Texas Family Law FAQ

Question 1

How long does a divorce take in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Texas requires a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date of filing. Most uncontested divorces finalize in 2–4 months; contested divorces can take 6–18 months or longer depending on complexity.

Question 2

What is the difference between sole and joint custody in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Texas uses the term 'conservatorship.' Joint managing conservatorship means both parents share decision-making rights. Sole managing conservatorship gives one parent primary decision-making authority, typically when joint custody is not in the child's best interest.

Question 3

Is Texas a community property state?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Texas is a community property state, meaning most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are owned equally by both spouses and subject to 'just and right' division in a divorce.

Question 4

What does Board Certified in Family Law mean?

Accepted Answer

Board Certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization is a distinction held by fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys. It requires substantial experience, peer recognition, and passing a rigorous examination in the specialty area.

Question 5

Do I need an attorney for my divorce?

Accepted Answer

While Texas allows self-representation, family law cases involve complex legal and financial issues. An experienced attorney protects your rights, ensures proper documentation, and helps you avoid costly mistakes — especially when children or significant assets are involved.

Divorce

Child Custody

Child Support

Property Division

Spousal Support

Protective Orders

Paternity & Parentage

Grandparent Rights & Third-Party Custody

Adoption

Mediation & Collaborative Law

Why Trust Our Family Law Guidance?

Have More Questions?

Texas Family Law FAQ

Divorce

What are the grounds for divorce in Texas?

How long does it take to get divorced in Texas?

What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?

Do I need to prove fault to get divorced in Texas?

How do I file for divorce in Texas?

What happens if my spouse refuses to sign divorce papers?

Can I date while my divorce is pending in Texas?

Child Custody

What is the difference between conservatorship and possession/access?

What factors does the court consider in custody decisions?

Can custody orders be modified?

What is the Standard Possession Order?

At what age can a child decide which parent to live with in Texas?

What is a parenting plan and do I need one?

Can I relocate with my child after a custody order is in place?

Child Support

How is child support calculated in Texas?

What income is considered for child support?

When does child support end in Texas?

Can child support be modified?

What happens if a parent does not pay child support in Texas?

Does child support cover medical expenses?

Property Division

What is community property in Texas?

What is separate property?

How does the court divide property in Texas?

What happens to the family home?

How are retirement accounts and pensions divided in a Texas divorce?

What is a prenuptial agreement and is it enforceable in Texas?

Spousal Support

Is spousal support (alimony) available in Texas?

How much spousal support can be awarded?

How long does spousal support last?

Can spousal support be modified?

Protective Orders

What is a protective order?

How do I get a protective order?

How long does a protective order last?

What should I do if someone violates a protective order?

Can a protective order affect child custody?

Paternity & Parentage

How is paternity established in Texas?

What rights does an unmarried father have in Texas?

Can paternity be challenged or disestablished in Texas?

What is an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP)?

Grandparent Rights & Third-Party Custody

Do grandparents have rights in Texas?

Can a non-parent seek custody of a child in Texas?

What is a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR)?

Adoption

What types of adoption are available in Texas?

What is required for a stepparent adoption in Texas?

How long does the adoption process take in Texas?

Can parental rights be terminated involuntarily in Texas?

Mediation & Collaborative Law

What is mediation and is it required in Texas family law cases?

What is collaborative divorce?

What is the difference between mediation and collaborative divorce?

Is a mediated settlement agreement binding in Texas?

Why Trust Our Family Law Guidance?

Have More Questions?