DIVORCE ATTORNEY IN HOUSTON

You didn’t ask for your
marriage to end this way

We Protect You From An Unfair Divorce in Houston

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THE CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN

DIFFERENCE

Houston Divorce Lawyer

At The Law Offices of Charlotte Christian and Associates, we’re not just your attorneys—we’re your steadfast defenders, committed to standing by your side throughout this legal journey in Houston, Texas. We’re dedicated to safeguarding your financial health, steering you through contentious child custody disputes, and pioneering solutions that may seem out of reach. Our tenacious Houston, Texas divorce attorneys relentlessly fight for your best interests, ensuring your voice echoes powerfully in every courtroom corner.

Divorce can seem like one of life’s hardest battles to fight. The courtroom may feel like an uneven playing field, but that’s where we come in. Our family law firm is your shield against unfair legal outcomes. Our top priority? Protecting your legal rights and securing your future. With a wealth of experience in divorce and family law cases, we’re well-versed in their emotional intensity. Our battle-tested Houston divorce attorneys strive to expedite your journey through the process, fiercely guarding your rights every step of the way.

We’re driven by a simple philosophy: to make your today better than your yesterday. Whether you’re facing a divorce, custody issues, child support dilemmas, or need to adjust an existing order, our Houston divorce lawyers bring a unique blend of compassion and tenacity to your legal challenges.

Learn how we can help you move forward today by calling (256) 859-7277 or by completing our online form. Stand strong. We’re with you.

We’re the divorce lawyers that Texas residents trust.

No one should feel uncertain during a divorce. At The Law Offices of Charlotte Christian and Associates, our attorneys are here to provide a clear path forward. Together, we’ll navigate towards a brighter, more secure future. We’re committed to helping you reclaim control and achieve a future free from lingering doubts and constant worry. Wherever you find yourself in the Houston area, we’re determined to ensure your today outshines your yesterday. We’re here, ready and waiting to fight for your brighter tomorrow.

Preparing Your Case

The process of divorce commences with the filing of a petition at your local district court. As your divorce attorney, we can set the wheels of divorce in motion in Houston by submitting a petition to your local district court.

A petition is a legal document necessary to initiate divorce proceedings. This crucial document must contain several key pieces of information, including:

The names of the petitioner and respondent
The ages of everyone involved in the case
The residency date of one or both parties
The date and location of the couple’s wedding
The grounds for divorce
Children’s names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers
A date of separation, if applicable

In addition, a copy of your marriage certificate should accompany your initial petition.

After filing your petition, a Houston divorce attorney can deliver a copy to the respondent. The respondent can then reply to your petition with further information about the marriage dissolution. This response needs to be submitted to a Houston district court within 30 days of the original petition’s filing.

If no response is submitted within the stipulated timeframe, the petitioner has the right to request a Divorce Judgment by Default. While we approach your situation with empathy, be assured we’re tough on protecting your interests and are ready to fight for you at every turn.

Answering a Divorce Complaint

When you respond to a divorce petition, you’re doing more than just expressing your intention to participate in the divorce process. You’re also seizing the opportunity to outline the critical issues that you want addressed in the forthcoming proceedings. This can encompass everything from asset division, debt settlement, to any apprehensions about child custody.

To get these concerns addressed in court, you’ll need to disclose to the Houston courts any shared assets with your spouse. It’s equally crucial to openly discuss your debts and your children’s emotional well-being.

You don’t have to face this alone. Our law firm is here to guide you through these complex matters. We’ll help you provide comprehensive details on these issues and assist you in submitting all necessary documentation within 30 days of receiving your summons. We’re empathetic to your situation, but when it comes to defending your interests, we’re as tough as they come.

Determining Your Grounds for Divorce

Before you can legally proceed with a divorce in Texas, you must clearly state your reasons, or “grounds,” for ending your marriage. These reasons must be acknowledged under Texas law for your case to advance.

Some of the most recognized grounds for divorce in Texas include:

Adultery
Living apart for at least three years
Abandonment for at least a year
Confinement in a mental hospital for at least three years
Cruel treatment that renders living together insupportable
Conviction of a felony and imprisonment for at least a year (and not pardoned)
Insupportability due to discord or conflict of personalities that destroys the
legitimate ends of the marriage relationship

If your reasons for divorce are not listed above, don’t worry—you’re not out of luck. When a judge reviews your petition, they can determine whether or not your marriage is irretrievably broken down. What constitutes such a breakdown is at the judge’s discretion.

Knowing this, you can discuss your situation with a skilled and empathetic divorce attorney in Houston, TX, well in advance. An initial case review can give you a clear idea of where you stand legally. And remember, while we approach your case with empathy, we’re ready to fight tooth and nail to defend your interests.

Residency Requirements for Divorce in Texas

In order to file for divorce in Texas, one of the spouses must have been a bona fide resident of the state for a minimum of six months prior to the filing of the divorce petition. This stipulation is outlined in the Texas Family Code § 6.301.

If neither spouse fulfills the residency requirement in Texas, the couple may need to consider initiating divorce proceedings in another state. Remember, we are here for you—ready to navigate these tough waters with empathy, but always prepared to fiercely defend your interests.

Types Of Divorce

Different couples find themselves navigating various types of divorces in Houston, Texas. For instance, a couple who agrees on the terms and proceeds amicably through the divorce process can look towards an uncontested divorce. Similarly, divorces that spring from mutual agreement can be categorized as no-fault divorces.

If a party doesn’t respond to a divorce petition, the petitioner can proceed with a default divorce. In such cases, a judge has the authority to distribute property without any legal input from the respondent.

Lastly, we have at-fault divorces. In these cases, one party attempts to place blame on the other for the failure of the marriage. These situations may invite more conflict, often necessitating legal representatives and a judge to intervene on behalf of the clients. This intervention can successfully distribute property and responsibilities between the parties, albeit perhaps less harmoniously.

As you navigate these challenging paths, our Houston, Texas divorce lawyers bring a blend of empathy and assertiveness to your legal matters. We’re here for you, standing firm and ready to fight for you.

Additional Divorce Paperwork

Once you’ve initiated the divorce process, your local district court in Houston might require you and your divorce lawyer to submit additional paperwork. The most commonly required documents in Texas divorce cases include:

Protective Orders and Temporary Restraining Orders

Protective orders and temporary restraining orders (TROs) are distinct documents employed to safeguard one individual from another. Although they serve somewhat similar purposes in Texas court cases, they can be filed along with your initial divorce petition.

A judge will approve a protective order in cases of domestic abuse. Texas judges have the authority to issue protective orders before or during a divorce process.

A judge, using their authority, can provide the holder of the protective order with:

Child custody
Possession of a residence or vehicle
Additional financial relief

In divorce matters, a judge may issue a TRO offering similar relief as that of a protective order. This often happens in instances of domestic violence where the judge orders the alleged perpetrator to maintain a safe distance from the victim to ensure their protection. This type of order can also serve to protect children involved in the divorce process.

Additional Paperwork

Throughout the divorce proceedings, your court may request you to complete a Vital Statistics Form, an Affidavit of Domicile, and a form named Testimony of Petitioner.

If your divorce involves children, you’ll need to provide additional documentation relating to their situation.

These documents might include:

Child Support Guidelines Calculator Printout
Child Support Obligation Income Statement
Child Support Information Sheet
Certificates of Completion for obligatory parenting classes or counseling

These documents assist in developing strategies related to the care of your children during and after your divorce. As your empathetic yet tough Houston divorce attorneys, we’re here to guide you through each step, ensuring your rights are fiercely defended and your interests protected.

Schedule a Consultation with a Houston Divorce Attorney and Family Lawyer

You don’t have to face the difficulties of a divorce alone. Our family law lawyers in Houston, TX are here to help you navigate the legal process.

Contact us via text or phone to schedule your appointment today. The Law Offices of Charlotte Christian and Associates will stand with you throughout your divorce and with any legal concerns that come after.

You didn’t ask for your marriage to end this way