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

Default Divorce in Texas

ATTORNEYS IN DALLAS

In Texas, a default divorce judgment may be granted when the person who was served with the divorce petition fails to file a written answer within the required time period.

Default Divorce

At the beginning of a divorce case, one spouse takes the role of the petitioner by submitting the initial divorce papers to the court. The respondent spouse is then served with the divorce papers by a sheriff, constable, or private process server, providing them with notice of the divorce. Communication between spouses may be limited during this time, and the respondent spouse may not be aware of the divorce proceedings until they receive service.

After being served, the respondent spouse has until the next Monday at 10 a.m., following twenty days, to file a response. Failing to submit a response within this timeframe may result in a default divorce being granted to the filing spouse. If you are in this situation, it is important to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney.

What Happens if my Spouse Does Not Answer my Divorce Petition?

In Texas, if a party served with a divorce petition fails to file a written answer within a specified period, the court may issue a default judgment against them. The clock begins running from the time of service, and the court can issue a default divorce if no response is received by 10 am on the first Monday after the twentieth day. However, the court cannot issue a final divorce decree until sixty days have passed since the petition was filed. After both waiting periods have expired, the party who filed the petition can request a default divorce by providing proof of service and evidence to support their case. If the court finds the evidence satisfactory, it will typically issue a final divorce decree. The party who filed must then file the decree and any other orders signed by the court.

When is my Default Divorce Final?

If your spouse files an answer before the hearing begins, you cannot obtain a default divorce. Even if the sixty-day waiting period has ended, you cannot get a default divorce if your spouse files an answer the day before you go to the courthouse to finalize your divorce.

Once the judge calls your case and listens to your testimony, they will review your file. If all the required documents are present and accurate, the judge will sign a final decree of divorce, and your divorce will be officially completed.

Speak with an Experienced Divorce Attorney

In divorce proceedings, parties have the option to present arguments and evidence to the court in their favor. However, if a party chooses not to respond to a divorce action, they waive this right and the court may issue a default divorce in favor of the other party. The experienced attorneys at Wilson Whitaker Rynell can review the specific details of your case and provide guidance on how to proceed towards achieving your desired 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.

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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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