Texas Contested Divorce Attorneys
What Is a Contested Divorce in Texas?
Your case will be considered a contested divorce in Texas if there is at least one issue regarding the divorce that you and your spouse do not agree upon. However, a contested divorce in Texas does not mean that your divorce case is necessarily contentious or that it will be litigated. It is possible for you and your spouse to agree that the best option to resolve your divorce issues is through the Collaborative Divorce model.
It is also possible that tools such as attorney negotiation, mediation, settlement conferences, or other alternative dispute resolution options could be used to accomplish agreements in a divorce case. A contested divorce in Texas can also include exchanging sworn financial inventories, written discovery, depositions, hearings, and other divorce litigation options. Your family law attorney can help you decide which of these options would be a good fit for your specific situation.
What Are the Steps of a Contested Divorce in Texas?
The basic steps for most contested family law cases include:
- Petitioner Files Petition
- Respondent Answers
- Temporary Orders Hearing*
- Discovery
- Mediation
- Final Trial
- Closing Documents
*Some cases may have additional hearings if immediate concerns need to be addressed by the court; likewise, some steps in the process may be shortened or skipped.
It is important to note that the steps of a contested divorce depend on the divorce option you choose. A contested divorce in Texas can be settled in a variety of ways, including Collaborative Divorce, mediation, litigation, or negotiation. Every divorce is different, so it’s important to get an experienced attorney who understands your situation and can educate you about the different divorce options that may be the best fit for you.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce is when you and your spouse agree to all the terms of your divorce. A contested divorce is everything else, meaning that you and your spouse do not agree on one or more of the issues of your divorce. In many divorce cases that are initially contested, the spouses, with the help of skilled attorneys, are able to reach agreements to resolve their issues. However, in some high-conflict divorce situations, agreements are not possible. In this situation, court intervention will be necessary to finalize the divorce.
What Happens if One Spouse Doesn’t Want to Divorce?
The desire to divorce is not always mutual. Sometimes, a spouse who wants to remain married believes that by not signing divorce papers or cooperating in the divorce process, they will be able to stop the divorce.
Video
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contested vs Uncontested Divorce?
Goranson Bain Ausley Partner Ryan Bauerle shares what kind of timeline to expect in contested and uncontested divorces.
Work With Our Trusted Contested Divorce Attorneys in Texas
At Goranson Bain Ausley, we understand that a contested divorce can be mentally and emotionally taxing. Our skilled divorce lawyers are highly experienced in managing dispute resolution without escalating conflict. We provide strategic and sound advice to help our clients look past the high emotions of the immediate situation and focus on the future to preserve assets and protect their children. Our contested divorce Texas attorneys are experienced in every aspect of this type of divorce and are ready to help clients by discussing options, strategy, and the best next steps. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you with your case.
