The Right Type of Divorce for You

Helping Residents of Pearland, Harris County, and the Surrounding Areas

Every divorce is as different as every couple who decides to get married. While you should always consult with a divorce lawyer before filing your lawsuit, you should have a basic understanding of the kinds of divorces that may be right for you and your family. The Dieye Firm is committed to helping all our clients determine which type of divorce works best for their unique situation.

Call us at (832) 299-1990 to schedule your initial consultation.

Grounds for Divorce in Texas

In Texas, there are two grounds for divorce: fault and no-fault. Most people assert no fault grounds. When you file for divorce, you simply allege that no one is to blame for the breakdown of the marriage. There is no need to provide proof to the court that a spouse committed an act that ended the marriage. Keep in mind that when your spouse responds to your divorce petition, he or she may allege fault grounds like the one discussed below.

A fault divorce, on the other hand, means that at least one of the parties must allege their spouse committed a wrong which led to the destruction of the marital relationship. If you prove fault to the satisfaction of the judge, it can influence how the court divides the property including debts and assets. There are seven grounds for divorce in Texas:

• No-fault: discussed above
• Cruelty: when one spouse willfully causes pain or suffering to the other, and the person treats the other so badly that they can no longer live together. Cruelty contemplates either mental or physical abuse. Most judges agree that trivial disagreements would not be enough to justify the granting of a divorce on cruelty grounds.
• Adultery: voluntary sexual intercourse of one of the spouses with someone who is not their husband or wife. While adultery can be proven with circumstantial evidence, it is still a relatively heavy burden to prove. Receipts or bank statements which show grandiose trips that one spouse did not go on or purchases of lingerie or jewelry is compelling. But suggestions, suspicions, and innuendo does not go far enough in proving adultery for Texas judges. In many cases where adultery is alleged, the help of a private investigator can be critical in gathering the requisite proof.
• Abandonment: a spouse will have abandoned the other if they left with the intention of doing so and have stayed away for at least one continuous year. The key thing to prove here is the other party’s intent. So, if the spouse intended to leave, but came back for a few nights without any intention to stay, this would still be considered a continuous year. However, if the spouse returned during that time to try to reconcile the relationship, then the time period would start over after the spouse left for a second time. Evidence such as text messages or emails which demonstrates their intent would be useful in demonstrating abandonment.
• Living apart: a divorce will only be granted if it can be shown that the spouses have lived separate and apart, without cohabitation, for at least three years.
• Confinement in a mental hospital: if the other spouse has been confined in a mental hospital for at least three years when the suit is filed, and that person’s mental health is so severe that adjustment is unlikely or relapse is probable, a divorce can be granted.
• Conviction of a felony: if your spouse has been convicted of a felony and imprisoned for at least a year, without pardon, then this will be sufficient grounds for a judge to grant your divorce. It can be either a state or federal criminal conviction.

In most cases, you will find that a no-fault divorce is the appropriate kind of divorce for you. It is inherently more private and probably less traumatic for everyone involved. Regardless, you should seek the advice of an experienced family lawyer who can help you make the right choice for your particular circumstance.

Let Our Lawyers Help You Navigate Your Divorce

At The Dieye Firm, we understand the intricacies of the divorce process and can help you complete this process from start to finish. Our attorneys will work with you to determine the right course for your divorce.

Call our office directly at (832) 299-1990 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an initial consultation.