Wylie Divorce Attorney

Trusted Divorce Lawyer Serving Clients in Wylie, Texas

fNot all marriages are meant to last. For one reason or another, you or your spouse may decide that a divorce is necessary, which comes with a slew of legal complications. Protecting your interests at the end of your marriage requires a firm grasp of Texas law, which is why it helps to have a skilled Wylie, TX divorce attorney on your side.

At Moore Family Law, P.C., we represent spouses going through some of the most difficult periods of their lives. As an award-winning lawyer with over two decades of legal experience, Attorney Philip W. Moore is equipped to effectively advocate for your rights during a divorce.

Steps in Filing for Divorce in Wylie, Texas

Filing for divorce in Texas begins with meeting the residency requirement. At least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months and in the county for 90 days before filing. Once this requirement is met, the process starts with filing an original petition for divorce with the district court. The petition explains the grounds for divorce and outlines what the filing spouse is asking for regarding property, debts, and children, if applicable.

After the petition is filed, the other spouse must be formally served with notice of the case, unless they agree to waive service. Texas law also requires a 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized. During this time, both spouses can negotiate the terms of the divorce, including property division and conservatorship arrangements. If an agreement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge will make the final decisions. Our attorney can guide you through each stage of this process and help you understand what to expect.

How Is Property Divided in a Texas Divorce?

Texas is a community property state, which means that most assets and debts obtained during the marriage belong to both spouses. This includes income, real estate, vehicles, and retirement accounts obtained while the couple was married. Property owned before the marriage, along with gifts and inheritances received individually, is generally treated as separate property and is not subject to division.

When dividing community property, Texas courts follow a standard of a just and right division, which does not always mean an equal split. A court may consider factors such as each spouse's earning capacity, health, and contributions to the marriage when determining how to divide assets and debts fairly.

Who Gets Custody in a Texas Divorce?

Texas law refers to custody arrangements as conservatorship. Parents may be granted joint managing conservatorship, allowing both parents to share in decisions regarding the child's upbringing, or one parent may be named sole managing conservator in certain circumstances. Courts generally favor arrangements that allow both parents to remain involved in a child's life, unless doing so would not serve the child's best interest.

When determining conservatorship, a court considers factors such as each parent's living situation, ability to care for the child, and willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent. Decisions involving conservatorship also address possession schedules and access to the child, which can be resolved through negotiation or determined by a judge if the parents cannot agree. Our firm can also assist with petitions for modification when life events warrant a change to the existing court order.

Contact a Wylie, TX Divorce Lawyer

Divorce can affect your finances, your property, and your relationship with your children. At Moore Family Law, P.C., our attorney is prepared to help you understand your options and work toward a resolution that protects your interests. Contact our Wylie, Texas divorce attorney or call 214-764-8033 to discuss your case.