Pearland Divorce Lawyer
Divorcing your significant other can be a tense and emotionally overwhelming ordeal. While no one enters into a marriage expecting to get divorced, it can sometimes be the best possible solution for both individuals’ happiness. While every divorcing couple wishes for an easy and amicable split, several difficult decisions can be challenging to agree upon, including child support and the division of marital assets.
Fortunately, you do not need to face this life transition change alone. The seasoned Pearland divorce lawyers at Stepp & Sullivan have over 75 years of combined experience guiding clients in Pearland, Texas, and the surrounding areas. We are dedicated to helping our clients understand their legal options as they plan for the future. When you partner with us, your attorney can work tirelessly to protect your rights and help ensure you are able to achieve your goals.
What Are the Legal Grounds for Divorce in Texas?
In Texas, spouses filing for divorce must list one of the seven legal grounds for dissolving the marriage. Divorces in Texas are either classified as fault or no fault. In a no-fault divorce, neither party has committed any wrongdoing that resulted in the end of the marriage. On the other hand, a couple can only file for a fault divorce if there is evidence of misconduct. The three no-fault grounds for divorce include the following:
- Insupportability: Often called irreconcilable differences, insupportability is the most common reason for divorce in Texas. Couples often file for this type of divorce due to discord within the marriage.
- Living apart: Texas courts may grant a divorce if the couple has been living apart for three years or more.
- Confinement in a mental institution: If one spouse is confined to a mental institution with little hope for improvement, you may have legal grounds to file for divorce after three years.
While the reasons above may not be either spouse’s, at-fault divorces assert that one party’s misconduct is responsible for the end of the marriage. The following are the four fault grounds for divorce:
- Cruelty: Cruelty has a broad legal definition, including physical, verbal, and emotional behaviors. If your spouse has treated you cruelly, the court may grant you an at-fault divorce.
- Adultery: Cheating or adultery is the number one reason for fault divorces in Texas. If you can prove your spouse cheated on you, you likely have grounds for this type of divorce.
- Felony conviction: When one spouse is convicted of a felony and sentenced to at least one year in prison, the other spouse can legally file for divorce.
- Abandonment: In this rare scenario, a divorce may be granted if one spouse has left the other with no intention to return and has stayed away for at least one continuous year.
When you partner with a skilled Pearland divorce lawyer from Stepp & Sullivan, we can investigate every detail of your case and help you determine which legal reason gives you viable grounds for your divorce.
Is Mediation the Right Fit for My Case?
Mediation is the process where a third party helps individuals settle common disputes that arise during a divorce. These disagreements are typically about spousal maintenance, property division, child custody, and more. One significant benefit of mediation is that it gives both parties more control over the divorce proceedings and helps them reach an amicable agreement that suits both parties needs. If the divorcing couple takes their disagreements to court, the judge will have the final say on all disputed decisions. Additionally, resolving any conflicts before going to court can help settle matters more quickly, avoiding a contested divorce.
Our seasoned Pearland divorce lawyers at Stepp & Sullivan are skilled mediators with 40 years of combined experience helping couples reach an amicable divorce agreement. We have a proven track record of helping divorcing couples avoid litigation and make the best possible decisions for their futures. However, when an amicable agreement cannot be reached, we are willing to take your case to court to fight for your rights, interests, and financial future.
Discuss Your Case With a Seasoned Pearland Divorce Attorney at Moffett Law Firm
Successful divorce agreements require care, dedication, and expertise from the lawyers involved. A Pearland divorce attorney from Stepp & Sullivan understands what it takes to navigate your divorce and can work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for your future. We understand the ins and outs of Texas family law and are ready to apply our extensive experience and skills to your unique case. When you choose us, you can rest assured that we will easily handle every detail of your case and guide you through the legal process. To learn more about how we can help you, schedule a consultation today by calling (713) 336-7200 or completing our online contact form.
