Let Bailey & Galyen Be Your Trusted Divorce Lawyers
You’ve tried to work things out with your spouse but have too many drastic differences. Although you may have amicable relations, it’s clear that you need to go your separate ways.
In most instances, that’s much more complicated than it sounds, especially when dealing with prenuptial agreements, child support, property division, and other contested issues.
To ensure your rights are fully protected, you need an experienced and knowledgeable Fort Worth divorce lawyer to:
- Iron out a custody and visitation agreement that promotes your children’s best interests and affords you a meaningful role in their growth.
- Ensure your child support order is fair, considering all forms of income and assets and any extra expenses related to the child.
- Determine whether alimony or spousal maintenance is necessary and, if so, what that should look like.
- Divide marital debts and assets under Texas community property laws.
Schedule A Free Consultation Today!
Fort Worth Divorce Guide
- The Fort Worth Divorce Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen Can Help You
- What Does Divorce Mean in Texas?
- How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Texas?
- What Is the Difference Between No-Fault and At-Fault Divorce in Texas?
- Under What Grounds Can I File for Divorce in Fort Worth?
- How Soon Can a Person Remarry in Fort Worth After a Divorce?
- What Are the Legal Requirements for Filing for a Divorce in Texas?
- Do I Really Need to Hire a Lawyer for My Divorce Case in Fort Worth?
- How Can I Choose the Right Fort Worth Divorce Attorney?
- Need Help With Your Divorce? Schedule a Free Private Consultation
The Fort Worth Divorce Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen Can Help You
Experience and Know-How: At Bailey & Galyen, our attorneys bring unparalleled talent and knowledge to your divorce case. With over 40 years of practice in Texas, we deeply understand the state’s divorce laws and procedures.
Our team includes board-certified attorneys in Family Law and Divorce, a testament to our specialized knowledge and skill.
Personalized Attention: We believe every divorce case is unique, and we take the time to understand your specific situation, needs, and goals. Our attorneys work closely with you to develop a tailored legal strategy that protects your interests and helps you achieve the best possible outcome. We provide you with the personal attention and support you deserve during this challenging time.
Comprehensive Legal Representation: Our firm offers a full range of divorce-related services, from property division and alimony to child custody and support.
We have the knowledge and resources to handle even the most complex divorce cases, including those involving high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and complicated financial portfolios.
Accessible and Responsive: We understand that divorce can be stressful and emotional, and we strive to be there when you need us most.
We answer our phones 24/7 and offer evening and weekend appointments upon request. We prioritize effective communication and will keep you informed every step of the way.
Affordable Payment Plans: At Bailey & Galyen, everyone deserves access to quality legal representation. We offer several payment plans to ensure you can afford the legal services you need.
Ask about our Bailey & Galyen Legal Card, which provides affordable financing options for your divorce case.
Choose Bailey & Galyen for experienced, personalized, and comprehensive divorce representation. Contact us today to discuss how you can take the first step towards a brighter future.
We offer a private, free initial consultation to anyone contemplating or filing for divorce.
To schedule an appointment with a compassionate and knowledgeable Fort Worth divorce lawyer, contact Bailey & Galyen online or call our offices at (817) 438-2121.
What Does Divorce Mean in Texas?
In Texas, divorce is a legal process that officially ends a marriage and addresses several vital matters the couple must settle before finalizing the divorce, including:
- Parenting arrangements: The court decides how the children are cared for and which parent has the right to make important decisions about their upbringing (managing conservatorship). The court will also determine a schedule for when each parent will spend time with the children (access/possession).
- Child support: The court assesses whether child support is necessary and calculates the amount one parent must pay the other to help cover the costs of raising the children.
- Spousal support: The court evaluates whether one spouse needs financial assistance from the other after the divorce (alimony or spousal support). If deemed necessary, the court decides how much support to pay and how long.
- Property division: Texas is a community property state, so spouses jointly own most assets and debts acquired during the marriage. The court determines how to divide these assets and debts between the two parties fairly.
A divorce provides a comprehensive resolution that addresses these critical issues, allowing both parties to move forward with their lives.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Texas?
The length of time it takes to finalize a divorce in Texas depends on:
- Minimum waiting period—Texas law requires a minimum of 60 days from the time the divorce petition is filed until it is finalized. This waiting period applies even if both parties agree on all divorce terms.
- Uncontested divorce – The process can be relatively quick if the divorce is uncontested, meaning both parties agree on all issues. In these cases, the couple can finalize the divorce within three to four months after filing.
- Contested divorce—Divorce can take much longer if the spouses significantly disagree on one or more critical issues. Depending on the complexity of the problems and the willingness of both parties to reach a compromise, contested divorces can take several months or even years to resolve.
While the minimum time to finalize a divorce in Texas is just over two months, the actual duration of the process can range from a few months to several years, depending on the circumstances of each case.
Many hotly contested issues put a strain on both party’s mental health and quality of life. An experienced Fort Worth divorce attorney makes the legal process more manageable and lessens the emotional toll.
What Is the Difference Between No-Fault and At-Fault Divorce in Texas?
In Texas, you can file for divorce on either no-fault or at-fault grounds, and it’s essential to understand the difference between the two:
- No-fault divorce: In a no-fault divorce, neither party is at fault for the marriage breakdown. Instead, the filing spouse states that the couple has “irreconcilable differences” or has lived apart for at least three years. No-fault divorces are generally less contentious and faster to resolve.
- At-fault divorce: In an at-fault divorce, one spouse alleges that the other’s actions caused the marriage to fail. If proven, the spouse claiming fault may be entitled to a larger share of the marital assets. Pursuing an at-fault divorce is more time-consuming and emotionally challenging, as the alleging party must provide evidence to support their claims.
A no-fault divorce is not the same as an uncontested divorce. In an uncontested divorce, the non-filing spouse chooses not to dispute any of the claims made in the divorce petition, even if the petition includes allegations of fault.
Depending on the grounds stated in the petition, an uncontested divorce can be either no-fault or at-fault.
Under What Grounds Can I File for Divorce in Fort Worth?
In Fort Worth, Texas, when filing for an at-fault divorce, the filing spouse must specify the grounds they believe caused the marriage to fail.
These grounds can include:
- Infidelity – If one spouse has engaged in an extramarital affair or other form of marital misconduct
- Domestic abuse – when one spouse has subjected the other to physical or emotional abuse severe enough to make co-living insupportable
- Incarceration – if a spouse has been convicted of a felony and imprisoned for at least one year
- Mental health institutionalization – when a spouse is institutionalized for at least three years
- Desertion – if one spouse intentionally leaves the marital home and stays away for at least 12 months
These grounds demonstrate that one party’s actions led to the breakdown of the marriage.
Discuss your situation with an experienced divorce attorney to determine the best approach for your case.
How Soon Can a Person Remarry in Fort Worth After a Divorce?
Under Texas law, a person may not remarry until the 31st day after the court signs their divorce decree. A judge has the discretion, however, to waive the waiting period.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Filing for a Divorce in Texas?
If you want to file for divorce in Texas, you must have been a state resident for at least six months and of the specific county where you will file for at least three months before starting the divorce process.
Do I Really Need to Hire a Lawyer for My Divorce Case in Fort Worth?
Never try to handle all divorce matters independently to save money. That would be a mistake. The divorce process is complex and potentially confusing.
Even in an amicable breakup, a divorce can stir up powerful emotions, compromising your ability to make rational decisions. Without legal counsel, acting based on emotion can end up costing you more money in the long run.
Your attorney will know what and when you must file so you don’t miss critical deadlines. They anticipate the tactics and strategies of opposing counsel and help fully protect your rights. They also review child support or property settlement orders to confirm accuracy and compliance with Texas laws.
How Can I Choose the Right Fort Worth Divorce Attorney?
Choosing the right divorce attorney in Fort Worth is a critical decision that significantly impacts the outcome of your case. Going it alone can leave you owing more money than you ever thought possible, sacrificing joint property, or losing valuable time with your children.
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a divorce lawyer:
Experience: Look for an attorney with extensive experience handling divorce cases like yours. An experienced divorce lawyer will deeply understand Texas family law, the local court system, and the strategies needed to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
At Bailey & Galyen, our attorneys have successfully represented divorce clients for over 40 years, giving us the knowledge and expertise to navigate even the most complex cases.
Communication and accessibility: Divorce can be a stressful and emotional process, so it’s essential to find an attorney who is responsive, communicative, and accessible when you need them.
Look for a lawyer who promptly returns your calls and emails, keeps you informed about the progress of your case, and takes the time to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Reputation: Research potential attorneys’ reputations by reading online reviews, testimonials, and case results. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family members, or other professionals who have gone through a divorce.
A well-respected divorce attorney will have a track record of success and satisfied clients.
Compatibility: Divorce is deeply personal, so finding an attorney you feel comfortable working with is crucial.
Choose an attorney who listens to your needs, treats you with respect, and instills confidence in their ability to represent your interests.
At Bailey & Galyen, we provide experienced, skilled, and client-focused representation to individuals going through a divorce in Fort Worth and throughout Texas.
With a team of board-certified Family Law and Divorce attorneys, a strong track record of success, and a commitment to personalized attention, we are well-equipped to guide you through this challenging time and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Need Help With Your Divorce? Schedule a Free Private Consultation
At the law offices of Bailey and Galyen, with offices across the Lone Star State, including Fort Worth, we are committed to helping you get the outcome you want.
If necessary, we can schedule an appointment in the evening or weekend and travel to meet with you.
To set up a consultation to discuss your concerns about divorce, call our Fort Worth family law lawyers at (817) 438-2121 or contact us by email.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law – Fort Worth Office
1300 Summit Ave #650
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Phone: 817-438-2121
