Wilson Whitaker Rynell

Experienced Lawyers

info@wwrlegal.com

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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

OVERVIEW OF THE DIVORCE

PROCESS IN TEXAS

The divorce process begins with the filing of a petition for divorce and if the divorcing parties cannot agree on all issues, those remaining issues are presented to a judge for a final determination.

THE TEXAS DIVORCE PROCESS

Overview of Texas Divorce Process

Aggressive Dallas Divorce Attorney



Our Dallas divorce attorneys have represented clients in hundreds of cases, from simple undisputed divorces to the most complex and difficult matter. A successful family law case often begins with a strong assertive offense and/or defense, and you need a lawyer capable of being assertive when and as necessary. Our Dallas divorce lawyers will not allow you to be taken advantage of but will strive to protect your rights, to fight for your interests, and to give you the strong and aggressive representation your case demands.



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Additional Texas Divorce Focus 

What Is Spousal Maintenance In Texas?


Spousal maintenance is a statutory remedy created by the Texas legislature that allows for a court to award payments to a spouse after divorce for a brief period of time under very limited circumstances. The legal remedy of spousal maintenance is codified in Chapter 8 of the Texas Family Code.  A court that determines that a spouse is eligible to receive maintenance shall determine the nature, amount, duration, and manner of periodic payments by considering all relevant factors, including:

 

  • each spouse's ability to provide for that spouse's minimum reasonable needs independently, considering that spouse's financial resources on dissolution of the marriage;

 

  • the education and employment skills of the spouses, the time necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the spouse seeking maintenance to earn sufficient income, and the availability and feasibility of that education or training;

 

  • the duration of the marriage;

 

  • the age, employment history, earning ability, and physical and emotional condition of the spouse seeking maintenance;

 

  • the effect on each spouse's ability to provide for that spouse's minimum reasonable needs while providing periodic child support payments or maintenance, if applicable;

 

  • acts by either spouse resulting in excessive or abnormal expenditures or destruction, concealment, or fraudulent disposition of community property, joint tenancy, or other property held in common;

 

  • the contribution by one spouse to the education, training, or increased earning power of the other spouse;

 

  • the property brought to the marriage by either spouse;

 

  • the contribution of a spouse as homemaker;

 

  • marital misconduct, including adultery and cruel treatment, by either spouse during the marriage; and

 

  • any history or pattern of family violence, as defined by Section 71.004.

 

Spousal maintenance payments ordered under Chapter 8 of the Texas Family Code are enforceable by contempt and may be subject to a wage withholding order issued to the paying spouse’s employer.


What Is Contractual Alimony In Texas? 


Contractual alimony is a voluntary payment of spousal maintenance from one spousal to another spouse. A person going through divorce may agree to make regular payments to the other spouse as contractual alimony as part of the property settlement. There may be variety of reasons entering into such a voluntary spousal agreement, but it is most often used to equalize the division of marital property while providing one spouse with a steady income stream.


For more information on how to file a divorce in Texas visit the following link: Filing a Texas Divorce

CLIENT MATTERS


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YEARS OF SERVICE

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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.

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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.
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