Katy Divorce Lawyer

Experienced Divorce Attorney in Katy, TX

A divorce represents a major life transition, impacting more than just your relationship with your spouse. During a divorce, you are also dealing with adjustments in finances, new long-term goals, changes in childcare, and a huge emotional disruption. A Katy divorce lawyer can help you through this transition by pursuing favorable terms for your divorce and helping you navigate the divorce process.

Why Choose KGK Family Law?

KGK Family Law is an established law firm in Texas. Our co-founding attorneys, Denise Khoury and Yasmin Kutty, have over 45 years of combined legal experience. When working with our Katy family law attorneys, you are choosing a team with a deep understanding of Texas’s divorce laws and the court process.

What sets us apart when it comes to a divorce case is our commitment to providing tailored guidance. We understand that a generic solution does not work in a divorce case. We work to understand your unique goals and concerns, whether that be creating a fair child custody arrangement or protecting significant assets. Then, we build divorce agreements or negotiate in court based on your needs.

An Overview of Divorce in Katy

Thousands of Texas couples go through a divorce each year, with a divorce rate of 2.1 per 1,000 residents. In 2023, divorce made up about 40% of all family law cases filed in Texas.

Divorce cases begin with a petition being filed, and then it is served on the other spouse. In Katy, most residents file for divorce with the Harris County District Clerk’s Office at 201 Caroline Street, Houston. After the petition is filed, there is a minimum of 60 days until a divorce can be finalized.

Major Decisions in a Katy Divorce Case

Every divorce case involves unique factors and choices that you and your spouse must consider. If you hire a divorce lawyer, they can analyze your case and break down what must be decided on in order to finalize your divorce. Some of the major issues in many divorce cases include:

Property Division

Property division is the process of splitting the assets and debts between you and your spouse. Under Texas’s divorce laws, the division must be equitable and just, but this does not necessarily mean a perfect 50/50 split. A Katy divorce attorney can help you identify and value your assets before creating a plan that balances the financial value of an asset with your personal goals. Assets to consider may include:

• Your home and any additional properties
• Financial accounts
• Investments
• Retirement accounts
• Business assets
• Personal property, such as vehicles, art, and furniture
• Debts and liabilities

Child Custody and Child Support

If you are a parent, protecting your child’s well-being is likely at the forefront of your mind. During a divorce, key issues regarding your child include:

• Physical custody. This decision involves who the child mainly lives with and receives day-to-day care from.
• Legal custody. This decision is about who can make important choices on behalf of the child, such as education, healthcare, or extracurriculars.
• Child support. The non-custodial parent may pay child support to fulfill their financial obligation to the child.

Spousal Maintenance

Spousal maintenance involves financial support paid from one spouse to another. There are several situations where a spouse may be legally eligible for child support, including cases involving domestic abuse or when a long marriage has ended and one spouse cannot independently fulfill their financial needs. You may also have spousal maintenance if you and your spouse agree on a support plan.

Why You Should Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

Getting a divorce is not as simple as filing the petition and then getting it finalized. Instead, it involves discussions, negotiations, and potentially mediation or litigation to reach a resolution. A Katy divorce lawyer can guide you through each step, advocating for a positive outcome and protecting your rights.

The decisions you make during a divorce have a lasting impact on your family and finances. A lawyer can help you consider the long-term impact of different solutions, helping you protect your interests and transition into life post-divorce.

FAQs

What Should You Not Do During a Divorce in Texas?

During a divorce, there are several things you should avoid doing to avoid weakening your case. This includes speaking badly about your spouse, posting about your case on social media, making large unnecessary purchases, or hiding assets. It is a good idea to avoid sudden lifestyle or spending changes and to try to remain calm and respectful during the divorce process.

What Is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce in Texas?

In Texas, a wife is entitled to a just and right division of community property. This can look different depending on your case and does not always mean an exact 50/50 split of property. However, an equitable division is required, regardless of gender. If your marriage lasted for over 10 years and one spouse needs financial support, they may also be entitled to spousal maintenance.

What Assets Cannot Be Touched During a Divorce?

Assets that cannot be touched during a divorce include those designated as separate property. Examples of separate property include assets acquired before the marriage, personal gifts, and inheritances. Additionally, if you have a prenuptial agreement, these documents may designate additional property as separate property, which is not touched during a divorce.

Is Spousal Maintenance Required in Texas Divorce Laws?

Whether or not spousal maintenance is required depends on you and your spouse’s marriage and financial situations. Spousal maintenance is not applied in all divorce cases. Spousal maintenance may be ordered after a divorce if the marriage lasted for more than ten years and there is a significant difference in the income and earning potential of both spouses. You and your spouse may also voluntarily agree on a spousal maintenance plan.

Learn How a Katy Divorce Attorney From KGK Family Law Can Help

Divorces in Texas require a personalized approach. At KGK Family Law, we tailor our work to reflect your goals, finances, and family situation, so you are left with divorce terms that support you after the divorce. Contact KGK Family Law to set up a consultation with a compassionate Katy divorce lawyer.