Divorce Laws in and Around Lewisville, Texas
Understanding Texas divorce law
Divorce laws vary from state to state and it is important to understand the divorce laws governing your state should you choose to file for divorce. If you are considering divorce in the state of Texas, it is important that you understand the state’s basic divorce laws.
Petition for Divorce
In order to begin divorce proceedings one must file a Petition for Divorce. Your divorce lawyer will help you will this process.
Grounds for Divorce
In the state of Texas one must identify their grounds for divorce in their Petition for Divorce. Grounds for divorce include: insupportability, cruelty, adultery, conviction of a felony, abandonment, living apart and confinement to mental hospital. As the petitioner you must choose at least one of these, but you may site as many as you feel pertain to your case.
Decree of Divorce
Whether you and your spouse choose mediation or trial, all of the following must be settled before a Decree of Divorce can be granted:
Alimony (Maintenance): Compensation awarded to one spouse in a divorce. The chief provider during the marriage is generally ordered to pay alimony (maintenance) to the other.
Division of Property: The way all assets including properties and monies are divided upon a divorce.
Custody: Determines who the primary caretaker will be for any children involved in the divorce.
Child Support: Determines the amount of money the primary caretaker of a child will be given to help support that child after a divorce.
Visitation: Determines the amount of time the other parent is given with the child and the terms of their visitation rights following a divorce.
Conservatorship: The final decree of divorce must set forth all of the rights, duties, and obligations of each parent as to each child. Usually this includes which parent shall have the exclusive right to determine the primary residence of the child(ren) (custody). It must also state if the residence shall or shall not be restricted to a specific geographical area. Effective September 1, 2009, the Texas Legislature amended our statutes to provide that the court may now enter an order without a parent designated as having the exclusive right to determine the primary residence of the child(ren). This is very helpful for those parents who will be living in the close proximity of one another.
Get help to understand divorce law in Texas
If you are in need of a divorce attorney in or around Lewisville or Coppell, please contact the Law Office of Dale A. Burrows, P.C. today at 888-845-4119, or complete our web form. Let us guide you through the divorce process.
