Texas Divorce Litigation Lawyers
Divorce Litigation—When Court Is The Best Option
Resolving divorce and child custody disputes in the courtroom is seldom the first choice when you are going through family problems. But it is sometimes the only choice. When that is the case, the family lawyers of Goranson Bain Ausley draw on their deep courtroom experience to pursue litigation with diligence and skill.
The fact is, there are reasons to litigate. Highly contentious divorces or custody disputes, physical or mental abuse, or an intractable spouse may make court intervention necessary. Some clients may simply prefer to go to trial. GBA lawyers do not rush to court, however. They do everything possible to negotiate a settlement. But when all other options have been exhausted, they will tenaciously litigate to protect the interests of you and your children.
The likelihood is that you will not need to go to a final trial—about 95% of Texas divorces ultimately settle out of court. To cover every contingency, GBA offers you the full spectrum of divorce processes—from Flat fee divorce to Collaborative Divorce and mediation to litigation. Whenever feasible, our preference is to pursue a constructive resolution that minimizes disruption to your life. Our priority, always, is to secure the most favorable outcome for you using all the resources at our disposal.
What is Divorce Litigation?
When divorcing couples cannot reach a final agreement by other means, court intervention may be necessary. A litigated divorce presents couples with a solution decided by a judge, who rules on such issues as:
Property Division
Child Support
Child Custody
Spousal Support
Because a judge will be making decisions affecting your family and finances, it is vital that you have an experienced attorney to advocate for you. Trusting their counsel and communicating openly with them will help them build a strong case and create the best opportunity for a positive outcome.
The Litigated Divorce Process in Texas
Going through a litigated divorce can feel overwhelming. Rely on our attorneys to guide you through the steps of the process so you know what to expect.
Filing For Divorce
If you are filing for divorce in Texas, there are certain criteria you must meet before filing. If your spouse is filing, you will be served the petition and you are required to file an answer; you may also file a counter-petition. This is also the time at which you would file temporary orders.
Discovery
Discovery is the collection and documentation of important information relating to your case. It’s the foundation of your case, so it is important that you leave no stone unturned and provide everything necessary to your attorney. Texas law requires divorcing couples to exchange initial documents, and you can discuss with your lawyer whether more information is needed.
Mediation
Mediation is required in most cases, however, the time when it occurs varies by county. Generally, mediation will take place before proceeding to a temporary or final hearing.
Deposition
Deposition is a part of the discovery process and involves interviews of the parties and witnesses. Depositions are conducted outside the courtroom but the records may later be used in the divorce trial. Each party can request the deposition of the other party and witnesses.
Preparation
Your attorney will likely spend more time preparing for trial than in trial itself. Preparation includes, but is not limited to, interviewing witnesses, drafting cross-examination questions, performing legal research, handling important evidence, planning responses to questions from the opposition, working with experts, and building your case.
Trial
In trial, your attorney will state your case before a judge or a jury, as will the other party. During this time, it’s important to keep your composure and trust in the skills of your lawyer. After the conclusion of the trial, the judge or jury will announce the decision.
Appeal
If you or your former spouse are unhappy with the court’s decision, an appeal can be filed within 30 days after a final decree is signed by the court if certain criteria are met.
Seeing what lies ahead may feel daunting. Take a deep breath. Together with an experienced Goranson Bain Ausley lawyer, you’ll confidently manage divorce litigation, one step at a time.
CloseWhen Should You Consider Divorce Litigation?
At Goranson Bain Ausley, we do not pursue litigation lightly. We recognize that it is a serious course of action reserved for when the stakes are high. The kinds of issues that can be litigated effectively include physical or mental abuse, high conflict divorce or custody matters, or a spouse who is being unreasonable and will not negotiate in good faith. Your Goranson Bain Ausley attorney can best advise you on when to take your case to a courtroom. In experienced hands, litigation can be a powerful tool for moving things forward in divorce when other methods fail.
Experienced Divorce Litigation Attorneys at
Your Side
Divorce—whether litigated or finalized through other means—is a major life transition. Knowing that you have the support of an attorney who is both capable and compassionate can help ease your way forward. The lawyers of Goranson Bain Ausley bring that dual strength to all their cases. They are recognized for their legal expertise, respected by judges, and opposing counsel alike. But they are also known for their empathy and understanding of the personal dimensions of divorce. No matter what your situation or how you choose to divorce, a working partnership with one of our Goranson Bain Ausley attorneys in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Granbury, Midland or Plano can help successfully set the stage for your future. Contact us today.
Awards & Credentials
- Thomas P. Goranson 1997
- Thomas L. Ausley 1997
- Diana S. Friedman 1998
- Thomas A. Greenwald 2003
- Kathryn J. Murphy 2004
- Eric Robertson 2007
- Kelly Ausley-Flores 2009
- Aimee Pingenot Key 2015
- Kristen A. Algert 2017
- P. Lindley Bain 2020
- Ryan R. Bauerle 2022
- Lindsey Obenhaus 2023
- Hayley Collins Blair 2021 2018
- Lindsey Obenhaus 2024 2023 2022 2021
- Katie Flowers Samler 2020 2019 2018
- Kathryn J. Murphy 2024 2023 2020 2019 2018 2017 2010 2009 2008
- Aimee Pingenot Key 2024 2020 2019 2017
- Thomas A. Greenwald 2022 2018 2012 2011 2009 2008
- Paula Larsen 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2008
- Diana S. Friedman 2017 2016 2015 2013
- Angeline Lindley Bain 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2009 2008
- Thomas P. Goranson 2011 2009 2008
- Beth E. Maultsby 2010
- Thomas L. Ausley 1980
- Thomas P. Goranson 1980
- Gary L. Nickelson 1984
- Paula Larsen 1985
- Angeline Lindley Bain 1993
- Kathryn J. Murphy 1995
- Diana S. Friedman 1996
- Kristen A. Algert 1997
- Thomas A. Greenwald 1997
- Eric Robertson 1997
- Kelly Ausley-Flores 2000
- Curtis W. Harrison 2002
- Cindy V. Tisdale 2003
- Jeff Shore 2006
- Clint Westhoff 2006
- Jeff Domen 2009
- Angel J. Berbarie 2010
- P. Lindley Bain 2012
- Aimee Pingenot Key 2012
- Kevin Davidson 2017
- Rob Frazer 2018
- Ryan R. Bauerle 2018
- Hayley Collins Blair 2019
- Lindsey Obenhaus 2019
- Katie Flowers Samler 2019
- Jonathan James 2020
- Chris Nickelson 2021
- Chandler Rice Winslow 2023