Posted by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce
There’s a certain ache that comes from knowing you’ve done all you can, and it still isn’t enough. Preparation becomes your best defense when your marriage reaches that breaking point, and you see that the road ahead won’t be peaceful. If you’re trying to figure out how to prepare for a contested divorce, you already understand this isn’t just about filing paperwork. It’s about protecting what matters most: your children, your finances, your future.
At Ramos Law Group, PLLC, we don’t just file forms. We guide you through uncertainty with clarity and confidence. Our founder, Mary E. Ramos, is Board-Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization—a distinction earned by fewer than one percent of Texas lawyers. If you’re facing a contested divorce in Houston, we’re here to help you build a case that holds up legally, emotionally, and strategically.
5 Essential Tips for How to Prepare for a Contested Divorce
In Texas, contested divorces often involve disputes over property, custody, or support. You need to brace for pushback at every turn. These tips will help you stay focused, protected, and one step ahead.
1. Get Organized and Stay Ahead of the Curve
The contested divorce process begins long before anyone steps into a courtroom. Begin gathering key documents now, including:
- Income records,
- Bank statements,
- Tax returns,
- Mortgage paperwork,
- Retirement account statements,
- Debt information, and
- Insurance policies.
Texas is a community property state, meaning assets and liabilities acquired during the marriage are generally split equitably, but not necessarily equally. The more documentation you have, the stronger your negotiating position.
Also, keep a journal of important events regarding parenting, finances, or misconduct, and track the dates, times, and outcomes. Judges don’t just want to hear what happened—they want evidence. Remember, emails, texts, and social media posts can become exhibits. Before sharing anything, ask yourself how a judge would interpret it.
2. Understand the Contested Divorce Process
You can’t win a game if you don’t know the rules. The contested divorce process in Texas follows several defined stages, beginning with filing the initial petition and concluding with issuing a final decree. Between those points, you may face:
- Temporary orders hearings to establish interim custody or financial arrangements;
- Discovery, where both parties exchange information under oath;
- Mediation, often court-ordered, in an attempt to resolve issues outside of trial;
- Pre-trial motions and hearings to determine what evidence or witnesses you can use; and
- A final trial if you can’t reach an agreement.
In Texas, there are multiple grounds for divorce available to a party. Most people file under “insupportability”—essentially, irreconcilable differences—but fault-based claims like cruelty or adultery may impact property division or custody if proven. Understanding this structure enables you to make informed, timely decisions.
3. Set Boundaries and Safeguard Your Mental Health
Divorce isn’t just a legal matter. It’s an emotional crucible. When the process turns combative, it can take a real toll. If you’re trying to figure out how to prepare for a contested divorce, don’t neglect your psychological safety.
Establish clear boundaries with your spouse. Limit communication to necessary topics, preferably in writing. If co-parenting is challenging, consider using third-party communication tools like OurFamilyWizard or TalkingParents, which courts often recommend or require. Surround yourself with support and avoid advice from people unfamiliar with Texas family law, because well-meaning doesn’t equal legally sound.
4. Prioritize the Kids
In contested cases, child custody often becomes the most emotionally fraught issue. The court’s guiding standard is always the “best interest of the child.” However, how the court applies that standard can depend heavily on what you present. Some steps you can take to help your case include:
- Keep records of your parenting responsibilities, including drop-offs, appointments, extracurriculars, and school involvement;
- Be consistent with routines; and
- Avoid disparaging your co-parent, especially in front of the children.
Most importantly, if you believe your child’s safety is at risk, don’t wait. Speak to a contested divorce attorney immediately. There are legal avenues to request emergency and protective orders or supervised visitation when warranted.
5. Choose the Right Legal Advocate
No one should face a contested divorce on their own. You need someone who knows the law and the courtroom, but also listens, strategizes, and fights for what’s fair. The right divorce attorney does more than represent you; they equip you to withstand pressure, anticipate roadblocks, and avoid unnecessary battles.
Why Do Clients Choose Ramos Law Group, PLLC?
We’re 100% focused on Texas family law and have helped business owners, high-net-worth clients, and everyday Houstonians navigate difficult divorces with grace and grit. Our firm has earned a 10.0 AVVO rating, an A+ BBB rating, and recognition as one of Houston’s best family law firms by Expertise.com. We know when to push, when to settle, and when to walk away.
Work with a Contested Divorce Attorney Who’s Been There Before
If your future feels uncertain and your spouse refuses to compromise, you don’t have to shoulder the weight alone. At Ramos Law Group, PLLC, we help clients build strong, fact-based cases that stand up in court. We understand the stakes. We protect reputations. We act quickly, thoroughly, and with integrity.
Our team is familiar with the Houston courts, local judges, and the patterns that often derail unprepared cases. We don’t stall or escalate just to run up your bill. We aim for solutions, but we’re fully prepared for the courtroom. Schedule your consultation today to learn how we can help you prepare for a contested divorce with the support and strength you deserve.
Last Updated on July 29, 2025 by Mary E. Ramos
By submitting this form, I understand and agree that an attorney-client relationship with Ramos Law Group is ONLY established upon entering into a written fee agreement. I acknowledge that this submission is not a request for legal advice, and any information received in response will not constitute legal advice.
I also consent to receiving text messages from Ramos Law Group. I can text ‘STOP’ to opt out of text messages at any time. Please visit our SMS Terms of Service and Privacy Policy for more details.