Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a consult fee?

A consultation fee is typically applicable for most consultations. For Family Law, Business Formations and Estate Planning services in Denton County, the fee is $200.00, while in Wise County, it is $175.00. The consultation session typically lasts for one hour.

How much will my case cost?

For family law cases, a retainer is set at the end of your consult. Each retainer is different based on the needs, court settings, complexity of the case, or other circumstances. A retainer is also is applicable for estate planning services. Please contact us for information regarding estate planning package options. For business formations, this can either be a flat fee or a retainer may need to be set, depending on the client’s needs. Please contact us to discuss which entity formation you are interested in and we can help you decide which formation is best for your business.

Do you offer flat fees for family law cases?

No. We do not currently offer any flat fees for family law cases at this time. All family law cases will require a retainer to be paid up front. The monthly fees incurred are billed against the retainer. This is not a flat fee.

How long does it take for my divorce to become finalized?

Under Texas law, the finalization of a divorce is not permitted until at least 60 days have passed since the filing of the divorce petition with the Court. However, it’s important to note that the granting of a divorce is not automatic after this 60-day period. The duration of proceedings can vary based on factors such as case complexity, individual circumstances, and court schedules, ranging from 60 days to potentially over two years in highly contested cases. It also depends on whether your case will need a bench trial or jury trial. Those cases can take longer than those where parties are able to reach agreements on their own or in mediation.

What are some grounds for a divorce in Texas?

Texas courts recognize various grounds for the dissolution of a marriage. The most common is a no-fault divorce where proof of fault is irrelevant. However, if one spouse is solely at fault for the divorce, then the courts may take that into consideration when they are dividing the property. Grounds for fault can include adultery, cruelty, or other pertinent circumstances. If fault is found, then the court can award a disproportionate division of the marital estate to the non-fault party. There are also other remedies at law such as reconstitution of the marital estate if one party fraudulently wasted community funds.

What is child custody?

In Texas, child custody is referred to as conservatorship. Typically, both parents are appointed as joint managing conservators, with one parent granted the exclusive right to determine the primary residence of the child while the other parent has access to the child according to a standard possession order. However, the parties may mutually agree on a visitation schedule that best serves the child’s interests. In some cases, one parent may be ordered to have supervised visitation only if there are extreme circumstances. Some examples of extreme cases can include circumstance of child abuse, neglect, drug addiction, family violence, etc. If any of these factors exist in your case, it is important to speak to an experienced family law attorney right away.

What is child support?

Child support is calculated based upon the Texas Family Code Guidelines. The guidelines are used when child support is presumed to be in the best interest of the child. Child support can defer from guidelines and there are circumstances where no child support might be ordered. Child support is based off of net resources in Texas. To learn what may or may not qualify as a net resource, please schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.