Texas Divorce Lawyer
Navigating Divorce & Family Law Matters in Texas
Going through a divorce or facing complex family legal issues is emotionally challenging and often legally complex. At M&P Law Offices, we offer compassionate and experienced legal guidance to help you navigate these difficult transitions.
Our Texas divorce lawyers and family law attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcomes for you and your family.
I had the pleasure of working with Zach Pettigrew (attorney) and Charles Ocampo (paralegal at the time) at M and P Law Offices for my divorce. From the very beginning, they handled my case with exceptional care, supportiveness, perseverance, and most importantly, honesty. They were always professional, yet compassionate, and truly made a difficult process easier to navigate. While I hope to never need their services again (respectfully!), I would absolutely turn to them in a heartbeat if necessary. I highly recommend Zach and Charles for anyone in need of legal expertise.
– Brittany Smith (Google Review)
September 2024
Why Choose M&P Law Offices for Family Law Representation?
- Experienced Texas Divorce Lawyers: Our skilled attorneys have extensive experience handling a comprehensive range of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, property division, and more.
- Compassionate and Personalized Approach: We understand the emotional and sensitive nature of family legal issues. We offer personalized legal advice, attentive communication, and compassionate support throughout every step.
- Strategic Advocacy: Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, we are dedicated to protecting your interests and working towards a resolution that meets your needs and goals.
- Focus on Your Family’s Future: We prioritize the well-being of your family, especially children, aiming for amicable resolutions whenever possible while fiercely protecting your rights.
Our Texas Family Law Services Include:
- Divorce: Contested and uncontested divorce, including high-asset divorce, complex property division, and military divorce.
- Child Custody & Visitation: Developing parenting plans, establishing custody orders, and advocating for your rights as a parent.
- Child Support: Calculating child support payments, enforcing existing orders, and addressing modifications.
- Property Division: Ensuring fair and equitable division of marital assets and debts, including businesses, real estate, and investments.
- Spousal Support (Alimony): Determining eligibility, negotiating spousal support agreements, and enforcing or modifying orders.
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements: Drafting and reviewing legally sound agreements to protect your interests.
- Domestic Violence & Protective Orders: Providing compassionate and effective representation for victims of domestic violence.
Navigating family law matters can be stressful and overwhelming. M&P Law Offices provides the legal expertise, compassionate support, and dedicated advocacy you need during these challenging times.
Agreed Divorce
When You Already Agree on the Divorce Agreement
You may already have general agreements or understandings with your spouse regarding conservatorship (often referred to as custody), possession and access, child support and/or property division.
If you and your spouse are already working toward an agreement, or wish to come to an agreed resolution quickly, we may be able to help you finalize that agreement without the need for the more formal proceedings necessary in contested cases as outlined below, saving your family time, stress, and money.
The Process for Contested Divorce in Texas
Here’s a simplified overview of the steps involved in a Texas divorce:
Your specific case may involve additional steps or complexities. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified Texas divorce attorney to fully understand the process and your legal options.
Step 1: Filing for Divorce
Residency Requirement: One party must have lived in Texas for at least six months and in the county of filing for 90 days.
Grounds for Divorce: Texas allows for “no-fault” divorce (insupportability) or fault-based grounds (adultery, abandonment, etc.).
Petition & Filing: The Petitioner files an Original Petition for Divorce with the court, outlining the grounds and desired relief.
Step 2: Serving the Spouse
Formal Notice: The Respondent (spouse being served) must be formally served with the divorce petition and other relevant documents.
Answer: The Respondent has a specific time to file an Answer, either agreeing or disagreeing with the petition’s contents.
Step 3: Temporary Orders (If Needed)
Addressing Immediate Concerns: Courts can issue temporary orders during the divorce process, addressing matters like child custody, child support, spousal support, and asset restraints.
Step 4: Discovery
Exchange of Information: Both parties exchange financial information, documents, and evidence relevant to the issues in the divorce.
Methods: Discovery may include interrogatories (written questions), depositions (testimony under oath), and requests for production (documents).
Step 5: Settlement Negotiations
Reaching an Agreement: Parties are encouraged to negotiate a settlement agreement that addresses all issues (property division, custody, support, etc.).
Mediation: Often used to facilitate negotiations and reach a mutually agreeable resolution.
Step 6: Trial (If No Settlement)
Presenting Case to Judge: If a settlement isn’t reached, the case proceeds to trial where a judge will hear evidence and make final decisions on all contested issues.
Step 7: Final Decree of Divorce
Formalizing the Divorce: Once a settlement is reached or a judge issues a ruling, a Final Decree of Divorce is drafted, signed by the judge, and filed. This legally dissolves the marriage.
Important Considerations
Legal Representation: Having an experienced Texas divorce lawyer is crucial throughout this process to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests.
Timeframe: The length of a Texas divorce varies depending on the complexity of the issues and the court’s schedule. Uncontested divorces can be faster than contested ones.
Client Testimonials
Why Choose M&P Law Offices for Your Divorce or Family Law Matter?
Divorce and family law issues are often emotionally charged and legally complex. You deserve compassionate and experienced legal counsel to protect your rights and secure your future. When you choose M&P Law Offices, you gain:
- A Dedicated Advocate: We understand the challenges you face and are dedicated to advocating tirelessly for your best interests, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
- Personalized Attention: Your case is unique. We provide personalized legal strategies, tailored to your individual needs, and maintain open communication throughout the process.
- Proven Family Law Expertise: Our firm has a strong track record of successfully representing clients in divorce and family law matters, helping them achieve favorable outcomes.
Never compromise when it comes to protecting your family and securing your future. Divorce and child custody matters require experienced and compassionate legal guidance. Schedule a consultation with our skilled Texas divorce lawyers at M&P Law Offices in Aledo, TX. We’re here to advocate for your best interests and help you navigate this challenging time with confidence and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Texas
Want answers to your specific Divorce or Family Law situation?
Schedule a Consultation with an experienced Texas Family Law & Divorce Lawyer to get direct answers for your unique needs.
Contact Us
Whether you need legal advice or representation, M&P Law Offices is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can assist you.
We are more than just attorneys; we are your trusted legal partners dedicated to achieving justice and success for you.