Lewisville Divorce Lawyer

Helping Clients Begin Their Next Chapter in Texas

Couples walk down the aisle with dreams of happily ever after filling their minds. In reality, about half of marriages end in divorce. The breakdown may happen early in the union or after decades together. Either way, in addition to working through the pain and disappointment, there is also a multitude of legal details that must be resolved. At Burrows Law Group, our compassionate and results-driven approach as a divorce lawyer in Lewisville can help you move forward to your new life beyond your marriage.

Contact us online or by calling (972) 236-7798 today to schedule a consultation with our Lewisville divorce attorney!

Seasoned Legal Counsel for Lewisville Contested & Uncontested Divorces

The nasty, drawn-out divorce dramas might get the media coverage, but not all divorces are like that. In some cases, spouses have simply concluded they cannot remain married. There are no disagreements over who gets what or where any minor children will live.

Uncontested divorces are either concluded through mutual agreement or by default if the spouse served does not file an answer or appear in court. These divorces are usually simpler and faster than their contentious counterparts, but spouses are best safeguarded with experienced legal representation from a divorce lawyer. At Burrows Law Group, we can draft the settlement agreement, help determine a parenting plan, negotiate when necessary with the other spouse’s attorney, and answer any other divorce question that arises. Importantly, we can point out potential pitfalls that you or your spouse may not have considered.

A divorce is contested when the served spouse files an answer in disagreement or refuses to sign the final divorce decree. Contested divorces must be settled in court before a judge. These divorces are, by their nature, more complex. Spouses can dispute any element of their divorce from child custody to alimony to dividing business interests.

Our Approach to Divorce Cases in Lewisville

Because Burrows Law Group is a full-service firm, we are able to address related issues that frequently arise during a divorce, such as business ownership questions, real estate transfers, or updating estate-planning documents after the decree. Our collaborative model means you benefit from multiple attorneys’ perspectives as we refine your strategy. While one lawyer may focus on courtroom advocacy, another may concentrate on financial analysis or negotiation planning so that each stage of your case receives focused attention.

Communication is also a cornerstone of our approach. We keep you informed about upcoming deadlines, court dates, and mediation sessions so you are never left wondering what happens next. When the court schedules conferences or hearings in nearby county courthouses, we walk you through what to expect and help you prepare documents and testimony. This steady guidance can reduce anxiety and allow you to make thoughtful decisions about settlement offers, parenting plans, and long-term financial arrangements instead of reacting under pressure.

Divorce Residency Requirements in Lewisville 

Residency requirements to file for divorce in Lewisville are as follows:

• Either spouse must have been living in Texas for the preceding six months before filing for divorce.
• Either spouse must have resided in the county in which the suit is filed for the preceding 90 days.

Even if you do not live in Texas, you can file in this state if your spouse has met the residency requirements. Time spent outside the state while serving in the U.S. military is counted toward the requirement. Understanding residency requirements is essential because failure to meet them can result in delays or dismissal of the filing. Our legal team ensures all filings are completed correctly and efficiently, drawing on our thorough knowledge of local and state laws.

Divorce Grounds in the Lone Star State

There are seven grounds for divorce in Texas. One of these grounds is considered a no-fault divorce, where neither spouse is being blamed for the demise of the marriage. The remaining six grounds are fault-based, where one spouse is assigned responsibility for the breakup. Fault grounds must be proven.

Divorce grounds in Texas are as follows:

• Insupportability. This is the Texas equivalent of irreconcilable differences. Some disagreements or differences cannot be repaired. Insupportability is the state’s only no-fault option.
• Cruelty. This fault ground covers when one spouse makes it unbearable for the other spouse to continue living together. The definition of cruel is purposely left open to interpretation.
• Adultery. When one spouse cheats on the other, adultery grounds might be possible.
• Conviction of a Felony. If a spouse is convicted of a felony during the marriage and incarcerated for at least one year, the other spouse can use this ground to end the marriage. An exception, however, is this ground cannot be used if the spouse’s testimony in court was used to convict their partner.
• Abandonment. This ground is viable when one spouse intentionally abandons the other and remains gone for at least one year.
• Living Apart. When two spouses live apart for at least three years, filing for divorce on the grounds of “living apart” is possible.
• Confinement in a Mental Hospital. When a spouse is confined to a mental hospital for at least three years with no sign they will get better, the other spouse can file for divorce on this ground.

Dividing Property in Lewisville Divorces

Texas is one of nine states that follow the doctrine of community property when determining how assets and debt should be divided. Only community property is divided between the divorcing spouses. Each spouse keeps their separate property. Community property is generally split equally between the spouses unless there are supporting reasons for not doing so. A judge considers proven fault grounds when making their decision.

Separate property is typically any asset owned by one spouse before the marriage, and community property is any asset acquired during the marriage. The presumption is that property is community until one spouse demonstrates by a preponderance of the evidence that the asset is separate property. Our attorneys at Burrows Law Group are skilled at making effective arguments for appropriately classifying property for our clients.

Property division in Lewisville can be especially challenging for families who own closely held businesses, multiple homes, or significant retirement savings. We work with appraisers and financial professionals when needed to understand the true value of these assets before you make long-term decisions. By gathering complete financial information early, we help you consider options such as buyouts, asset swaps, or selling property so you can leave the marriage with a workable plan rather than a list of items that look fair on paper but are difficult to manage in real life.

Debt is also part of the property picture and can be easy to overlook when emotions are high. Mortgages, credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans may all be considered in determining a just and right division. We help clients understand which debts they might remain personally responsible for after the divorce, even if a decree assigns payment to their spouse. This careful review allows you to negotiate for protections, such as refinancing deadlines or indemnity provisions, that reduce the risk of future credit problems and conflict after the case is over.

Child Custody & Support

There are three basic types of conservatorship (custody) in this state:

• Sole Managing Conservatorship. A parent with sole managing conservatorship has the legal right to make all decisions for the child. This parent makes such decisions as where the child lives, what school they attend, whether they go to church, and if the child needs medical attention.
• Joint Managing Conservatorship. In a joint managing conservatorship, both parents share the rights and duties of decision-making for their children. The right to decide where the child lives can be granted to one parent under this type of conservatorship.
• Possessory Conservatorship. Possessory conservatorship is the equivalent of visitation. This type is often granted to one parent if the other parent is named the sole managing conservator.

In most cases, both parents are given reasonable access to their children. Texas wants parents to build meaningful relationships with their children. Custody and visitation in Texas can be denied if a judge determines that a parent is a danger to their child.

No matter the custody arrangement, both parents are financially responsible to support their child’s health and well-being. The parent with physical custody of the child is paid child support by the noncustodial parent. How much is paid is calculated by using a standard formula that includes income, health insurance costs, and other financial resources and obligations. The number of children needing support is a multiplier. A judge has the authority to go outside of the guidelines when circumstances warrant.

Alimony (Spousal Maintenance) in Texas

Statutes governing alimony in Texas are among the most restrictive in the country. In most cases, maintenance will not be awarded unless the marriage lasted for at least 10 years. Exceptions are made if the spouse seeking support has a mental or physical disability or if that spouse has custody of their disabled child who requires special care. The length of the marriage is one of the factors in determining the duration of maintenance.

Understanding the specifics of alimony is crucial when financial support is a concern. We provide guidance on how to approach negotiations or court proceedings to pursue fair maintenance arrangements, considering both statutory regulations and personal circumstances. Spouses often have questions about the difference between court-ordered maintenance and contractual alimony agreed to as part of a settlement. We explain how each option is enforced, how long payments may last, and what events—such as remarriage or significant income changes—might justify a modification or end to support. By reviewing your budget, earning capacity, and future plans, we help you evaluate whether seeking maintenance is realistic and how support fits into the larger picture of your property division and overall financial security after the divorce.

Frequently Asked Questions on Divorce in Lewisville

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Lewisville?

The duration of a divorce process in Lewisville can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the issues at hand. An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all terms, can be completed relatively quickly, often within a few months. This is because Texas imposes a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized. However, contested divorces where parties disagree over major issues like property division, child custody, or support can take much longer, sometimes a year or more, as they may require extensive negotiations or even trial. 

What Can I Do if My Spouse Is Hiding Assets?

Hiding assets during a divorce is not only unethical but also illegal. If you suspect your spouse is concealing assets, it is crucial to address this issue promptly. At Burrows Law Group, our divorce attorneys are adept at uncovering hidden assets through thorough financial analysis and the use of discovery tools. This may involve reviewing tax returns, bank statements, and other financial documents, and possibly working with forensic accountants. Texas law requires full and honest disclosure of all financial holdings during divorce proceedings, and failure to do so can lead to penalties, including awarding a greater share of the remaining assets to the nonoffending spouse. Taking proactive steps can help support a fair division of property and uphold your rights and interests.

How Does Mediation Work in a Lewisville Divorce?

Mediation serves as a valuable tool in divorce proceedings in Lewisville, aiming to reduce conflict and create amicable solutions between spouses. It involves a neutral third-party mediator who assists the couple in negotiating the terms of their divorce. Mediation can address many aspects of a divorce, including property division, child custody, and spousal support, often leading to a more amicable resolution without the need for a stressful trial. Participating in mediation can often result in faster settlements and is cost-effective compared to prolonged litigation. 

Can I Modify a Divorce Decree After It Has Been Finalized?

In certain circumstances, Texas law allows for the modification of a divorce decree. This is particularly true for orders relating to child custody, visitation, or support, where changes in circumstances—such as a significant change in income or relocation—warrant revisiting the agreement. However, modifications related to property division are generally harder to readdress unless there is evidence of fraud or concealment during the initial proceedings. At Burrows Law Group, we guide clients through the process of seeking modifications, ensuring that any changes are handled appropriately and in compliance with legal standards. Our knowledge and experience in the field can help you understand your options and take the necessary steps in case of significant life changes.

If you are thinking about divorce in Lewisville, schedule a consultation with us. Call us at (972) 236-7798 or reach out through our online form.