Houston Contested Divorce Attorney

Some requirements for a contested divorce in Texas include:

• Residency Requirements: In order to file for divorce in Texas, at least one of the partners must have been a resident of the state for a minimum of six months before filing. Additionally, the petitioner must have been a resident of the county where the divorce is filed for at least 90 days.
• Grounds for Divorce: Texas allows for both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce. No-fault grounds typically involve insupportability, where the marriage has become insupportable due to discord or conflict. Fault-based grounds include cruelty, adultery, felony conviction, abandonment, living apart, and confinement in a mental hospital.

• Filing the Petition: The contested divorce process begins with filing a petition for divorce. The petitioner must provide details about the marriage, grounds for divorce, and the relief sought, like property division, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
• Response from the Other Spouse: Once the petition is served, the other spouse has the opportunity to respond. In contested divorces, disagreements often arise at this stage, leading to disputes over the division of assets, child custody, and other critical issues.
• Discovery and Negotiation: Discovery involves the exchange of information between the parties, including financial records, property valuations, and other relevant documents. Negotiations may occur through mediation or direct discussions between attorneys to reach a mutually agreeable resolution.
• Court Proceedings: If an agreement cannot be reached through negotiation, the case may proceed to court. A judge will hear the arguments from both sides, review evidence, and make decisions on unresolved issues.