Divorce Lawyers in the Woodlands
- The Woodlands, TX
- Wood | Sanchez Law
Hire A Woodlands Divorce Attorney
Searching for a divorce lawyer online might be the last thing you expected to do, but you’re not alone. No matter how overwhelming things may seem right now, there is a clear legal path ahead. At Wood & Sanchez Law, our experienced team is here to protect your rights and resolve any issues that may arise. Call our phone number, use our contact form, or visit our office in The Woodlands for a private consultation.
Proudly Representing The Woodlands Community
Divorce often stirs up a medley of intense emotions—anger, regret, confusion—but it’s important not to let these feelings dictate your response. The choices you make now will have a lasting impact on your future. Having strong legal guidance is essential for protecting your interests, whether you choose to litigate or mediate.
At Wood & Sanchez Law, our dedicated divorce attorneys offer more than 20 years of combined experience in Texas family law. We serve clients in The Woodlands and many other locations throughout the state. Our professional team will do everything possible to protect your family, assets, and peace of mind.
Reasons To Secure Qualified Legal Counsel
If you’re thinking about initiating divorce or have just been served papers, you may be struggling to figure out the best plan of action. Divorce is complex and has many different requirements, so it’s important to secure proper counsel before you do anything else. At Wood & Sanchez Law, we fully empathize with what you’re going through. You can rely on us to expertly guide you through each step in a timely and efficient manner.
We’ll help you file for divorce, arrange for temporary orders, try to reach a favorable settlement, and prepare for discovery in the event your case goes to court. You don’t have to go through this alone or try to deal with everything yourself. Work with our firm’s certified divorce lawyers to get the ruling you want sooner.
How We Handle Divorce Cases
In Texas, divorces can be either contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce means both spouses are able to agree on all terms and reach a settlement. In a contested divorce, any unresolved disputes must be decided in court by a judge. At Wood & Sanchez Law, our divorce attorneys in The Woodlands take a comprehensive approach to family law, addressing not only the divorce process but also the four main sources of divorce-related conflict:
- Property Division: Assets acquired during the marriage are divided between both parties. This includes homes, bank accounts, and personal property.
- Spousal Support: Alimony may be granted if one spouse can’t support themselves after divorce.
- Child Custody: Custodial arrangements and visitation rights are granted based on the child’s best interests.
- Child Support: Child support is determined using a formula based on the non-custodial parent’s income, the child’s needs, and any other issues that might arise.
In The Woodlands, we’ve built a strong reputation as bold yet compassionate negotiators. Our expertise ranges from personalized client services to courtroom performance and beyond. Whether your divorce is contested, uncontested, no-fault, or at-fault, you can feel confident knowing we’ll tirelessly advocate for your best interests.
Big Firm Expertise With Small Firm Dedication
When you hire our accomplished lawyers, you get the benefit of big-firm expertise coupled with the dedication of a smaller firm. Wood & Sanchez Law is proud to offer the personalized care and attention your case deserves. Let us help you build a strong foundation for life after divorce.
How To File for Divorce in The Woodlands
Every state handles divorce differently, and Texas has its own unique regulations. While any adult can file for divorce, having a family law attorney makes the experience smoother and less stressful. The entire process typically involves six different steps:
Step 1 - Confirm Residency
Before filing, make sure either you or your spouse has lived in Texas for at least six months and in the current county for at least 90 days. You must file in the family court of the county where your spouse lives.
Step 2 - File the Divorce Petition
Prepare and file an Original Petition for Divorce with the relevant District Clerk. This document outlines your reasons for divorce and lists any shared children and property. You’ll need to submit the original plus two copies and pay a filing fee.
Step 3 - Notify Your Spouse
Serve your spouse with the petition. You can hire a process server or have your spouse sign a waiver of citation to avoid formal service. Either method confirms they’ve been officially notified.
If you’ve been served divorce papers, read them immediately and take note of the deadlines. Typically, you have about 20 days to respond. Failing to do so may result in a default judgment, allowing your spouse to proceed without your input. It’s wise to contact a divorce attorney right away to review your options and decide whether to file an answer or a counter-petition.
Step 4 - Start Negotiations
Texas law requires a 60-day waiting period before a divorce is finalized. During this time, both parties can work out the terms of their separation. If agreements are reached, they can be included in the final paperwork. If a resolution cannot be achieved this way, the case will have to be decided through litigation.
Step 5 - Draft the Final Decree
Once negotiations are finished, you and your spouse will create a Final Decree of Divorce that outlines all the agreed-upon terms. Some cases may require a court review, while others can be approved administratively.
Step 6 - Attend the Final Hearing
Finally, you’ll schedule a final court hearing through the District Clerk. If you and your ex have been able to reach a compromise, the judge will ask a few questions and sign the decree, finalizing the divorce.
Let us Help resolve life’s challenges
Let Wood & Sanchez Guide You Forward
At Wood & Sanchez Law, our experienced and friendly attorneys are here to deliver the legal support you deserve. Whether you’re facing divorce, property division, or a child custody matter, we’re prepared to stand by your side every step of the way. To get started, call us at 1-888-981-7599, complete our online form, or stop by our office. We serve clients throughout The Woodlands, TX, and other nearby cities, offering trusted representation in a wide range of family law matters.
At-fault divorces can involve cruelty, adultery, abandonment, felony conviction, or an undisclosed issue that negatively impacts the marriage. No-fault divorce is almost always a matter of insupportability or irreconcilable differences. However, if a couple has lived apart for over three years or one party has been institutionalized for that long, these can also be used as grounds for a no-fault divorce.
A good divorce attorney prioritizes clear communication, offers tailored solutions, and has extensive courtroom experience. They will also expedite proceedings whenever possible and avoid unnecessary litigation. Wood & Sanchez Law keeps your best interests at the forefront of every decision.
It’s best to avoid discussing your divorce on social media while your case is pending. Anything you post could potentially be used against you in court. We would advise temporarily deactivating your accounts or adjusting privacy settings to protect yourself until all legal matters are finalized.
In Texas, each party is generally responsible for paying their own lawyer. However, the court may require one spouse to pay part or all of the other’s fees if there is a significant financial disparity between them.
Yes, it’s possible to get divorced even if you’re currently located somewhere else. Non-residents can also file for divorce in Texas as long as they’ve been stationed at one or more Texas military bases for six months and in the same county for the past 90 days.
In the past, mothers typically had the advantage when it came to matters of child custody, but nowadays things are more equal. No special treatment is given to either spouse in Texas court. The only thing that matters is the well-being of the child.
Yes, Texas recognizes common-law marriages as valid. However, if you separate and no divorce is filed within two years, the court may rule that the marriage never existed.
You can still move forward with the process even if your partner doesn’t want to get divorced. If you can’t serve them papers the traditional way, alternative methods like certified mail or newspaper publication can be used. Also, the court may grant a default judgment to finalize your divorce if they don’t respond by the set deadline.
