Deciding to end your marriage is never easy. Sometimes, however, getting a divorce is ultimately what is best for you and your family moving forward.
If you are in the process of getting divorced in or near Cypress, TX, and aren’t sure where to begin, the lawyers at Ramos Law Group, PLLC, are here to help you move forward. Use our guide below to learn more about the divorce process in Texas and see how a Cypress divorce attorney can help you pursue and protect your rights today.
An Overview of Texas Divorce: Laws and Considerations
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the divorce rate in Texas in 2021 was 1.4 divorces per 1,000 total population, meaning that there are tens of thousands of divorces in the state each year.
Although divorces have become relatively common, this does not mean that it is a simple process. So, should you hire a lawyer? Let’s look at a few things to be aware of as you make this decision.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
A divorce in Texas can be either contested or uncontested.
An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties can agree on all underlying issues such as property division, custody, and spousal support. Importantly, the parties must agree to all terms of the divorce for the divorce to be considered uncontested.
Conversely, a contested divorce is one where the parties are unable to reach an agreement on all issues and terms of the divorce.
Hiring an experienced divorce attorney is always a good idea, regardless of whether or not the divorce is contested. Having a seasoned professional helps protect your rights and interests to the fullest extent of the law. However, because contested divorces are inherently more contentious and likely to end up in court than uncontested divorces—hiring an uncontested divorce attorney is more critical in these cases.
Grounds for Divorce
Most divorces in Texas are considered no-fault divorces. Texas Family Code § 6.001 refers to this as insupportability. This is commonly called “irreconcilable differences” in many other states. However, in some cases, one or both parties may pursue a fault-based divorce for grounds such as:
- Cruelty,
- Adultery,
- Conviction of a felony, or
- Abandonment.
An experienced Cypress divorce lawyer can help you determine what grounds make the most sense to pursue in your particular case.
Community vs. Separate Property
Texas is what is referred to as a community property state. This means that any property, subject to a few limited exceptions, that is acquired by either spouse during the marriage is considered community property subject to division in the event of a divorce.
Separate property, on the other hand, consists of:
- Property owned by either spouse before the date of marriage;
- Property acquired by either spouse during the marriage through gift, devise, or descent; and
- Compensation obtained by either spouse arising out of a personal injury sustained during the marriage.
The classification of property as either separate or community property can have a significant impact on how your property is distributed. Thus, having a skilled lawyer with a comprehensive background in Texas divorce matters can go a long way toward making sure that any property division is handled fairly and equitably.
Types of Divorce Matters We Handle
At Ramos Law Group, PLLC, we are a full-service family law firm, meaning that we handle divorce cases of all shapes and sizes day in and day out. Below are just a few examples of the many divorce-related issues that our lawyers frequently assist with:
- Property division,
- Spousal support (alimony),
- Child custody and visitation,
- Child support,
- Temporary orders,
- Modifications, and
- Protective orders.
When it comes to something as important as your divorce, it’s important to have the right legal guidance and support in your corner. While there are many lawyers in the greater Houston area, we hope that we can earn your trust as we can fight to protect your rights and interests moving forward.
Ramos Law Group: Divorce Attorneys You Can Count On
At the Ramos Law Group, PLLC, we pride ourselves on focusing 100% of our energy, passion, and efforts on the practice of law. In fact, firm founder Mary E. Ramos is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a status reserved for less than 1% of all attorneys in Texas. Thus, when you hire us for your Cypress divorce, you can rest assured that you are getting a team with the background, resources, and experience necessary to protect your interests.
When you’re ready to move forward with your divorce and get the legal representation you need and deserve, contact the Ramos Law Group and get started today.
FAQs
How Do I Find the Best Firm for Divorce Near Me?
Finding the best lawyer for your divorce often requires some research and legwork. A good place to start is with a simple internet search for “best divorce lawyers near me” or something similar. Then, to narrow down your results, check potential firms and attorneys for factors such as experience and specialization in family law and divorce matters. Be sure to also check their prior case results, reviews, and testimonials from former clients.
How Much Does a Cypress Divorce Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a divorce lawyer can vary widely depending on a variety of factors such as the attorney’s level of experience and the complexity of the case. Each case has a unique potential workload. For instance, an uncontested divorce will require much less work for your lawyer than a high-net-worth contested divorce.
While there is never any way to guarantee how much a Texas divorce will ultimately cost, at the Ramos Law Group, we strive to provide fair and transparent pricing so that you have a better idea of what you can expect to pay.
Do I Need an Attorney If My Divorce Is Uncontested?
No. You are not required to hire an attorney for an uncontested divorce case. In fact, you don’t need an attorney even if your case is contested. That said, even where an attorney is not required, having legal representation can be an invaluable asset.
