Divorce Attorney in Waco

Fighting for an Amicable End to Your Divorce

Divorce is never an easy thing. Yet, once the process starts, it is crucial to have legal representation every step of the way to ensure that your rights are always protected. Our divorce lawyers in Waco, TX will do everything we can get reach an amicable solution without going to court but should trial become necessary, we will fight diligently to get you the results that are in your best interest.

Contact Our McLennan County Firm

At Blanchard & Thomas, we value our clients more than we value their payments. We treat each client as we would want to be treated in a similar situation and work with them to protect their futures and their families.

Texas Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Texas, you must first meet a residency requirement. The requirement stipulates the following:

• Either you or your spouse must have been a Texas resident for a least six months before filing
• Either you or your spouse must have lived in the county where the divorce is being filed for at least 90 days prior to filing

If you meet these requirements, then you can proceed to file for either a fault or a no-fault divorce. If you attempt to file for divorce without meeting these requirements, your case may not be accepted or it may be dismissed.

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Texas?

Texas is a “no-fault” divorce state. This means that divorce can be filed on the basis that there is a conflict of personalities that would prevent expectations of reconciliation. However, if one spouse is faulted for the marriage failing, that may be taken into consideration when determining how property is divided.

The grounds for a “fault divorce” include:

• Cruel treatment
• Adultery
• Abandonment
• Incarceration for more than one year
• Separation for at least three years
• Confinement in a mental institution for at least three years

How Long Does It Take to Finalize a Divorce?

After the petition is filed, the divorce cannot be finalized for at least 60 days. Once the judge pronounces that the divorce is finalized in court and signs the decree, the divorce is officially complete. If the spouses are not in agreement about the terms of the divorce, the process can take months or longer to finalize.

Additional FAQs for a Texas Divorce

Does Texas offer annulments?

Yes, it is possible to get an annulment in Texas if you meet the required grounds for annulment. Grounds for annulment include: one of the parties is underage, one of the parties was under the influence when the marriage occurred, one of the parties is impotent, or one of the parties is mentally incapacitated.

What do I do if my spouse will not respond to my attempts to serve divorce papers?

If your spouse is uncooperative, then you can ask the court to serve the spouse via certified mail or publication. Service by publication is when a notice of service is put in the local newspaper. The waiting period for this process is a bit longer. If all else fails, and your spouse still does not answer the divorce petition, then a default judgement can take place.

Do I have to continue living in Texas after the divorce is finalized?

If there are not any children involved in the divorce, then you are free to move out-of-state. However, if you have primary possession, then you might be restricted to live in Texas and even required to live in certain counties.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Whether you are facing a contested or an uncontested divorce, it’s equally important to have competent legal counsel on your side. What you don't know can hurt you for years to come. We have years of experience serving clients across Texas, from simple uncontested divorces to those with multi-million-dollar estates. You don't have to fight this on your own. Get help and support from divorce lawyers in Waco, TX today.