the law of the land, we helped navigate difficult legal situations for our clients who were ending relationships. Since the inception of our law firm, we have ensured our entire team is familiar with the unique legal circumstances of our LGBTQIA+ clients and can handle each matter with the highest level of confidence, strategy and dedication.

A divorce suit starts by one party filing a petition with the clerk's office in the county where one of the spouses reside. The best way to begin your divorce is to consult with a knowledgeable and seasoned divorce attorney to ensure you understand all the legal issues regarding your specific circumstances.

Property must be divided in a way that is fair and equitable. This means division is not necessarily 50/50. Texas is a considered a “community property” state which means everything the parties acquire during the time they are married is considered community property and belongs to both parties. During a divorce, all community property must be awarded to one spouse or the other.

Attorney's fees can be part of the division of property and either party can ask the court to require the opposing party to pay those fees.

Choosing to get a divorce is a very personal decision that must not be taken lightly. Being ready for divorce can be different for everyone. Many of our clients say they are ready for divorce when they feel as though they have done everything they can to maintain a good relationship with their spouse and the relationship simply does not work anymore. Arriving at that decision can be a difficult and emotional process. Many of our clients discuss their situation with a therapist or someone they trust to help them work through their complicated feelings and come to a decision that is best for them.

Yes, everyone has a right to represent themselves. This is not something our office recommends because the process can be complicated and requires detailed information to be submitted to the court. A divorce is a lawsuit, and all legal rules must be strictly followed. Most people who go through a divorce do not have the necessary legal knowledge to ensure all rights are protected and all steps are taken appropriately. Hiring an attorney who can help you with this process is the best way to handle your divorce. We also work with clients who want to handle the divorce themselves and simply hire us to review their paperwork.