Uncontested Divorce Lawyers in Houston, TX

Streamline Your Divorce in Bellaire & Sugar Land 

While divorce can be complicated, contentious, and emotionally draining, it does not have to be utterly adversarial. Many couples make the process as straightforward as possible without legally pitting themselves against one another. Others may have few complex issues to resolve, such as financial and child-related matters. For these Texans, an uncontested divorce can be a more direct path toward dissolving a marriage. 

An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree on all major issues, including the division of assets, child custody, child support, and spousal support. This amicable agreement allows the divorce process to proceed without needing a prolonged legal battle. This makes it generally faster and less stressful than a contested divorce, where disputes must be resolved in court.

At ALP Law Firm, we can help you work out the details of your divorce settlement, file the necessary paperwork to meet legal requirements, and advocate for your rights. Our attorneys and team are well-known for their efficiency and effectiveness in Texas divorce, earned by decades of experience resolving cases in the family court system. 

Consult with a Houston uncontested divorce attorney about your case. Contact us online or at (346) 536-9842 to schedule an appointment—Hablamos español.

Reaching Settlement Agreements Outside of Court

Texas allows couples to reach their own settlement agreements outside of court, facilitating a more streamlined and amicable divorce process. These agreements can be formalized in a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) document which can be accomplished through methods such as mediation and settlement negotiations. 

• Mediation: A neutral third-party mediator helps both spouses discuss and resolve their issues, guiding them toward a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation is often less adversarial and can help maintain amicable relationships, which is particularly beneficial when children are involved.
• Settlement negotiations: Couples can also settle directly with each other or through their attorneys. These negotiations can cover all aspects of the divorce, from asset division to support arrangements, and once an agreement is reached, it can be submitted to the court for approval.

By opting for these out-of-court resolution methods, couples can save time, reduce legal costs, and create customized solutions that suit their needs and circumstances.

Agreed Divorce in Texas

An “agreed divorce,” often termed an uncontested divorce, is a streamlined legal procedure in which both parties mutually consent to all essential settlement terms. This includes agreements on the division of property, allocation of debt responsibilities, child custody arrangements, child support, and spousal maintenance, if applicable. 

The essence of an agreed divorce is the absence of disputes, allowing the process to proceed with minimal court intervention and often resulting in a quicker and less expensive resolution.

To file for an agreed divorce in Texas, couples must generally meet specific criteria:

• Residency requirements: At least one spouse must have lived in Texas for at least six months before filing and in the county where they plan to file for at least 90 days. 
• Mutual agreement: Both parties agree to end the marriage and agree on all issues related to the divorce, leaving no unresolved matters for the court to settle. This is generally done through no-fault grounds, typically citing “insupportability” or irreconcilable differences.
• Bankruptcy: Neither party is currently pursuing bankruptcy. 
• Children: Minor children are typically not part of the divorce. Even if they were, custody and support have been agreed upon, and no court orders regarding these issues are pending.
• Assets: No shared marital property or retirement benefits need division/distribution. 
• Waiver of service: Instead of serving divorce papers, the respondent spouse can sign a waiver to confirm their awareness and acceptance of the divorce proceedings.
• Waiting period: Texas has a mandatory 60-day waiting period after the respondent is served before a final divorce decree can be granted.
• Uncontested hearing (optional): While not mandatory, some counties may require a brief uncontested hearing before finalizing the divorce. An attorney at ALP Law Firm can advise you.

Even in an agreed divorce, a judge must review and approve the final decree to ensure it is fair and legal. Both spouses often appear at a brief court hearing for the judge to grant the divorce.