Executive Summary: Preparing for divorce involves more than filing paperwork. It requires careful planning. Gather financial and legal documents early, understand Texas’s 61-day waiting period, and follow county standing orders. Create a post-divorce budget, check your credit, and avoid major financial moves. Seek emotional support through friends or counseling, maintain stability for your children, and Read More

  Executive Summary: In Texas family law cases, avoiding mistakes can be just as critical as taking the right steps. Social media posts can be used against you, inappropriate clothing in court undermines credibility, and drug or alcohol use can affect custody decisions. Leaving incriminating material where children can access it creates unnecessary risks, while lying to your lawyer or the judge damages trust Read More

  Executive Summary: Temporary orders in Texas divorces set the rules while a case is pending. They cover custody, visitation, support, and property issues to ensure stability until a final decree is reached. Most counties automatically issue standing orders, except Tarrant County, making temporary orders especially important there. These orders prevent one spouse from cutting off utilities, denying access to Read More

  Executive Summary: Unmarried fathers in Texas have custody and visitation rights once paternity is established. If you’re on the birth certificate, paternity is automatic. If not, you’ll need a genetic test or a voluntary acknowledgment, but waiving your right to testing is permanent.  Courts encourage frequent contact between children and both parents, and custody decisions are based on the child’s Read More

  Executive Summary: In Texas, the law requires at least a 61-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized, but most cases take much longer. While uncontested divorces may wrap up in about 70 to 90 days, contested cases often last six months to a year or more. Factors such as disagreements over custody, property division, and court scheduling contribute to delays, while organization, mediation, and Read More