Divorce

Guiding our clients with honesty and compassion through a difficult time is what drives everyone at Epstein Family Law.

Dallas, Texas Divorce Lawyers

Relentless Divorce Attorneys Serving Dallas County

Clients throughout Dallas and the surrounding counties trust the experienced divorce lawyers at Epstein Family Law to guide them through the divorce process and help them put the pieces back together after a very difficult chapter in their lives. Understanding that getting to the outcome quickly is often a primary goal of our clients, responsiveness and hustle are in our DNA. This, along with our drive, are critical components of getting to the right outcome. Clients come to our Dallas divorce attorneys from all walks of life throughout north Texas, from the highest-net-worth business owners and public figures with complex property division issues and privacy concerns, to parents with modest marital estates and young children caught in the middle of nasty conflict.

To learn more about our services, call (972) 232-7673or contact us onlineto speak to our knowledgeable Dallas divorce attorneys.

Our Broad Capabilities in Texas Divorce Cases

We have deep experience handling the wide range of issues that can impact the outcome of a divorce case in Texas, including, but not limited to:

Complex Property Division
Business and Stock Ownership Valuations
Asset Tracing
Child Custody and Visitation
Child Support
Parental Rights and Duties
Spousal Support
Marital Agreement Disputes
Military Spouses
Substance Abuse and Recovery Issues
Domestic Violence
Protective Orders
Adultery
Enforcement Actions
Collaborative Divorce
Mediation

Filing for Divorce in Texas

Filing for divorce in Texas typically involves the following steps:

Residency Requirement: At least one spouse must have lived in Texas for at least six months and in the county where they plan to file for at least 90 days.
Choose Your Grounds: Texas allows for both "no-fault" and "fault-based" divorce. No-fault means the marriage has become insupportable, while fault-based grounds can include cruelty, adultery, abandonment, or incarceration.
Prepare Divorce Petition: You (the petitioner) or your attorney will draft a divorce petition that includes information about the marriage, grounds for divorce, and what you seek in terms of property division, child custody, and support.
File the Petition: File the divorce petition with the appropriate district court in the county where you or your spouse resides.
Notify Your Spouse: Serve your spouse with a copy of the divorce petition and a citation, which is a notice that they are being sued for divorce. They typically have 20 days to respond.
Temporary Orders: You may request temporary orders for issues like child custody, visitation, support, and property use during the divorce process.
Waiting Period: Texas has a 60-day waiting period after filing before the divorce can be finalized. In contested cases, the process may take longer.
Negotiation or Trial: You and your spouse will negotiate the terms of the divorce. If you can't reach an agreement, the case may go to trial, where a judge will make decisions for you.
Final Decree of Divorce: Once the terms are settled, a Final Decree of Divorce is prepared and signed by the judge, officially ending the marriage.
Division of Property: The court will divide marital property equitably, which doesn't necessarily mean equally.
Child Custody and Support: If you have children, the court will establish custody, visitation, and child support arrangements based on the child's best interests.
Spousal Support: If applicable, the court may order spousal support (alimony) based on factors like duration of marriage, financial need, and the ability to pay.
Name Change: If you desire a name change, you can request it as part of the divorce decree.
Finalize the Divorce: The divorce is finalized when the judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce. You'll receive a copy of this decree.

It's essential to consult with an attorney who specializes in Texas family law to navigate the divorce process successfully, especially if your case involves complex issues or disputes.

Understanding the Divorce Process in Texas

Going through a divorce can be a challenging and emotional time, but having a clear understanding of the divorce process in Texas can help alleviate some of the stress. At Epstein Family Law PC, our experienced Dallas divorce lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the process and ensure that your rights and best interests are protected.

Here is an overview of the divorce process in Texas:

Filing for Divorce: The first step in the divorce process is filing a Petition for Divorce with the appropriate court. Our skilled attorneys can assist you with preparing and filing all necessary paperwork.
Temporary Orders: In some cases, it may be necessary to obtain temporary orders for child custody, visitation, spousal support, and other matters while the divorce is pending.
Discovery: During the discovery phase, both parties exchange information and documentation relevant to the divorce, such as financial records, property deeds, and child custody evaluations.
Negotiation and Mediation: Our divorce lawyers are skilled negotiators and can help you reach a fair and equitable settlement through negotiation or mediation. This can help save time, money, and emotional turmoil compared to going to court.
Divorce Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial. Our attorneys are experienced litigators and will vigorously advocate for your rights in court.
Finalizing the Divorce: Once all issues have been resolved, a final divorce decree will be issued by the court. This document outlines the terms of the divorce, including child custody, child support, spousal support, and division of assets and debts.

At Epstein Family Law PC, we understand that every divorce is unique, and we will tailor our approach to meet your specific needs. Contact our Dallas divorce lawyers today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you navigate the divorce process in Texas.

Commonly Asked Questions

What is an uncontested divorce in Texas?

An uncontested divorce in Texas occurs when both spouses agree on all major issues, including property division, child custody, and support arrangements. This type of divorce is generally quicker and less expensive than a contested divorce, as it avoids lengthy court battles. In an uncontested divorce, the couple can file a joint petition, which simplifies the process significantly. It’s important to ensure that all agreements are documented properly to avoid future disputes. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.

How long does the uncontested divorce process take in Dallas?

In Dallas, the uncontested divorce process typically takes a minimum of 60 days due to Texas law, which mandates a waiting period after filing. However, if both parties are in agreement and all paperwork is completed correctly, the process can be finalized relatively quickly. Factors such as the complexity of the case, the responsiveness of both parties, and the court's schedule can influence the timeline. Engaging with experienced divorce attorneys can help streamline the process and ensure that everything is handled efficiently.

Dallas Divorce Lawyers Handling High-Value Marital Estates

Our Dallas divorce attorneys have the experience and resources to resolve big cases with the most challenging property characterization, valuation, and division issues. We are on the short list for successful entrepreneurs, professional athletes, C-suite executives, and their spouses to handle matters involving complex multi-million-dollar estates, hidden assets, a wide variety of business interests, and disputes regarding prenuptial and post-marital agreements.

Protecting the Best Interests of Your Children

Caring is at our core, which goes further and deeper than empathy. We utilize every one of our strengths to help our clients achieve their goals, particularly when it comes to their children. When kids are involved in a divorce, difficult decisions must be made that will significantly impact their long-term welfare, including custody and visitation rights, financial support, the right to make major parenting decisions, and much more.

In every case, we focus on negotiating an agreed-upon custody, child support, and parenting plan that fits the family’s values and unique circumstances, fosters a strong and civil co-parenting relationship to the extent possible, and minimizes future disputes. But we are also ready to litigate these issues through trial when necessary to achieve our client’s goals and protect the best interests of the children.

Collaborative Divorce in Texas

Our family law firm has guided numerous clients through the collaborative divorce process to avoid the cost, stress, and uncertainty of adversarial litigation. Collaborative divorce is a confidential settlement process where specially trained lawyers help spouses negotiate a binding divorce agreement without going to court. The collaborative process incentivizes both spouses to settle – because if they don’t reach a final agreement in this process, they must start over, hire new lawyers, and proceed with formal litigation.

Collaborative divorce is often an effective option for wealthy individuals and public figures who value privacy, parents who want to protect their kids from chaotic litigation, and spouses who need a more creative, tailored approach to resolve a complex divorce. But it is not the right fit for every case. For a collaborative divorce to be successful, the spouses and their lawyers must strive to set aside the emotionally charged conflict that broke the marriage, deal in good faith and commit to achieving a “win-win” outcome.

Dallas Divorce FAQ

What are the grounds for divorce in Dallas?
In Dallas, a divorce can be filed on either no-fault or fault grounds. No-fault grounds include insupportability, meaning the marriage cannot continue due to conflict or discord. Fault grounds can include adultery, cruelty, abandonment, conviction of a felony, or living apart for at least three years.

How long does the divorce process take?
The timeline for a divorce in Dallas can vary. By law, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the petition is filed. However, the process can take longer if the case is contested or if there are complex issues to resolve.

What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?
In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all major issues, such as property division, child custody, and support, allowing for a quicker resolution. A contested divorce occurs when the spouses cannot agree on one or more issues, requiring court intervention to reach a settlement.

How is property divided?
Texas is a community property state, meaning most property acquired during the marriage is considered jointly owned and will be divided equitably by the court. This does not always mean a 50/50 split, as the court considers various factors to ensure a fair distribution.

What about child custody and support?
Child custody in Dallas is determined based on the best interests of the child. Texas encourages joint custody arrangements where possible. Child support is calculated using state guidelines, taking into account the income of both parents and the needs of the child.

How can a divorce attorney help me?
A divorce attorney in Dallas can provide valuable guidance and representation throughout the divorce process. They can help negotiate settlements, ensure your rights are protected, and navigate the complexities of legal proceedings to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Consult with a Divorce Lawyer in Dallas

To discuss your case with an experienced divorce lawyer, contact Epstein Family Law at (972) 232-7673. We represent clients in counties throughout the Greater Dallas area, including Dallas, Collin, Denton, Tarrant, Ellis, Rockwall, Kaufman, and Johnson, plus others.

Our Values What Sets Us Apart

Drive
It is a critical component of getting to the best outcome.
Respect
This means not only our clients but all other parties and professionals.
Honesty
We are in the business of truth. Earning your trust is our top priority.
Integrity
There is no perfect way to do things, but there are right ways. We are conscious driven.
Compassion
Caring is at our core.

Contact Our Offices

We have the experience of handling a wide range of family law issues, with the knowledge and skill to create a tailored approach to each case. Clients can count on our hustle, drive and determination – they are our commitment to your family, and your financial and future goals.