From uncontested divorce to high-conflict custody battles, our family law lawyers provide experienced, comprehensive legal services. Whether we utilize mediation or collaborative law or we go to trial, our lawyers have the knowledge and skill to guide you through a difficult time.
At Laura Dale & Associates, we will work hard to find the right solution to your family law issue. With more than 30 years of collective experience, our attorneys are prepared to advise you on divorce, custody, support, modifications, family violence, paternity and all aspects of family law.
We know how important your family is to you, and we provide individualized service and excellent communication from the beginning to the end of each case. To speak with our attorneys, please call our Houston office at 713-574-7952 or contact us online.
Our firm’s founder, Laura Dale, is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers as well as a USA Delegate on the Board of Governors of that organization.
Offering Comprehensive Representation
No matter how complex the case, we have the experience and expertise to help. Attorney Laura Dale has a master’s degree in psychophysiology and a doctorate in neuroscience, allowing her to work closely with doctors and other professionals in cases involving mental illness or substance abuse. Additionally, her business background is valuable in high net worth divorce cases, complex property division and any case in which high-level negotiation skills are indispensable.
We have had success with many challenging, high-conflict cases that are beyond the scope of other law firms. Utilizing a team approach to cases and a high-tech office with the most up-to-date Internet and communication tools, we can help you with Texas family law cases involving:
- Planning for divorce ahead of time
- Uncontested divorce cases
- High asset divorce for physicians, accountants and others
- High-profile divorces and family law matters
- Military divorce cases and parenting time concerns
- Finding financial stability after divorce
- Dealing with mental health concerns
- Filing bankruptcy after divorce
- Spousal support or alimony payments
- Dividing assets and debts in divorce
- Annulling a marriage
- Obtaining temporary orders during divorce
- Child support orders
- Child custody/access orders
- Relocating to a different state or country
- Changing your name for various reasons
- Making modifications to existing court orders
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Obtaining protective orders for domestic violence
- Establishing paternity or fatherhood
- Same-sex divorces and other issues
- Appealing family law cases
- Pursuing mediated settlements or precourt settlements
- ADR methods such as mediation or collaborative law
With four attorneys who are board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, as well as certified mediators and collaborative law attorneys on staff, our firm has virtually unmatched qualifications and skills in family law. We understand Texas laws in detail. We invite you to discover how we can help you and your family.
What You Should Learn About Divorce
You probably have many questions about dissolving your marriage. Our team has the answers to help you understand your rights and learn about the process. Below, we have answered some of the most common questions we hear from our prospective clients.
How long does the divorce process take in Texas?
In theory, you can get a divorce 60 days after the paperwork is filed. In practice, most divorces take six months to a year to finalize.
Because every divorce is different, the length of time it takes to get through your divorce may vary considerably. If you have few assets and your divorce is uncontested (meaning you and your spouse can agree to all the terms), you will get through it quickly. If you have complex assets or there are contested issues that require litigation in front of a judge, your divorce will probably take a bit longer. An attorney can often give you a clearer idea of how long you can expect your divorce to take once you have had an initial consultation.
How is property divided in a divorce?
Texas is a community property state, so almost all property (with some exceptions for inherited property and assets carved out through premarital and post-marital agreements) acquired after marriage is considered marital property.
While a 50/50 split is generally presumed to be fair, that division is not automatic. The courts are required to a “just and right” division of property, so the specific circumstances of your case can influence the split. Some of the factors that can influence the division of marital property and debts include things like the relative age and health of both spouses, each spouse’s earning capacity and the contributions each has made to the marriage (financially and otherwise).
Can I still file for divorce if my spouse is in another state or country?
Yes, you can still file for divorce in Texas even if your spouse lives in another state or country – so long as you have resided in this state for at least six months. Assuming that you file for divorce first, the Texas court will still have jurisdiction, or authority to hear the case.
What is an uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce is a divorce in which the spouses agree on how to resolve issues such as asset division, alimony and child support. Generally, uncontested divorces do not require a trial.
What happens if my spouse doesn’t want a divorce?
If your spouse does not agree to a divorce, you will have to file for divorce on your own and have them served the paperwork.
What are the steps for filing for divorce in Houston?
To file for divorce in Houston or elsewhere in Harris County, you need to:
- Fill out the divorce petition.
- File the paperwork with your local courthouse and pay the fee.
- Serve or have another party serve the papers to your spouse.
- Wait the mandatory 60-day period, then receive your hearing date.
- Negotiate a settlement with your ex, if possible.
- Attend the hearing and receive a judge’s order.
You must also have lived in the county for at least 90 days and lived in Texas for at least six months before filing.
What are the benefits of working with a divorce attorney?
The law regarding divorce is immensely complicated. You are already facing so much stress in your personal life that having a lawyer to guide you is immensely helpful. Your attorney can also protect your rights and ensure your ex does not take advantage of you.
Do you have more questions? Do not hesitate – reach out to us for more answers.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
Feel free to call our office at 713-574-7952 to schedule an appointment.