Frequently Asked Questions

Contested cases mean that the spouses cannot agree on something (or sometimes, on anything). Depending on how contentious the case is, this might require a formal exchange of documents, multiple hearings, and attempts at mediation before the case can be finalized. An uncontested case means the parties have agreed on every issue, including property and children’s issues. These cases can usually be resolved more quickly.

Not necessarily. The property will be divided in a way that is fair and equitable, which does not necessarily mean a 50/50 split. Usually, courts will divide property in a way that is close to the 50/50 mark, but often one spouse will receive slightly more. Splits of 45-55 are very common, while it would be highly unusual for a court to divide an estate in a more lopsided way, such as 30-70.

In Texas, joint managing conservatorship is the default position of the courts. Usually, it is in the best interest of the child to have both parents equally involved in their lives. Joint managing conservatorship means both parents will have joint rights and duties as it relates to the children although some rights may be given exclusively to one parent (education and medical for example). Sole custody means that only one parent will get the exclusive right to make most decisions for the children but the other parent will still have visitation rights. In order to get sole managing conservatorship, a party must demonstrate that it will not be in the best interest of the child to have joint custody. Usually, this involves showing the court that there has been some abuse or neglect by a parent.

Eligibility for court-ordered spousal maintenance is limited. It may arise after a marriage of at least ten years when the requesting spouse lacks sufficient property and earning ability to meet minimum reasonable needs. Other grounds may apply in cases involving qualifying family violence, an incapacitating disability, or the care of a child whose disability prevents the requesting spouse from earning sufficient income.

The paramount consideration for the court is always the best interest of the child, but this can be a nebulous concept. Courts will look at a multitude of factors: the age of the child, the relationship the child has with each parent, the ability of the parents to cooperate, the existence of any abuse or neglect, and even the child’s preference. There is no limit as to what the court can consider when it comes to determining custody.

While the amount and duration of spousal support will always depend on the facts of your case, there are certain limitations the court has when ordering spousal support. First, it cannot be over 20 percent of a paying party’s gross income, or $5,000.00 each month, whichever is lower. Next, the duration of support will depend on the length of the marriage. For marriages of 10-20 years, spousal support can be up to five years. Marriages between 20-30 years could have seven years of support, while marriages over 30 years could have spousal support ordered for up to ten years. A five-year maximum can also apply to certain marriages lasting less than ten years when eligibility for maintenance is based on family violence.

This is the default schedule that courts use when determining a visitation schedule. It’s a great place for couples to start if they’d like to customize their own schedule. The non-primary parent will get the children every first, third and fifth Friday of the month until the following Sunday. They will usually get a midweek period of possession, Thursday, and it can be overnight. The couples will swap holidays. The parent who gets Thanksgiving will not get Christmas, but this will alternate every year. Finally, the non-primary conservator usually gets the whole month of July, although there are some variations to this schedule.

The overriding principle is the needs of the recipient party balanced with the ability of the other spouse's ability to pay. There is no exhaustive list for a judge to use, but they should consider the financial situation of both spouses, the contribution of each spouse to the marriage (including whether or not one party sacrificed their career to raise children), the age, employment history, education, health and earning capacity of the spouse requesting support, spousal violence, and any fault in the break-up of the marriage.

Texas generally calculates guideline child support using the obligor’s net resources and the number of children before the court. A court may consider the possession schedule, the parents’ financial circumstances, and other relevant factors when deciding whether to deviate from the guideline amount.