Discuss Your Divorce With A Divorce Lawyer In Houston For Free Today

A divorce does not have to be an emotionally traumatizing event, when you have proper guidance and an experienced divorce lawyer. The Law Office of Nora V. Law is able to help the client set realistic goals, provide all the necessary information that accompanies the divorce process, and allow the client to maintain some control over the sometimes overwhelming dissolution.

In addition, we help our clients evaluate both the short-term changes that are necessary in the divorce process and assess long-term goals that can involve other issues such as custody.

Our divorce lawyers are specialists in family law & divorce matters in the Houston area. We are committed to excellence, compassion and truly understanding your divorce needs

Houston based Divorce Lawyer Ms. Nora Law practice divorce law in the Houston area. She represent clients in all aspects of divorce and family law.  Call today to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your potential divorce and will carefully advise you on the best way to proceed.

Thinking About Getting A Divorce

Divorce is a profound life decision that can be painful and emotionally challenging. If you’re considering divorce in Houston, it’s important to understand the costs, timeline, and options available before you begin the process.

Below, we’ll answer some of the most common questions people have about divorce, including whether you need an attorney, what it means to file first, and more.

How Much Does a Divorce Cost?

Costs can vary widely from case to case. Some factors that influence the cost of a divorce in Texas include (1) whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, (2) how complex the division of assets will be, (3) how much each spouse earns, and (4) whether children are involved.

On average, a divorce can cost from $5,000 to $30,000, sometimes more.

For an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all terms, the cost can be much lower—typically in the $1,500 to $3,500 range.

But if the divorce involves disputes over property, child custody, or other matters, legal fees and court costs can quickly add up. Attorney fees typically make up the bulk of these expenses, and the more your attorney works on your case, the higher your costs will be.

Do I Need to Hire a Divorce Attorney? Can I Handle It Myself?

While it’s possible to handle a divorce on your own, hiring an experienced divorce attorney will help you avoid common pitfalls. Divorce attorneys can navigate Texas’s legal system and ensure that your rights are protected, especially if you have children or significant assets.

If you choose to handle your divorce yourself (known as pro se divorce), you’ll need to complete all the paperwork, file it with the court, and represent yourself during any hearings. This can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with legal procedures. Any mistakes or missed deadlines can mean delays or complications in your case.

In more complex situations—like if there’s a disagreement over child custody, property division, or alimony—it’s even more important to hire a lawyer. An attorney can advocate for your interests. Your attorney can also help you avoid costly mistakes that might affect your financial or parental rights.

Should I File First?

One question people often ask is whether there is an advantage to being the one who files for divorce first. In Texas, the spouse who files for divorce is called the petitioner, while the other spouse is the respondent. Filing first doesn’t give the filing spouse any legal advantage. But there are a few potential benefits:

• Control over the process: Filing first allows you to set the initial terms of the divorce, like custody and property division. This can provide some strategic advantages during negotiations.
• Preparation: Filing first lets you prepare emotionally, financially, and legally before notifying your spouse of the divorce. You can gather documents, talk to an attorney, and put yourself in a better position to handle the process.

That said, it’s important to note that Texas is a community property state. This means the assets and debts you’ve acquired during your marriage will typically be divided equally, regardless of who files first.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Houston?

The timeline for a divorce can vary depending on how complex the case is. In Texas, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the divorce petition is filed until the divorce can be finalized. This means that, at a minimum, a divorce will take 60 days.

For an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all terms, the divorce can be finalized shortly after the 60-day waiting period ends. In these cases, divorces can take as little as two to three months.

But if the divorce is contested, the process can take much longer. Disputes over child custody, property, or other issues can extend the divorce process for six months to a year or more, depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule.

What Is an Uncontested Divorce?

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all aspects of the divorce. This includes child custody, property division, and spousal support. This is typically much faster and less expensive than a contested divorce, since it doesn’t require long court battles or mediation sessions.

Uncontested divorces are ideal for couples who can work together amicably and want to avoid the financial and emotional stress of litigation. But even in an uncontested divorce, it’s still a good idea to have an attorney review the final divorce agreement to ensure your rights are protected and the terms are legally sound.

What Is a “No-Fault” Divorce?

A no-fault divorce means that neither spouse is required to prove that the other did something wrong to cause the end of the marriage. In Texas, most divorces are no-fault, which just means the marriage has become “insupportable” due to conflict or growing apart.

No-fault divorces make the process less contentious because there’s no need to assign blame. But Texas also allows for fault-based divorces on grounds like adultery, cruelty, or abandonment. In some cases, proving fault can influence the court’s decisions on property division or spousal support. But these cases also tend to be more complicated and time-consuming.

Final Thoughts

Going through a divorce is never easy, but understanding the process and your options can help you navigate it with more confidence. Whether you’re considering filing for divorce, unsure if you need an attorney, or want to know how long the process might take, being informed will help you make the best decisions for your situation.

Divorce Lawyers in Houston:

The attorneys at The Law Office of Nora V. Law will show you what a difference an experienced and compassionate attorney can make in your family law matter. Call us, Houston Family Lawyers, today to schedule a Consultation at 281-829-7621.