Dallas, TX Divorce Attorney

Divorce Attorneys Representing Spouses Throughout Dallas County, Texas

Divorce can bring disagreements over who keeps the family home, how savings are divided, and whether one spouse must provide financial support. Texas law gives spouses certain rights to marital property. However, reaching a fair settlement often requires careful review. Some divorces can be resolved through negotiation, while others require a judge to make these decisions.

At Powell Law Offices, P.C., we represent Dallas spouses in both contested and uncontested divorces. Attorney Lauren Powell has more than 20 years of legal experience. Our firm brings over 50 years of combined experience to family law cases. We offer free consultations by phone, video, or in person, and our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions.

Protecting Your Finances During a Dallas Divorce

Texas courts can issue temporary orders to protect property while a divorce is pending. A temporary restraining order may prevent either spouse from hiding assets. It can also stop them from making unusual withdrawals. Temporary injunctions and other temporary orders may also address living arrangements, household bills, and financial support. These orders are entered after notice and a hearing.

These protections can be especially important in a high-conflict divorce. This type of divorce often involves disagreements about money, making cooperation difficult. Our attorneys can help you request orders. We will address financial concerns before they become larger disputes.

How Texas Courts Divide Marital Property

Asset division begins by identifying community and separate property. Texas presumes property owned during divorce is community property unless proven otherwise. Assets acquired before marriage or received through gifts or inheritance may be separate property. You must provide clear and convincing evidence to support that claim.

Courts divide community property in a manner they consider fair. The marital home can be particularly difficult to divide. You may need to decide whether one spouse keeps the house, refinances the mortgage, or sells the property. If community funds paid certain expenses on a separately owned home, a reimbursement claim may also arise.

Hidden Assets and Wasteful Spending During Divorce

Asset dissipation involves wasting or improperly transferring marital property. For example, a spouse may secretly give away money or hide investments. They could also spend community funds on personal purposes that have nothing to do with the marriage.

Under Texas law, a court can find that one spouse improperly wasted or transferred community property. If this happens, the court calculates how much was lost. It then divides the property as if the money or assets had not been taken. It may award additional property or a money judgment to the affected spouse.

A high-asset divorce can make these problems harder to uncover. Business accounts, investments, and multiple properties often require careful financial review.

Spousal Maintenance and Temporary Financial Support in a Texas Divorce

Texas distinguishes temporary support from spousal maintenance. Temporary support helps cover certain expenses while the divorce is pending. Court-ordered maintenance provides support after divorce. But you must meet specific eligibility requirements.

Courts consider factors like financial needs, earning ability, marriage length, and certain circumstances involving disability or family violence. Spouses may also agree to contractual alimony outside the usual court-ordered maintenance rules.

Court-ordered maintenance ends upon remarriage or death. It can also end when the receiving spouse lives with a romantic partner in a continuing, permanent arrangement.

Special Considerations in an LGBTQ Divorce

An LGBTQ divorce follows the same divorce laws as other marriages. However, some couples face additional questions about property ownership and parental rights. Texas recognizes informal marriages when couples meet specific legal requirements. For some same-sex couples, proving an earlier marriage date can affect which assets are considered community property.

Establishing legal parentage may also be important when children are involved. Our attorneys can help you address these issues, protect your property rights, and resolve disputes involving your children.

Getting an Uncontested Divorce in Dallas

An uncontested divorce is possible when both spouses agree on property, support, and any parenting arrangements. These cases may involve fewer hearings and lower legal costs. Your spouse can sign a valid waiver of service, eliminating the need for formal delivery of divorce papers. However, Texas still requires a waiting period of at least 60 days in most cases before the divorce can be finalized.

Our tech-savvy firm uses modern technology to make the divorce process easier and more convenient for our clients.

Enforcing or Changing a Texas Divorce Decree

Once a divorce is final, Texas courts cannot simply change the original property division. However, enforcement proceedings can help when a former spouse refuses to transfer property or follow the decree.

A suit to enforce the division of tangible personal property, such as vehicles or furniture, generally must be filed within two years. Other types of property claims follow different deadlines. Spousal maintenance modifications are possible if circumstances have changed in a material and substantial way.

Contact Our Dallas, TX Divorce Attorneys

When you are facing a divorce, having an experienced attorney on your side can make a difference. Attorney Powell has received Top 10 Family Law Attorney recognition from the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys since 2020. She is also a member of the Dallas County Bar Association and has taught and spoken on legal topics.

Powell Law Offices, P.C. has earned more than 100 five-star reviews and multiple client service awards. Whether your divorce involves substantial property, contested finances, or an agreed settlement, we can help you move forward. Contact our Dallas, Texas divorce attorneys at 972-584-9382 to schedule a free consultation.