What to Expect When Hiring a Divorce Lawyer in Houston

Posted May 15, 2025 by Juris Digital | Uncategorized

Divorce is often one of the most challenging times in a person’s life, both emotionally and financially. If you are thinking about hiring a divorce lawyer, you may be wondering what the process will look like, how long it will take, how much it might cost, and how to select the right lawyer—one with the compassion to support and listen to you and the knowledge and experience to guide you. Understanding what to expect can help you get the most out of your initial meeting and every meeting after that.

At Ramos Law Group, PLLC, we focus exclusively on family law and are committed to helping individuals navigate divorce with clarity, efficiency, and respect. Led by board-certified family law attorney Mary E. Ramos, our team serves clients throughout Houston and surrounding areas, providing dedicated, compassionate legal support to guide you forward.

What a Divorce Lawyer Does

A divorce lawyer helps protect your rights while guiding you through the legal process. We accomplish this by:

• Explaining your rights and legal options in easy-to-understand terms,
• Filing and responding to court documents,
• Representing you in court hearings or mediation sessions,
• Negotiating for you,
• Ensuring your divorce follows the law, and
• Helping enforce or modify court orders after the divorce is finalized.

More than just a provider of legal advice, a divorce lawyer is your advocate, helping you make informed decisions, minimize stress, and stay focused on your long-term goals.

What Divorce Involves

Knowing what a divorce involves offers a roadmap for what you and your lawyer will likely discuss. Divorces typically involve:

• Child custody—who has the authority to make decisions for the children and where they will primarily reside;
• Child support—financial assistance one parent provides to the other to help cover the children’s living expenses;
• Property division—dividing marital assets and debts; and
• Spousal maintenance (alimony)—whether one spouse will pay financial support to the other during or after the divorce.

Divorces may be contested or uncontested. You and your spouse may agree on how to resolve all the above issues in an uncontested divorce. In contested divorces, you and your spouse disagree on one or more items. 

The Divorce Process and Timeline in Texas

While each case is unique, the divorce process in Texas includes the following steps:

• One spouse (the “petitioner”) files a petition for divorce, which is the pleading that officially starts the divorce process;
• The petitioner spouse must serve the other spouse (the “respondent”) with divorce papers;
• The court may hold a hearing on issuing a temporary order, where it may resolve issues that need to be addressed before the divorce is finalized;
• The spouses exchange information and negotiate;
• If the spouses still disagree on one or more issues, the court may require them to attend mediation with a neutral third party who helps the spouses try to reach a settlement; and
• If the spouses still disagree, a judge holds a court hearing, makes the final decisions, and issues a final divorce decree, legally ending the marriage.

Texas law includes a 60-day waiting period from the date the petitioner files before the court can finalize the divorce. However, many cases, especially contested cases, take longer—typically between three months and over a year.

Costs of Divorce in Houston

Divorce costs in Houston can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

• Whether the divorce is contested or uncontested;
• The number and complexity of legal issues;
• Attorney hourly rates and experience; and
• Costs for mediation, experts such as property appraisers, and court filings.

In general, divorces with more disputes—such as child-related conflicts or high-value property division—cost more. At Ramos Law Group, we work to keep costs reasonable, offering clear estimates, detailed timelines, and cost breakdowns from the outset.

Selecting the Right Divorce Lawyer

When hiring a divorce attorney in Houston, choosing someone with the right experience, focus, and approach is important. Consider the following factors:

• Family law board certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, which reflects a high level of experience, training, and peer recognition;
• Experience with similar cases;
• Communication style, including whether the lawyer explains legal terms clearly, keeps you updated, and listens to your concerns; 
• General approach to cases, including the lawyer’s philosophy concerning trying to settle outside of court; and
• Client reviews and reputation.

At Ramos Law Group, we pride ourselves on being proactive, responsive, and honest. We guide our clients with sensitivity and skill, prioritizing your goals and peace of mind.

What to Bring to a Divorce Consultation

Being prepared for your first consultation with a divorce lawyer can help you make the most of your time and set the stage for a productive partnership. Bring the following, if available:

• Your ID;
• A list of concerns and questions;
• Your prenuptial or marital agreement, if one exists;
• A list of the assets you or your spouse own and the debts either of you owe;
• A marital timeline summarizing key legal events in your relationship, including the dates of marriage and separation; and
• Information about your children’s needs and schedules.

During your first consultation with a divorce lawyer, you will discuss your goals, review your legal options, and begin planning for your case. Even if you do not have all the documents right away, bringing what you can will help your attorney assess your situation and provide more accurate advice.

Move Forward with Support from Ramos Law Group

At Ramos Law Group, PLLC, we understand the toll divorce can take. Our team offers legal guidance with a personal touch. We listen to your concerns, outline your options, and create a clear action plan tailored to your situation. Contact Ramos Law Group today to schedule your confidential consultation.

Last Updated on May 15, 2025 by Mary E. Ramos