Wilson Whitaker Rynell

Experienced Lawyers

info@wwrlegal.com

a blue and orange check mark with the letter w on it as the Wilson Whitaker Rynell Logo
972-248-8080 DALLAS
713-830-2207 HOUSTON
512-691-4100 AUSTIN
wilson whitaker rynell attorneys and counselors at law logo
972-248-8080 DALLAS
713-830-2207 HOUSTON
512-691-4100 AUSTIN

Egregious Conduct and Equitable Distribution in Divorce in Texas

ATTORNEYS IN DALLAS

Egregious conduct, such as adultery, abandonment, cruelty, or domestic violence, can support an unequal division of community property.

Egregious Conduct and Equitable Distribution in Divorce

There are numerous reasons why marriages come to an end. Sometimes, couples may discover that they are incompatible and no longer desire to continue their relationship. In other cases, the behavior of one spouse may be so unacceptable that it single-handedly leads to the end of the marriage. Such egregious conduct may serve as grounds for divorce and may also influence how particular aspects of the divorce, such as the fair distribution of assets, are addressed.

Equitable Distribution in Texas Divorce Cases

Texas law mandates that when a married couple divorces, their community property will be subject to fair and equitable distribution. Any property that is designated as separate via an agreement or owned by an individual before getting married will remain separate. Typically, most property acquired during the course of a marriage is classified as community property, with a few exceptions, such as gifts, personal injury damages awards, and inherited property. It's important to note that equitable distribution does not necessarily imply that property will be divided equally between the parties. Instead, it means that the court has the authority to distribute community property in a manner that is deemed reasonable and just.

Effects of Egregious Conduct on Equitable Distribution in Divorce

A court considers various factors when determining the division of property, and while it is usually equal in no-fault divorces, that is not necessarily the case in fault-based divorces. In a fault-based divorce, the court may consider the conduct of the offending spouse and make a disproportionate distribution of the marital estate. The court has broad discretion in determining what is a fair division of community property, and its rulings are generally upheld unless they clearly deviate from the law or accepted standards. Egregious conduct, such as adultery, abandonment, cruelty, or domestic violence, can support an unequal division of community property. Other factors that may be considered are the benefit the innocent spouse may have received if the marriage had continued, the health and earning potential of the spouses, and their debt and liabilities.

Speak with an Experienced Divorce Attorney

When one spouse engages in egregious conduct, it can have negative consequences for both parties in terms of property division and other assets during a divorce. If you are considering ending your marriage, seeking legal advice from a qualified attorney is crucial to understanding your options. At Wilson Whitaker Rynell, our experienced lawyers can help you collect and present the necessary evidence to increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Our firm represents clients in divorce cases in various Texas cities, including Dallas, Austin, Houston, Fort Worth, and all cities within Dallas County, Tarrant County, Collin County, and Denton County.

a blue and orange check mark with the letter w on it for Wilson Legal Group Logo

Best Texas Divorce Lawyers

Our Dallas Divorce Attorneys Serve Clients Throughout Texas


In order to best prepare yourself during the divorce process, it is vital that you have a qualified divorce attorney by your side. Our divorce law firm is dedicated to providing knowledgeable, professional, and effective legal counsel for all types of family and divorce matters. When you work with our experienced Dallas family law attorneys, you can trust that we will have your best interests in mind.

CLIENT MATTERS


5,000+


YEARS OF SERVICE

 25+

Award Winning

Recognized in the legal industry as dedicated board-certified lawyers and Rising Stars.

Expert Team

Your project will be handled by legal experts every time. You will have the most experienced attorneys working for you. 

Quality Representation

You’ll find the support you need to ensure that things run smoothly. We’re here to help with all your legal needs.

Meet Our Team

View All
A woman wearing black and yellow boxing gloves is standing in a gym.
By Leigh Whitaker January 28, 2025
Female Divorce Attorneys in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area In many instances, divorce cases are challenging and emotionally taxing experiences. For this reason, it’s common for people to prefer working with an attorney of the same gender because they feel as though the attorney can empathize and understand their situation more. At the end of the day, the gender of your attorney may not affect the outcome of your case, but it’s important to feel as comfortable as possible while navigating through the process. At Wilson Whitaker Rynell, our experienced female divorce attorneys offer compassionate and empathetic approaches while they develop a comprehensive legal strategy to represent you. Why Should You Choose a Female Divorce Lawyer? There are many reasons why hiring a female divorce attorney can help you throughout your divorce. For one, they often have experience working on issues that disproportionately affect women in divorce such as spousal support (alimony), child custody disputes, and asset division. Additionally, female divorce lawyers offer a unique level of empathy, understanding, and communication. As a result, many clients feel that they are more approachable and compassionate, which is beneficial when dealing with the emotional turmoil of the process. More importantly, female divorce attorneys are more familiar with how the court treats women in divorce cases and use this knowledge to strategically protect their clients’ interests, whether male or female. Why Our Female Divorce Attorneys May be Right for You At Wilson Whitaker Rynell, our female divorce attorneys are skilled, knowledgeable professionals, they also have many years of experience in handling complex divorce cases. Whether it’s issues surrounding custody of children, alimony, or asset division, our female divorce lawyers ensure each client receives high-quality legal advice. Our firm’s female divorce attorneys provide the highest level of personal attention, ensuring that each client’s unique needs and concerns are addressed through every step. Unique Challenges Women Face in Family Law Disputes in Texas Family law disputes can be emotionally charged and legally complex, especially for women navigating the process in Texas. Women often encounter unique challenges due to their roles in the marriage and family dynamic, particularly when it comes to child custody, child support, and the division of marital assets. Child Custody Challenges In many marriages, women take on the primary caregiving role for their children. However, when it comes to custody decisions, courts in Texas prioritize the best interests of the child over parental gender. While this often works in favor of mothers, women may still face hurdles in proving they are better suited to provide the stable environment the child needs, especially if their ex-spouse disputes custody. Factors such as work schedules, living arrangements, and financial stability can come under scrutiny. Child Support Issues While Texas law allows women to seek child support, collecting these payments can sometimes prove difficult. Women awarded child support may find themselves dealing with ex-spouses who delay payments, make partial payments, or refuse to pay altogether. Enforcing child support orders often requires legal intervention, which can add to the emotional and financial strain. Division of Marital Assets In Texas, a community property state, marital assets are typically divided equitably during divorce. Women who are awarded assets such as the family home may face challenges related to maintaining the property, refinancing a mortgage, or covering associated expenses. Additionally, women who sacrificed their careers to support their spouses or raise children may feel disadvantaged during the division of assets if their earning potential is limited compared to their ex-spouse. How Your Divorce Attorney Will Support You Each divorce case is unique, and having an experienced attorney standing by you is vital. Whether you’re dividing assets, negotiating child custody, or managing other complex legal issues, the female divorce attorneys at Wilson Whitaker Rynell are here to protect the interests of you and your family. Our attorneys will take the time to understand your unique circumstances and empower you to make informed decisions that support your career, family and future. When you choose a female divorce attorney from Wilson Whitaker Rynell, you can trust that they will: Prioritize your family’s best interests. Negotiate with integrity, ensuring fairness and transparency. Clearly explain all your options and their potential outcomes. Help you create the future you want by offering trusted legal advice. Use efficient methods to minimize unnecessary costs and keep the process manageable. Navigating family law disputes requires a thorough understanding of Texas family law and strong advocacy. Women facing divorce or other family law issues are encouraged to seek an experienced family law attorney who can provide personalized guidance. A skilled lawyer can help craft a strategy that protects their rights and ensures a fair resolution. This includes representing their interests in court, negotiating settlements, and helping enforce orders such as child support or spousal maintenance.
A person is holding a dollar bill in their hands
By Kayla Holderman September 12, 2024
Understanding Attorneys’ Fee Awards in Texas Litigation Cases 
A little girl is holding a teddy bear on a dirt road.
By Chelsea Lankford August 19, 2024
Navigating Child Abuse Allegations in Texas Custody Cases: Protecting Your Child
Show More
Share by: