Divorce Law in El Paso, TX

Divorce Law refers to the legal termination of a marriage and often involves working through several complicated issues.

Are you facing a costly divorce in El Paso, Texas? Does your estranged spouse have an attorney? Usually, couples going through a divorce are unable to compromise on most items and reach an agreement on their own. Thus, many couples go through mediation or the court system to resolve their case.

Issues Involved in El Paso, Texas Divorce Law

There are many complicated issues that you need to settle during the divorce process. Many of these elicit strong emotions from one party or the other, resulting in volatility.

Dividing Property 

One of the most challenging issues in the divorce law process is dividing property, debts and assets. In many states, like Texas, anything you and your spouse purchased over your marriage is subject to division. This includes things such as real estate, bank accounts, cars, stocks, etc. Some states split marital property evenly, while others go along an equitable split. In the latter, the judge weighs the contribution each spouse made to the marriage and uses that information to decide the disposition property, which may not equate to a perfect 50/50 division of your property, debt,  and other assets..

Child Support 

Both parents are responsible for paying for the care of their children. There is a child support guideline that helps determine how much each parent should contribute based on their income and the amount of time they spend with the children. Child support pays for things such as healthcare, food, clothing and other basic needs.

Under Texas law, El Paso child support payments are calculated based on the income of the non-custodial parent. If you do not pay your child support, your wages can be garnished and your property can be seized. In addition, the Texas Attorney General can suspend your driver’s license or file civil and criminal contempt charges.

Alimony 

Alimony, or spousal support, can vary dramatically depending on the marriage, and El Paso, TX divorce law court looks at multiple factors when determining the amount and length of alimony, including:

  • A spouse’s need and the other spouse’s ability to pay
  • The age and health of each spouse
  • The length of the marriage
  • Each spouse’s earning capacity and level of education
  • The division of property
  • Parental responsibility of the children
  • Sole investments and assets of either spouse

Texas code prohibits spousal support for El Paso divorces, except under very specific circumstances. The requesting spouse must lack the property or assets to provide for their own basic needs. In addition, one of the following must apply:

  • The non-requesting spouse has a recent conviction for domestic violence
  • The marriage lasted for at least 10 years and the requesting spouse lacks the ability to earn sufficient income
  • The requesting spouse has an incapacitating disability
  • The requesting spouse is unable to earn sufficient income due to having custody of a mentally or physically disabled child, requiring substantial care and personal supervision

Even if all of these criteria are met, the statute strictly limits the duration and amount of the spousal support.

Child Custody and Visitation

Child custody is perhaps the most emotional issue during a divorce that involves children. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the court bases all decisions on what is in the best interest of the child. Keeping this in mind may help navigate the rough waters of custody.

El Paso judges have broad statutory discretion in determining custody placements based on the best interest of the child. However, a 1976 case, Holley v. Adams, provided criteria for determining what is in the child’s best interest. These Holley Factors are now the standard guide for custody decisions in Texas.

As well, an El Paso court will look at the needs and desires of the child, as well as each parent’s ability to meet those needs. In addition, courts try to provide stability and prevent any future harm to the child from abuse or neglect.

Generally, El Paso, Texas courts award joint legal custody giving both parents the legal right to make decisions for the children, such as education, medical care and religious practices. Legal custody has nothing to do with physical custody or visitation. Joint custody does not mean both parents split time with the child evenly, just as Sole legal custody does not bar the non-custodial parent from visiting the child.

The Process of Going Through Divorce Law in El Paso, Texas

Are you leaning towards getting a divorce from your partner? If so, it is important to understand the necessary steps of the divorce law process.

Step 1: File the Divorce Law Petition

The divorce law process begins when one spouse files a legal petition to terminate the marriage. The petition must include:

  • A legal reason for divorce (grounds for divorce)
  • A statement that shows at least one spouse meets the state’s residency requirements for divorce
  • Other statutory information your state requires

Most states offer the option for filing a no-fault divorce, which does not require a legal reason for the divorce.

Texas allows no-fault divorce, and an El Paso spouse must only state that the marriage has become insupportable. In-supportability is defined as conflict that destroys the legitimate ends of the marriage and prevents any reasonable expectation of reconciliation.

Step 2: Request Temporary Orders

The divorce law process in El Paso can take several months, but temporary orders can be requested and approved for a multitude of reasons, including:

  • Child custody
  • Child support
  • Spousal support
  • Property restraining orders
  • Status quo orders

Request temporary orders as quickly as possible so you are not absent the resources or protection that you need.

Step 3: Serve Your Spouse and Wait for Their Response

If you are the one who files a petition for divorce, you must have your spouse served with their divorce law papers and then file a proof of service with the courts. If your spouse accepts service, then they need to fill out an affidavit to that effect. However, in many cases, the petitioner must hire a process server or sheriff to formally serve the petition on the other spouse. It is this third-party who then records the proof of service.

Step 4: Try To Come to an Agreement

The best outcome for anyone going through this process is to have an uncontested divorce, meaning both spouses agree on all issues.

This can be reached between both partners or with the help of a mediator. Not only will this save each spouse money, but there will typically be a lot less animosity.

Step 5: Go To Court

If you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement, then the case continues before an El Paso, TX judge. While there is some benefit to having a judge hand down orders, it may also be a detriment as there is little to no control of the agreement by the parties. 

Texas divorce proceedings are under the jurisdiction of the District Civil Courts. El Paso residents can file for divorce at the El Paso County District Court.

Step 6: Receive the Judgement of Divorce

The divorce law trial will end with the official judgment of divorce, ending the marriage. This final dissolution of marriage sets out the details about property and debt division, child custody and all relevant issues between the couple.

Work With an Experienced El Paso, Texas Divorce Law Attorney

If you are going through a divorce and are unable to reach an agreement with your partner, you should hire an experienced El Paso divorce law attorney. A lawyer will fight for you and make sure you get what is yours. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Texas state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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