Dallas Uncontested Divorce Lawyer
Uncontested Divorce Attorney in Dallas, TX
Getting an uncontested divorce is not without challenges. Uncontested divorce laws can be complicated, and it can be easy to get bogged down in the necessary paperwork. A skilled Dallas uncontested divorce lawyer can advocate for your interests at the George Allen Courts Building. A skilled divorce attorney can streamline the process, so your divorce is finalized quickly, allowing you to celebrate with dancing at the Cowboys Red River or drinks at Atlas. If questions about your wider family situation come up, a skilled Dallas family lawyer can guide you through those, too.
Here When You’re Ready to Talk
Aquí cuando estés listo para hablar
Hire an Uncontested Divorce Lawyer
Divorce is never easy, even when you and your partner both agree it is time to separate. Having a skilled Dallas uncontested divorce lawyer can help you make informed decisions throughout the divorce process. When you hire an uncontested divorce lawyer from Cruz Arevalo, P.C., you get a team of skilled negotiators with over a decade of experience in family law cases. Our boutique legal firm is led by women through compassionate and strategic counsel, and our experience as a Dallas divorce lawyer firm allows us to anticipate issues that could turn an uncontested case into a contested one.
Divorce in Dallas County
Population information provided by the U.S. Census Bureau looks at the family and household information for Dallas County in 2023. With a population of 2,606,358, there are a total of 993,312 households. Dallas County residents (15 years or older) are:
- 54% single
- 12% of women are divorced
- 8% of men are divorced
Grounds for Divorce in Texas
Texas recognizes both no-fault and fault-based grounds for filing for divorce. It is not a requirement to prove fault to get divorced, but if one of the conditions for fault is met, it could benefit the non-faulty spouse during property division or custody decisions.
No-fault divorce occurs when neither party can continue in the marriage due to unresolved difficulties. A no-fault divorce is most likely when seeking an uncontested divorce. A skilled Dallas uncontested divorce attorney can help you decide the most appropriate way to file. Specific grounds include:
- Adultery where one spouse has evidence that the other has broken their marriage vows and acted unfaithfully.
- Cruelty includes any sort of violence from one spouse to the other. All types of domestic violence could preclude a divorce on cruelty grounds.
- When one spouse is convicted of a felony or otherwise incarcerated for more than one year.
- If the couple has been living separately for a minimum of three years.
- Abandonment occurs when one spouse leaves the other with no intention of returning and has been gone for a minimum of one year.
- If one spouse has been confined to a mental health facility for a minimum of three years. When children are involved, an experienced Dallas child custody lawyer can help you make sure your parenting plan and visitation schedule match your child’s best interests and the realities of your new situation.
The Uncontested Divorce Process
The process of filing for an uncontested divorce in Texas requires four steps. When both spouses agree, these steps can be completed efficiently. Having a divorce attorney with experience in uncontested divorce cases can help ensure the process runs smoothly. The steps are:
- Meet residency requirements. At least one spouse must meet these requirements.
- File for an uncontested divorce in the county where you live and serve your spouse with the divorce papers.
- Wait for the 60-day cooling-off period required by Texas law. Finalize agreements on how assets and debts are to be divided. Resolving issues through mediation can prevent the case from requiring court intervention.
- Finalize the divorce in Court. A judge reviews your documents and signs the divorce decree.
If you and your spouse own a home, business, or retirement accounts, an experienced Dallas property division lawyer can help you divide those assets fairly and in a way that complies with Texas community property laws.
FAQs
Do I Need a Lawyer for an Uncontested Divorce in Texas?
You are not legally required to have a family law attorney when filing for an uncontested divorce in Texas. However, it is highly recommended that you have a Dallas uncontested divorce attorney review your case to ensure that your rights are protected. If there are any complicated issues with your divorce, an attorney can also ensure those issues are handled correctly. Problems can arise if documents are missing or filled out incorrectly.
How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Dallas?
The overall cost for a divorce lawyer in Dallas is influenced by several factors. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for a divorce, while others charge an hourly rate. You may also be required to pay a retainer fee before work can begin on your case. An uncontested divorce is typically less expensive than a contested divorce, as it can be completed more quickly. If there are children or property involved, it could increase attorney fees.
How Fast Can You Get an Uncontested Divorce in Texas?
A divorce can be finalized in as little as 60 to 120 days after the initial filing. Texas has a cooling-off period of 60 days from the date of filing. There are also general residency rules for couples who want to get divorced in Texas. At least one of the divorcing parties must have been a Texas resident for six months and a resident of the county where they file for 90 days before they can file for divorce.
How Much Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Texas with a Lawyer?
The cost of an uncontested divorce in Texas varies. Attorney fees are based on which attorney you choose to represent you and how they structure their fee. More experienced attorneys tend to charge more than less experienced attorneys. In addition to attorney fees, you also must pay a filing fee to the Court, and there are fees associated with serving your spouse with divorce papers.
How Is Property Divided During Divorce in Texas?
Texas is a community property state when it comes to divorce, which means all marital assets and debts are divided equally during divorce unless other arrangements are made by the spouses and agreed to by the Court. Separate property is not divided in a divorce and includes assets and debts acquired before the marriage, and some assets, like inheritance or gifts, are considered separate property even if they were acquired during the marriage.
Dallas Uncontested Divorce Lawyer
The challenges of facing a divorce can be far-reaching. Reaching agreements with your spouse on how to divide assets may seem simple during an uncontested divorce, but it is still wise to have an experienced uncontested divorce lawyer review any agreements before you commit to them. Contact Cruz Arevalo, P.C., today to schedule your initial consultation.
