Cypress Divorce Lawyers

Guiding Families Through the Divorce Process in Cypress in The Woodlands 

No one ever gets married with the expectation that they will one day divorce, but it is a reality for many. If you can no longer make your marriage work or your spouse already filed a petition for a divorce, you should hire an experienced family law firm to represent you throughout this process and help you protect your rights and interests. At The Pollard Firm, PLLC, our knowledgeable divorce attorney in Cypress can provide the assistance you need to help you effectively navigate your way through every step of your divorce so you can begin the next chapter in your life.

Considering a divorce in Cypress or The Woodlands? Call The Pollard Firm, PLLC today at (832) 864-9296 or contact us online to understand your rights and take the first step toward a more secure future.

Understanding the Key Issues in a Divorce

Ending a marriage involves more than just separating households—it also means resolving several important legal and personal matters. No matter how amicable or complex the situation, these key issues must be addressed:

• Asset, property, and debt division
• Child custody and visitation
• Child support
• Spousal support

If you and your spouse have a marital agreement that outlines how property and debts should be handled, it can simplify the process and reduce stress. Texas is a community property state, meaning marital assets are divided equally. An experienced Cypress divorce lawyer can help ensure your separate property is adequately identified and protected.

When children are involved, the court’s priority is their best interests. Judges consider several factors, including each parent’s ability to provide a stable, supportive environment and how well both parents foster a healthy relationship between the children and the other parent.

What Is the Divorce Process in Texas?

Typically, a divorce involves six steps. Keep in mind that your particular situation may look different from the process described below, but generally, the Texas divorce process looks like this:

• Filing the divorce petition
• Requesting Temporary orders, if necessary
• Service of process, also known as “serving divorce papers.”
• Discovery
• Negotiating a settlement
• The trial, if a settlement was not negotiated
• Finalizing the divorce judgment

If you want to learn more about this process before proceeding, consult our divorce attorney in Houston.

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Texas?

Texas is a no-fault state, meaning you can get a divorce without blaming your spouse. You may file for a no-fault divorce if you or your spouse believes the relationship can’t be repaired.

However, if you want to get a divorce based on fault, you may choose one of the following grounds for divorce in Texas:

• Cruelty
• Adultery
• Felony conviction
• Abandonment
• Living apart
• Confinement in a mental hospital

Texas Residency Requirements for Divorce

The Texas Family Code states that upon filing for your divorce, you or your spouse must have lived in Texas for the past 6 months. In addition, you or your spouse must have resided within the county you file for at least 90 days. The Code also details circumstances such as 1) absence due to public service and 2) filing from out of state.

• Absence Due to Public Service: If you and/or your spouse have been called to active duty, then the amount of time spent outside Texas state lines would apply to residency. This would apply to fulfilling the county requirements as well.
• Filing From Out of State: It is not uncommon for one of the spouses to move out of state once separated. If your spouse still lives in Texas, you may file for divorce in the county where he/she resides. Remember, this would only apply if they lived in Texas for the last 6 months.

How Long Will Your Texas Divorce Take?

The duration of a divorce in Texas depends heavily on the specific circumstances involved. Disagreements over key issues—such as child custody, child support, and the division of assets and debts—can significantly extend the process. It’s not unusual for divorces involving complex or disputed matters to finalize a year or longer.

Texas law also imposes a mandatory 60-day waiting period, known as the cooling-off period. This waiting period begins once the divorce petition is filed and is designed to allow time for reflection or potential reconciliation. In most cases, the divorce proceeds after the 60 days have passed.

There are only two recognized exceptions to this waiting period:

• If your spouse has been convicted of a crime involving family violence against you or another household member.
• If you have an active, valid Order of Protection in place due to family violence.
• Every divorce is unique. An experienced Texas divorce attorney can help guide you through the process and give you a clearer sense of what to expect in your case.

Navigating Contested Divorces in Texas

A divorce becomes contested when spouses cannot agree on major issues like property division, custody, or support. These cases often involve formal discovery, court hearings, and potentially a trial, making them longer, more complex, and emotionally charged.

In a contested divorce, each party presents evidence and arguments to support their position. The court then decides how to resolve the disagreements based on the facts and Texas family law. Because of the procedural demands and high stakes, having an experienced Cypress divorce attorney is essential to protect your rights, advocate effectively, and help reduce unnecessary conflict wherever possible.

Whether the dispute centers around a parenting plan or the valuation of a business, a strong legal strategy can significantly affect the outcome.

Addressing Complexities in High Net Worth Divorces

Divorces involving significant assets require heightened financial scrutiny and strategic planning. High net worth divorces may involve complex property holdings, business interests, multiple income streams, real estate portfolios, stock options, and retirement accounts.

These cases often require financial experts, forensic accountants, and business valuation professionals. Texas law mandates a fair division of community property, but determining what qualifies as community vs. separate property can be complicated, especially when prenuptial agreements, trusts, or commingled funds are involved.

At The Pollard Firm, PLLC, we help clients in The Woodlands and Cypress navigate these challenges with discretion and skill. From identifying hidden assets to protecting your financial future, our firm is prepared to handle the intricacies of high-value marital estates.

Complex Property and Debt Division Cases

While Texas follows community property rules, dividing assets and debts fairly is rarely straightforward—especially when significant or disputed property is involved. Couples may need to address questions about real estate, investments, retirement accounts, family businesses, or debts accrued under one spouse’s name.

Some assets may appear jointly owned but qualify as separate property due to inheritance, gifts, or ownership before marriage. On the other hand, separate property may become partially community property through commingling, such as using joint funds to pay off a separate mortgage.

Accurately classifying and valuing marital assets—and determining how to divide liabilities like credit cards, loans, or tax obligations—is critical to achieving a fair outcome. A Cypress divorce lawyer can help protect your financial interests by uncovering hidden assets, working with valuation professionals, and building a clear picture of the marital estate to present to the court or during settlement negotiations.

Can I Get a Legal Separation in Texas?

No. Legal separation is not an option in Texas. However, you could explore alternatives with similar outcomes as a legal separation. These options include temporary orders, protective orders, separation agreements, and suits affecting the parent-child relationship. Discuss your goals with a Cypress divorce attorney so they can explain your alternatives to legal separation.

Contact Our Cypress Divorce Attorney Today

If you are preparing to go through the divorce process, you should not put off seeking skilled legal guidance to help you navigate each step of the way. At The Pollard Firm, PLLC in Houston, our experienced divorce attorney will provide the strong legal support you need to get through this emotionally charged process and help you protect your interests so you can start the next chapter in your life on a positive note. With us on your side, you can feel confident you will always understand your rights and best options.

Contact our Cypress divorce lawyers to schedule your consultation and get the guidance you need during this pivotal time!