We Help People Navigate Divorce in Friendswood, Texas
Divorce is often more intimidating on paper than it is in practice. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, our Friendswood divorce attorney is a knowledgeable, professional, and solutions-focused advocate for clients. Going through a divorce is hard. It is our mission to ensure that you know your rights and you know how to effectively navigate the process.
If you have any questions about divorce, we are more than ready to help. Contact us today for a fully confidential consultation with an experienced divorce attorney in Friendswood, TX.
Divorce is Part of Life for Many People—But That Does Not Mean it’s Any Less Difficult
Ending a marriage can be one of the most difficult, stressful experiences in life. Divorce is not rare. By some measures, nearly half of marriages in Texas will eventually end in a divorce. Still, that statistic does not make a divorce any easier for the person who is going through one.
The emotional, financial, and legal aspects of ending a marriage can be overwhelming. Even in amicable cases, decisions about property, child custody arrangements, and support can create stress and uncertainty. You do not have to do everything alone. A skilled divorce lawyer can help.
What to Know About the Divorce Laws and Divorce Process in Texas
Are you preparing for a divorce in Friendswood or elsewhere in Galveston County or Harris County? Texas Family Code requires the filing spouse to allege grounds for divorce to have the divorce granted. If so, you must have a general understanding of how the process works under Texas law. Here are key points that you should be aware of:
- Residency Requirement: You can file for a divorce in Friendswood even if you initially got married in another state. The only requirement is that you satisfy the Texas residency standard. To file for divorce in Texas, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months before filing. Additionally, the spouse filing must have resided in the county where they are filing for at least 90 days. If you are a resident of Galveston County, you should file for a divorce in that county court.
- Grounds for Divorce: Texas is a hybrid state for divorce laws. What does that mean for you? It means that both no-fault divorce and fault-based divorces are permitted. A no-fault divorce is based on insupportability. Spouses can end their marriage simply because it has broken down beyond repair due to a conflict of personalities. In contrast, fault-based requires some proof of wrongdoing. Common grounds in Texas include adultery, cruelty, abandonment, and a felony conviction. It is important to emphasize that most divorces in Texas are no-fault divorces. It is typically an easier process.
- Waiting Period for Divorce: Texas has a mandatory 60-day waiting period for a divorce. To be clear, the mandatory waiting period applies even for uncontested divorce cases where the spouses agree on all terms. However, there is a limited exception: If there are allegations of domestic violence, the court can waive the waiting period for the safety of the victim.
- Community Property Standard: Texas is a community property state. Most property/assets that are acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned. Property is divided in a way that is “just and right,” which does not always mean a 50/50 split. Separate property—such as inheritances, gifts, and assets owned before marriage—generally remains with the original owner.
- Conservatorships (Child Custody): Texas courts use the term conservatorship instead of custody. The state presumes that joint managing conservatorship—where both parents share decision-making—is best for the child. However, one parent may be granted sole conservatorship if the other poses a risk due to issues like abuse or neglect. The best interests of the child standard guides all custody decisions in Texas.
We Handle Both Uncontested Divorces and Contested Divorces in Friendswood
In Texas, divorces can be split into two broad categories: Uncontested (settled) and contested (disputed) At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we have the experience and family law expertise to handle both uncontested and contested divorces. Here is an overview:
- Friendswood Uncontested Divorce Lawyer: In Texas, an uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses can reach a settlement on all of the key aspects of the case—from property division to child custody. It can be beneficial because mutual agreement allows for a faster and more cost-effective process. To qualify, at least one spouse must have resided in Texas for six months and in the filing county for 90 days before filing. The process involves filing an Original Petition for Divorce and signing a Waiver of Service. Our Friendswood uncontested divorce lawyer can help you negotiate a favorable settlement.
- Friendswood Contested Divorce Lawyer: A contested divorce arises when spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues. Most often, the dispute will be over property division, alimony, and/or child custody. The other issues can lead to conflicts as well. The process is more comprehensive and it may involve mediation, full discovery, and potentially even a trial. The contested divorce process begins when one spouse files a petition and serves the other spouse, who then has the opportunity to respond. Our Friendswood, TX contested divorce attorney can protect your legal rights.
Our Friendswood Divorce Lawyers Put an Emphasis on Collaborative Solutions
You have probably heard some horror stories about divorce. While it can be a very stressful process even in low-conflict cases, the reality is that a divorce does not have to turn into a nasty fight between spouses. Our Friendswood, TX divorce attorneys are committed to helping clients find amicable solutions whenever possible.
We have experience with negotiation and divorce mediation. A settlement can often save time, reduce costs, and limit stress. It can be especially effective for parents. It is common for couples to settle out of court through mediation or arbitration.
Divorce mediation is a low-conflict alternative dispute resolution method. Mediation involves using a neutral third party to help couples negotiate an agreement.
Still, our Friendswood divorce lawyers are trial-tested. We will fight aggressively to protect your legal rights.
We Have a Proven Record of Success With Divorce & Family Law Cases
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we have a proven record of success across a broad range of practice areas, including family law matters and divorce cases. When the time comes to end a marriage, you need a Friendswood divorce lawyer who can effectively protect your rights and your interests. Our firm is devoted to delivering results.
You can hear it directly from our former clients:
- My experience with this law firm was outstanding! Shelly Darnell (Paralegal) was extremely responsive, informative, and cared about the clients (unlike other law firms I have experienced). My divorce was handled quickly, effectively, and for a very reasonable fee. If I could give them 10 stars I would. Highly recommend!” – Marisa
- I just LOVE Shelly, Amber & Tad! They have been really great to me and helped educate me when I was less than knowledgeable when it came to my divorce. Shelly is always so patient with me when I call 1000x to ask questions and Amber was great during my mediations! I know I’ll be in good hands with these 2 hard-working ladies in my corner when the day comes!” – Jenna
- Tad and his associates are professional and take care of all your legal problems. I highly recommend them; they have helped me immensely!” – Jim
How Our Friendswood, TX Divorce Attorney Can Help
Divorce is complicated. Even if you and your spouse are both confident that it is the right thing to do, there are still a lot of challenging financial, emotional, and legal issues that must be addressed. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we are here to protect your rights and to help you effectively navigate the process. Our team has the experience you can trust.
When you contact us, you will have a chance to connect with a Friendswood divorce lawyer who can:
- Conduct a comprehensive review and evaluation of your case;
- Help you gather all of the supporting documentation that you need;
- Handle all of the Texas divorce paperwork;
- Represent you in settlement negotiations with your spouse; and
- Advocate tirelessly for the best outcome in your divorce proceedings.
Divorce in Friendswood, TX: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Divorce?
Yes. Divorce is a complicated, challenging, and stressful process. You are not required to hire a lawyer for a divorce—but a DIY divorce is risky. A Friendswood, TX divorce lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected, help with the paperwork, and negotiate fair terms for property division, child custody, child support, and other matters.
What Should I Look for in a Friendswood Divorce Lawyer?
Knowledge, experience, and a commitment to personalized advocacy. You should choose a Friendswood, TX divorce lawyer with experience in Texas family law and a strong history of handling cases like yours. It is always best to look for responsive legal representation that can explain legal matters clearly and will prioritize your best interests every step of the way.
Is Texas a No-Fault Divorce State?
Texas is both a no-fault divorce state and a fault-based divorce state. Texas allows no-fault divorce. Neither you nor your spouse has to prove wrongdoing by the other to end the marriage. The most common reason cited is “insupportability,” which means the marriage is no longer working. With that being, fault-based divorce—such as those based on adultery or cruelty—is still an option.
What Does it Mean to Get an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on all major issues, including property division, child custody, and support. Most divorces in Texas are, eventually, finalized as an uncontested divorce. Why? It is a type of divorce that is faster, less expensive, and avoids the stress of court battles. Even in an uncontested case, you should be represented by a divorce and family law attorney.
How Long Does the Divorce Process Usually Take in Friendswood?
It depends. The duration of the divorce process in Friendswood can vary based on a wide array of different case-specific factors. With that being said, a divorce in Texas takes a minimum of 60 days due to the mandatory waiting period after filing. If both parties agree on everything, it can be finalized soon after that. On the other hand, contested divorces can take far longer.
How is Property Split in a Divorce in Texas?
Texas is a community property state. It is one of only nine community property jurisdictions in the 50 U.S. states. With community property, all of a couple’s marital assets are presumed to be jointly owned by the spouse. However, that still does not mean that a precise 50/50 split of the property is guaranteed as a matter of law. A Friendswood divorce lawyer can help you with property division.
Can Alimony Be Awarded After a Divorce in Texas?
Yes. Alimony (spousal support or spousal maintenance) can be awarded in Texas. With that being said, Texas has strict rules for awarding alimony. It is typically granted if one spouse cannot support themselves and meets specific legal criteria, such as being married for at least ten years. Courts also consider factors like each spouse’s earning ability and future financial needs.
Can I Get a Divorce in Texas Even If My Spouse Refuses to Sign the Paperwork?
Yes. You can still get a divorce even if your spouse refuses to sign the paperwork or participate in the legal process at all. Your spouse cannot stop a divorce simply by refusing to sign. If they do not respond to the divorce petition, the court may issue a default judgment granting the divorce.
What are My Options If My Spouse is Hiding Assets During Divorce?
In Texas, both spouses are required to make full, comprehensive, and accurate financial disclosures during the divorce process. Hiding assets in a divorce is unlawful. It is a violation that Texas courts take very seriously. If you suspect hidden assets by your spouse, contact a Friendswood divorce lawyer right away. Your attorney uses a wide range of legal tools—from subpoenas to forensic accounting—to uncover them. If your spouse is caught hiding assets, the court may award you a larger share of marital property as a remedy.
Contact Our Friendswood Divorce Attorney Today
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, our Friendswood divorce lawyer has the skills and experience to handle the full range of family law cases. Give us a phone call now or contact us online to arrange a fully confidential, no-obligation initial consultation. We handle divorce cases in Friendswood, League City, Galveston County, Harris County, and all across the wider region in Southeast Texas.
If you’re dealing with family law issues, we are more than ready to help. Contact us today for a fully confidential, no-obligation initial consultation. We provide family law representation in Friendswood and throughout the surrounding region in Galveston County and Harris County. If you’re looking for help in League City with your divorce matters, League City divorce lawyers can assist.
You can reach our League City divorce attorneys here.