If you’re navigating divorce in Texas, you may feel overwhelmed by the process. How will your property be divided? Who will your children live with primarily? Will you have the financial resources you need to move forward? Divorce is often challenging and emotional, but understanding the process can help you prepare for what lies ahead—and working with an experienced Fort Bend divorce attorney can make a significant difference.
Having a knowledgeable and compassionate ally is essential during the divorce process. That’s where The Stout Law Firm, PLLC, steps in. As experienced family law attorneys, we’ve helped countless individuals gain clarity, protect their rights, and confidently move forward. We understand the complexities of divorce in Texas, and we’re here to offer the advice, support, and legal representation you need to navigate this chapter of your life.
This blog provides an overview of the key aspects of divorce in Texas and highlights the critical role a skilled Fort Bend County divorce attorney can play in securing the best outcome for your family. Whether you’re considering divorce or are already in the process, we are here to help you take the next steps with confidence.
How to Find the Best Family Law Attorney in Fort Bend County
When you’re facing a life altering decision like divorce, having the right legal representation is crucial. You need a divorce attorney who is not only skilled in family law but also understands the nuances of your unique situation.
To find the best Fort Bend County divorce attorney, consider the following tips:
- Focus on family law. Find an attorney who focuses primarily on family law and has experience handling cases like yours, whether it’s property division, child custody disputes, or spousal maintenance.
- Strong communication skills. Choose a family law attorney who communicates clearly, keeps you informed, and answers your questions throughout the process.
- Proven track record. Review their success in achieving favorable outcomes for past clients.
- Empathy and advocacy. Select a family law attorney who balances compassion with a strong, results-driven approach to protecting your rights and interests.
By focusing on these criteria, you can ensure that you find a divorce attorney who will support you and your family during this challenging time.At The Stout Law Firm, PLLC, we embody these qualities and more. With decades of experience practicing family law, we understand the importance of personalized attention and strong advocacy. Whether you’re navigating property disputes or complex custody matters, our team is here to guide you with confidence every step of the way.
What You Can Expect When You File for Divorce
Once you file for divorce, if you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement, multiple aspects of your life may become subject to a court ruling, including:
- Whether your property is characterized as community or separate property;
- What share of community property you will receive;
- What custody and periods of possession you will have with your children;
- Whether you or your spouse is entitled to receive alimony; and
- Whether you or your spouse will pay child support and in what amount.
Having an experienced Fort Bend divorce attorney can help ensure that your interests are protected.
Dividing Marital Property in a Fort Bend County Divorce
Not every divorce involves child support and child custody matters, but every divorce addresses the division of property. When you divorce, the court must first determine what property is separate and what property is community property, also known as marital property.
Generally, community property is the property you and your spouse acquire during the marriage, and separate property is:
- Property you acquired before your marriage;
- Property you obtained during your marriage by devise, descent, or gift; and
- Any personal injury awards you received for losses during your marriage, except for compensation for a loss of earning capacity.
The court will divide community property in a just and right manner, which is not always equal.
Understanding what property is subject to division distribution and how much you may be awarded requires a fact-intensive analysis based upon the evidence you gather to support your position. You might need to provide financial statements, witness testimony, deed records and leases. Each divorce attorney at our firm has more than 10 years of experience practicing family law, including in Fort Bend County, and has the knowledge and confidence to advocate for a favorable property division based upon the facts of your case.
If you and your spouse have children, the court will make determinations about your parenting rights, visitation, and child support. Texas divorce courts decide child custody based on what is in the best interests of each child involved. Once the court establishes which parent will have the right to determine the primary residence of a child, it will determine the amount of child support to be paid to that parent. The amount of child support is based on the net monthly resources of the paying parent and sometimes, the needs of the child.
Understanding Alimony in Texas
Despite what many may assume, alimony, or spousal maintenance as it is called in Texas, is not granted in every divorce. A spouse must request spousal maintenance in Texas, and the court grants it only if the requesting spouse meets specific criteria, including that the spouse will lack resources after divorce to meet their minimum reasonable needs. Our experienced attorneys at The Stout Law Firm, PLLC, can review the facts of your case and help you understand whether you or your spouse may qualify for spousal maintenance.
Additional Issues in a Divorce Fort Bend County
Aside from the matters of property division, support, and child custody, some divorce cases might require orders regarding additional issues such as:
- Protective orders,
- Premarital and postmarital agreements,
- The modification of existing family law orders, and
- Custody rights of non-parents.
At The Stout Law Firm, PLLC, we are well-versed in these issues and know how to expertly navigate them in your family law case.
Filing for Divorce in Fort Bend County
The divorce process in Fort Bend County typically begins with filing a divorce petition. The petition initiates the legal process of divorce and outlines the relief you are seeking, such as property division and child custody.
Once the case is filed, the process may involve court hearings to address various aspects of the divorce. However, the parties may reach agreements outside of court through negotiation or mediation, which minimizes the need for hearings or trial. The divorce process may also be streamlined if you and your spouse executed a premarital or postmarital agreement, which often outlines certain terms of the divorce specifically related to property division.
If the parties cannot reach agreements as to one or all terms of their divorce, the case will go to trial and the court will decide any outstanding, disputed issues.
Meet Fort Bend County Divorce Lawyer Angela Stout
Angela Stout is a top family law advocate in Texas and practices in counties throughout Texas, including Fort Bend County. Angela Stout has practiced law since 2007, and became Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in 2015. Additionally, Ms. Stout is a certified mediator and arbitrator. representing clients in family law matters including divorce and custody disputes. Ms. Stout has the credentials, experience, and confidence that give her the edge in representing clients in every circumstance.
Contact a Fort Bend Divorce Attorney to Discuss Your Legal Options
When the issue of divorce arises in your marriage, consult an experienced Fort Bend County divorce attorney from The Stout Law Firm, PLLC, as soon as possible. A divorce lawyer from our firm can put your mind at ease by reviewing the specific facts of your case and protecting your unique interests. Even if you and your spouse decide not to proceed with the divorce, one of our attorneys can help you understand legal safeguards to serve you well into the future. If you need help, you can call or schedule a consultation online today.
Resource List:
Texas Family Code Section 3.002, link
Texas Family Code Section 3.001, link
Texas Family Code Section 7.001, link
Texas Family Code Section 8.051, link