San Antonio Uncontested Divorce Lawyer
Assisting Clients With Uncontested Divorce Matters in Texas
If you are filing for divorce, you’ll either be filing contested or uncontested. Filing contested means you and your spouse do not agree on the terms of your separation and will likely need litigation to finalize your divorce. Filing uncontested means you and your spouse agree on all the terms of your separation and are willing to present a finalized agreement to the court for approval.
At The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC, our San Antonio uncontested divorce attorney strives to help people resolve disputes amicably and finalize their divorces favorably. We go the extra mile to see our clients succeed.
Understanding The Uncontested Divorce Process
If you are wondering how to get started with your divorce, our San Antonio uncontested divorce lawyer at The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC is here to help.
If you wish to file for an uncontested divorce in Texas, you must qualify by meeting the requirements:
- You or your spouse must have lived in Texas for at least six months
- You or your spouse must have lived in the county where you are filing for at least three months
- You and your spouse must agree on all issues in your divorce
If you meet these requirements and wish to proceed with an uncontested divorce, our San Antonio uncontested divorce lawyer can help you with all the paperwork moving forward.
In Texas, there is a 60-day mandatory waiting period. Your divorce will not be finalized for at least 61 days after filing your petition. The court will schedule a final hearing so that a judge can approve your uncontested divorce agreement and sign the Final Decree of Divorce.
Why File Uncontested?
Divorce is an emotional process no matter what. Filing uncontested can reduce some of the burden you are sure to face when ending your marriage.
The benefits of an uncontested divorce include:
- The process is faster
- The process is less stressful
- It costs less than a contested divorce
- You maintain control over the decisions made – not a judge
How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take?
In Texas, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period after filing the initial petition before a divorce can be finalized. This waiting period applies to all divorces, including uncontested ones. While the waiting period sets the minimum time frame, the exact length of time it takes to complete an uncontested divorce depends on several factors, such as:
- Court Schedules: The court's availability to review and approve the paperwork can vary based on the county's docket and case load.
- Agreement Timing: How quickly both parties reach an agreement on all issues can also influence the timeline.
- Document Preparation: If all required documents are properly prepared and submitted without errors, the process will move more efficiently. Mistakes or missing information can cause delays.
What You Must Agree on to Have an Uncontested Divorce
The key areas that need to be settled include:
Division of Property and Debts
Texas is a community property state, meaning that most assets and debts acquired during the marriage must be divided equally between the spouses. However, couples can reach their own agreement on how to split their property as long as the arrangement is fair and reasonable. This includes the division of:
- Real estate
- Bank accounts
- Investments
- Retirement funds
- Vehicles
- Personal belongings
- Debt obligations (e.g., mortgages, credit card debt)
Child Custody and Visitation
The parents must agree on:
- Conservatorship (custody): Whether one parent will have sole managing conservatorship or both parents will share joint managing conservatorship.
- Visitation schedules: How the parents will divide time with the child, including holidays, vacations, and school breaks.
- Decision-making responsibilities: Who will make major decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
Child Support
Texas law requires that child support be calculated based on a formula considering the noncustodial parent’s income and the number of children. However, parents can agree on an alternative support amount if the arrangement is in the child’s best interests and meets the minimum requirements.
The agreement should also outline how expenses like health insurance, childcare, and extracurricular activities will be handled.
Spousal Support (Alimony)
In some cases, one spouse may agree to provide financial support to the other after the divorce. The agreement must specify:
- The amount and duration of the support payments.
- Whether the support will be temporary or permanent.
- Any conditions for modifying or ending the support.
Contact Our Uncontested Divorce Attorney in San Antonio Today
If you are getting a divorce in Texas, you may want to consider getting an uncontested divorce for a quick and easy divorce. Our San Antonio uncontested divorce lawyers will give you all the information you need to make sure that you are choosing the right divorce option for you. We will support you every step of the way and make sure that you are happy with the final divorce settlement agreement.
Why Choose The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC?
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Derek and his team will work directly with you through every step of your case. It’s important to us that your case receives highly personalized attention. You instilled your trust in us and we will work to meet and exceed your expectations.
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We’re competitive by nature and have a versatile legal style. We always seek an amicable outcome among different parties. We’re also prepared and ready to take your case to trial.
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We strive to create an environment where you feel safe and protected. We recommend starting with a complimentary consultation to review your case together. Evening and weekend consultations are available by appointment only.