Wilson Whitaker Rynell

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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

Timing of Divorce in Texas

ATTORNEYS IN DALLAS

The date you file your divorce is critical as it may impact financial and legal aspects of your divorce, including tax issues and spousal maintenance.

Timing of Divorce

When couples make the decision to end their marriage, they may be eager to initiate the divorce process promptly. Nevertheless, it is not always advisable to file for divorce immediately. Several variables must be taken into account before determining the appropriate timing for filing, as the time of the filing may have implications for matters such as child custody, financial support, and asset distribution.

Financial Implications of Divorce

Many individuals believe that filing for divorce is a decision primarily driven by emotions, but it can also have significant financial implications. For instance, an individual's tax filing status is determined by their marital status at the end of the year. Therefore, if a divorce is finalized within a calendar year, both spouses would file tax returns as single individuals for that year, and they would lose any tax benefits that are available to married couples. Additionally, unless a marital agreement specifies otherwise, retirement benefits and other forms of income, including deferred compensation, are considered marital property. As a result, if an individual will not receive payment or compensation from an employer until a specific date, obtaining a divorce before that date could result in certain funds being classified as separate property.

Factors to Consider in the Timing of Divorce

The timing of a divorce is a critical consideration, as it can impact various financial and legal aspects of the proceedings. Spousal maintenance, or alimony, is one such aspect that is affected by the length of the marriage. If a court deems that maintenance is warranted, it will take into account the duration of the marriage to determine the length of the support obligation. For instance, if the marriage was less than ten years, maintenance cannot be ordered for more than five years, and for marriages between ten and twenty years, maintenance cannot be ordered for more than seven years. On the other hand, for marriages lasting thirty years or more, alimony may be granted for up to ten years. Therefore, if a party seeks alimony, it may be beneficial to delay filing for divorce to increase the duration of support granted. Conversely, a party wishing to avoid paying alimony would likely file before a milestone that could result in an increase in the length of the support obligation.

While the timing of a divorce may not impact child custody determinations, the ages of the children may be a factor in assessing when to file. Depending on the children's needs and level of independence, filing at a specific time may offer advantages. Additionally, while a child's preference is not the sole reason for determining custody, a court will take into consideration the preferences of children aged twelve or older when making a decision.

Speak with an Experienced Divorce Attorney

When considering filing for divorce, various aspects can influence the ideal timing, and it's crucial to consult an attorney before taking any steps. The attorneys at Wilson Whitaker Rynell can provide guidance on your rights and work towards achieving the most favorable outcome possible if you decide to pursue divorce. 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.

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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.

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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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