Southlake Contested Divorce Lawyer

Experienced Legal Advocates for Your Complex Divorce Matters

At Justice Law Firm, PC, we are committed to providing expert legal counsel and representation in family law matters, including contested divorces in Texas. Our experienced team of Southlake contested divorce lawyers is here to guide you through the complexities of contested divorce proceedings, ensuring your rights and interests are protected.

Call Justice Law Firm, PC today at (817) 477-6756 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our contested divorce attorney in Southlake!

What is a Contested Divorce?

A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on essential issues related to their divorce, such as child custody, property division, spousal support, and more. In contrast to an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all terms, a contested divorce requires court intervention to resolve disputes.

Contested divorces can be emotionally challenging and legally intricate. A skilled Southlake contested divorce lawyer is crucial to navigating the process and advocating for your best interests.

Contested Divorce Requirements in Texas

To initiate a contested divorce in Texas, certain requirements must be met:

• Residency: At least one spouse must have been a Texas resident for six months before filing for divorce. Additionally, the spouse filing for divorce must have lived in the county where they plan to file for the preceding 90 days.
• Grounds for Divorce: Texas recognizes fault-based and no-fault divorce grounds. Common fault-based grounds include adultery, cruelty, abandonment, and more. Alternatively, a no-fault divorce can be pursued based on "insupportability," which means that the marriage has become insupportable due to discord and conflict.
• Petition for Divorce: The Petitioner must file a Petition for Divorce with the appropriate Texas court. This outlines the grounds for divorce and the relief sought, including child custody, property division, and spousal support.
• Serving Divorce Papers: Once the Petition for Divorce is filed, the other spouse, the "Respondent," must be served with a copy of the divorce papers. Service can be achieved through personal delivery or other approved methods.
• Response: The Respondent has a specific timeframe to file a response to the Petition for Divorce, addressing any disagreements or counterclaims.
• Temporary Orders: During the divorce process, temporary orders may be issued by the court to address issues like child custody, visitation, spousal support, and property use until the divorce is finalized.
• Discovery: Both parties engage in the discovery process, gathering evidence and information to support their claims and defenses. This may involve depositions, document requests, and interrogatories.
• Negotiations and Mediation: Your Southlake contested divorce lawyer will work to negotiate a settlement with the opposing party. Mediation may be required to facilitate compromise if negotiation cannot reach an agreement.
• Trial: If negotiations and mediation do not yield a resolution, the case proceeds to trial. During the trial, both parties present their arguments and evidence, and a judge makes final determinations on unresolved issues.

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take?

The timeline for a contested divorce in Texas can vary significantly based on several factors:

• Complexity of Issues: The more issues involved, such as high-value assets or contentious child custody disputes, the longer the divorce process will likely take.
• Court Docket: The availability of court dates and the caseload of the specific court handling your divorce can impact the timeline.
• Spouse Cooperation: The willingness of both spouses to cooperate and reach agreements can expedite the process.
• Mediation and Settlement: If both parties are open to mediation and can resolve their differences, this can significantly reduce the time needed for a contested divorce.
• Litigation: If the case proceeds to trial, it can extend the divorce process significantly, as court dates may be scheduled months in advance.

It's important to note that every contested divorce is unique, and while some may be resolved in a matter of months, others may take years to reach a final resolution. Your Southlake contested divorce lawyer at Justice Law Firm, PC, will work diligently to navigate the legal process efficiently and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact Our Southlake Contested Divorce Attorney Today

Navigating a contested divorce in Texas can be challenging, but you don't have to go through it alone. At Justice Law Firm, PC, our dedicated team of Southlake contested divorce lawyers is here to provide you with the legal guidance and support you need during this difficult time. We understand the complexities of a contested divorce and will work to protect your rights and interests throughout the process.

Contact Justice Law Firm, PC, today to schedule a consultation with our contested divorce lawyer in Southlake!