Divorce

Abilene Divorce Attorneys

Giving You the Representation You Need

Most people who get married expect it to last the rest of their lives. No one says “I do,” wanting the relationship to end one day. However, this is not always the case. Although divorce rates in Texas have been falling recently, the rate is still at 1.4 per 1,000 people. This means about 39% of marriages in Texas end in divorce. Many people may be tempted to represent themselves in their own divorce. This is especially true if the marriage is brief or the divorce is amicable.

Divorce can be complicated, regardless of someone’s relationship with their former spouse. Even people with the best of intentions can find themselves in a messy legal situation. This is why if you or a loved one is considering or going through a divorce, you must hire an experienced Abilene divorce lawyer.

Why Do I Need a Divorce Attorney in Abilene, Texas?

The divorce process is a legal process. For a marriage to be dissolved in the eyes of the state of Texas and the U.S. Government, specific requirements must be fulfilled. This includes filing certain paperwork and can consist of appearances before a judge. Most people do not have the experience or knowledge to serve as their own legal representation in a divorce. For example, many people do not know that, under Texas law, there are two general types of divorce: contested and uncontested.

What is an Uncontested Divorce in Texas?

Texas is a no-fault divorce state. This means that a couple can get divorced for any reason without citing an explanation in court. If a couple is ending their relationship amicably, they may proceed with an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce is a divorce in which both parties have agreed to end the marriage and generally agree on how the marriage will end. This may include, but is not necessarily limited to, child support, child custody (including visitation), spousal maintenance, division of assets, personal finances, and other legal concerns. Uncontested divorces are generally quicker than contested divorces.

Even if you are considering or going through an uncontested divorce, hiring an experienced attorney is vital. Divorces can be unpredictable. An experienced Abilene, TX divorce attorney can help parties with mediation. This is a process in which a neutral party helps the parties going through a divorce reach mutually agreeable decisions regarding the end of their marriage. Having an attorney act as a mediator in an uncontested divorce can help speed up the process and ensure a positive outcome for all parties.

What is a Contested Divorce in Texas?

Depending on the circumstances, a divorce may be contested. This occurs when the relationship is not ending amicably, and one or both parties need the law to make certain decisions regarding the marriage, or when it involves a high net worth. In a contested divorce, the filing party will list their grounds for a divorce. Under Texas law, there are seven grounds for a contested divorce. These are:

  • Abandonment
  • Adultery
  • Confinement to a Mental Facility
  • Cruelty
  • A Felony Conviction
  • Insupportability (Intolerability)
  • Living Apart for Three or More Years

A contested divorce will usually involve appearances before a judge in court. Both sides will present their arguments to the court regarding matters such as child support and custody, asset and property division, and other factors related to the end of the marriage. Uncontested divorces can drag out for an extended period and become expensive and time-consuming. This is why if you or a loved one is considering or going through a divorce, you must contact an experienced divorce law attorney.

Property and Debt Division Under Texas Law

Property division is often one of the most stressful and emotionally charged parts of the legal process during a divorce. Texas is a community property state, which means that most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are jointly owned by both spouses. When couples cannot agree on how to divide property, the court will determine a division based on what it considers “just and right.” This does not always mean a 50/50 split. Instead, judges in Taylor County may consider factors such as each spouse’s earning capacity, financial needs, health, contributions to the marriage, and future stability.

Asset division may involve the family home, retirement accounts, business interests, vehicles, real estate, investments, and personal property. The process can become complex when separate property—such as inheritances, gifts, or assets owned before the marriage—becomes mixed with community property. That’s why hiring experienced Abilene divorce attorneys can be essential for protecting your wealth and long-term financial interests. A legal team with a deep understanding of Texas law can help establish what is separate versus community property and represent you in negotiations or in courtroom proceedings when necessary.

At Barrett Legal PLLC, we understand the importance of protecting what our clients have worked so hard for. We offer professional legal guidance tailored to your legal needs, and we work to secure the best possible outcome for your financial future. Whether your divorce involves high-value assets, business ownership, or retirement benefits, our firm is dedicated to obtaining results that protect your stability and your future.

Child Custody and Support in Texas Divorce Cases

When parents divorce, child custody becomes one of the most sensitive and important legal matters. Under Texas law, courts make decisions based on the best interests of the child, not just what is easiest for the parents. Custody, called conservatorship in civil law, determines who has the right to make important decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and upbringing. Visitation, known legally as possession and access, determines how much time each parent will spend with their child. In Taylor County, judges will evaluate factors like the child’s emotional and physical needs, each parent’s ability to care for the child, and the stability of each home environment.

Child support is another major issue in Texas family law. It is typically determined by the non-custodial parent’s income and is intended to help cover the child’s basic needs, including housing, food, education, and healthcare. Even when parents agree on custody or support, it is wise to consult with a divorce attorney in Abilene to ensure the agreements comply with state law and will remain enforceable.

Our experienced attorneys understand how stressful it can be to protect your child’s well-being while navigating the legal system. The legal team at Barrett Legal PLLC is committed to representing parents with compassion, professionalism, and dedication. We help clients develop workable parenting plans, negotiate child support, and represent them in court when necessary. Whether your case is amicable or contested, our law firm is here to protect your parental rights while helping you make decisions that support your child’s future.

Spousal Maintenance and Financial Support After Divorce

In some divorce cases, one spouse may receive financial support to help maintain stability after the marriage ends. Under Texas law, spousal maintenance—often referred to as alimony—is not guaranteed, but it may be awarded in certain situations when one spouse cannot meet basic financial needs. Factors considered by the court include the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, ability to work, health conditions, education level, and whether one spouse sacrificed career opportunities to support the family.

Spousal support can be temporary, rehabilitative, or longer-term depending on the circumstances. For example, support may help a spouse obtain education, job training, or employment to improve financial independence. In some cases, spousal maintenance may also apply when a spouse is disabled or caring for a child with special needs. This area of law requires strong legal representation to ensure that the financial needs of both parties are considered fairly.

At Barrett Legal PLLC, our attorneys understand that divorce can create significant financial challenges. We work hard to evaluate your financial situation, explain your options, and negotiate for a fair support agreement that protects your future. Whether you are seeking maintenance or defending against an excessive request, our firm is here to represent you with knowledge, professionalism, and personal attention. Every client deserves legal guidance that puts their interests first, and our goal is to help you move forward with confidence and financial stability.

Going Through a Divorce in Abilene? Contact Our Law Firm Today

Divorce can be the most challenging experience of a person’s life. With the services of an experienced and dedicated law firm, it doesn’t have to be. If you or a loved one is currently considering or going through a divorce, don’t hesitate to call our law firm at 325-241-2868.

At Barrett Legal PLLC, we work tirelessly to represent clients going through some of the most challenging periods of their lives. We understand how complex and frustrating a divorce can be. We know that even under the best circumstances, a divorce can involve a lot of hurt feelings, frustrations, and fears about the future.

At Barrett Legal PLLC, we don’t just provide legal representation to our clients; we listen to them. We discuss every aspect of the divorce process with our clients, providing them with a safe, confidential space to help figure out their future. We don’t just help clients through divorces; we help them begin the next chapter of their lives.

Endings can be stressful. With the attorneys of Barrett Legal PLLC in your corner, they don’t have to be. If you or a loved one is going through a divorce, call us today at 325-241-2868 to schedule your initial consultation.