The process of an Austin divorce can indeed be emotionally challenging and laden with stress, perpetuated by the portrayal of contentious divorces in movies, TV shows, and social media platforms. This negative stigma surrounding divorce has instilled fear in many individuals who contemplate ending their marriage. However, for divorcing couples in Austin, there is a viable and less daunting option known as an uncontested divorce.
Contrary to the dramatic portrayals, an uncontested divorce offers a more amicable and cooperative approach to ending a marriage. By opting for an uncontested divorce, couples can avoid adversarial court battles, reduce emotional strain, and achieve a more efficient and peaceful resolution to their marriage dissolution. It is essential for individuals considering divorce in Austin to explore this alternative to understand better the potential benefits it can offer amidst a difficult and trying time. The best way to do so is to contact experienced Austin divorce attorney, Eric M. Willie, P.C. Austin Family & Divorce Lawyer. Our Austin uncontested divorce lawyer can help you get your life back on track.
What Is Involved In An Uncontested Divorce In Austin?
An uncontested divorce, often called a quick divorce in Austin, is widely considered the simplest, easiest, and most amicable way to end a marriage in Texas. With both spouses in agreement on all aspects of the divorce, there is no need for lengthy court battles or contentious proceedings, making the process smoother and less stressful for all parties involved. An uncontested divorce in Austin involves both spouses reaching mutual agreements on:
Since both parties are in agreement, there is no need for the court to intervene in making decisions on these matters. This type of divorce offers several benefits, including giving the spouses complete control over the divorce outcome. Our Austin uncontested divorce attorney can help you.
What Do To Before Filing For An Austin Uncontested Divorce
Before filing for an uncontested divorce, both spouses must work together to reach agreements on various issues about their case. This includes:
- Deciding how to divide real estate and personal property acquired during the marriage
- Allocating outstanding debts
- Determining whether spousal maintenance (alimony) will be paid and its amount
- Arranging child support for any dependent children
- Establishing responsibility for health insurance and medical/dental expenses
- Settling child custody and visitation arrangements.
If the spouses encounter difficulties in reaching agreements on any of these matters or any other aspects of the divorce, they can seek assistance through mediation. Austin divorce mediation helps the couple find solutions that work for both parties with the guidance of a neutral third party. A mediator may prepare a document reflecting the agreements reached during the mediation process. This document can then be used to prepare the written marital settlement agreement, also known as a “property settlement agreement” or “divorce settlement agreement.”
Overall, an uncontested divorce offers a more harmonious and efficient approach to ending a marriage in Austin, empowering couples to decide their future without relying on the court’s intervention. An uncontested divorce lawyer near you can help you in this situation.
Our Uncontested Divorce Lawyer Explains How Long An Uncontested Divorce Takes In Texas
The timeframe for completing an uncontested divorce in Texas can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. You may be wondering, “How long does an uncontested divorce take in Texas?” While some uncontested divorces can be finalized in as little as 60 days, this duration is subject to the state’s mandatory “cooling off” period, which requires a court to wait at least 60 days from the date of filing the divorce petition before entering a divorce decree. Therefore, the minimum period for an uncontested divorce to be finalized in Texas is 61 days. However, even in cases where both spouses agree on all issues, the divorce process typically takes around three to four months to complete. Factors such as the court’s docket and the availability of all parties involved can contribute to this additional time.
When there are no contentious issues involving child custody, support, alimony, or property division, the divorce process tends to move more swiftly. Conversely, if there are disputes over these matters, the divorce can take longer to resolve. Seeking the guidance of Eric M. Willie, P.C. Austin Family & Divorce Lawyer can provide individuals with a more accurate estimate of the time required to finalize their uncontested divorce based on the specific complexities and considerations involved in their case. We can also help with your agreed divorce process if you are looking for a DIY divorce in Austin.
Requirements For A Quick Divorce In Austin
To pursue an uncontested or quick divorce in Austin, Texas, you must meet three fundamental requirements.
Residency Requirement
Either you or your spouse must have established residency in the state for at least six months before filing the divorce petition, and within the county where you intend to file, you must have lived for the previous 90 days. This residency requirement is a critical factor in initiating divorce proceedings within the Texas jurisdiction (Tex. Fam. Code § 6.301).
Reason For Divorce Requirement
Both spouses must reach an agreement on the legal reason, also known as the “ground,” for the divorce. Texas recognizes both “fault” and “no-fault” grounds for divorce. If pursuing a fault-based divorce, one must claim that the other spouse is at fault due to specific misconduct, such as adultery, cruelty, or abandonment. Alternatively, in a no-fault divorce, neither spouse accuses the other of wrongdoing. The most commonly utilized no-fault ground in Texas is that the marriage has become “insupportable” due to conflict or personality clashes, with no reasonable expectation of reconciliation (Tex. Fam. Code §§ 6.001-6.007).
Mutual Agreement Requirement
Lastly, before filing for an uncontested divorce, both spouses must work out agreements on all the issues concerning their divorce. This includes the division of real estate and personal property acquired during the marriage, allocation of outstanding debts, determination of spousal maintenance (alimony), if applicable, child support for dependent children, responsibility for health insurance and medical/dental expenses, and child custody and visitation arrangements. Both parties need to collaborate and resolve these matters amicably to proceed with an uncontested divorce effectively.
Contact An Austin Uncontested Divorce Attorney Near You
If you are seeking an uncontested divorce in Austin, contacting Eric M. Willie, P.C. Austin Family & Divorce Lawyer could be a wise decision. With our extensive experience in family law and divorce cases, the firm has a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in uncontested divorces. Eric M. Willie and his team can guide you through the entire process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and agreements are properly drafted. Our personalized approach allows us to tailor our services to your specific needs and goals, ensuring a smooth and efficient divorce resolution. By entrusting your uncontested divorce to Eric M. Willie, P.C., you can benefit from our expertise and focus on achieving an amicable outcome, making your divorce process less stressful and more streamlined. Contact our office today for a Free Consultation.
Reviews of Our Top-Rated Austin, Texas Uncontested Divorce Attorneys
“This firm represented me in my divorce for almost a year and we won all of our hearings. Mr. Willie is an outstanding attorney who know the ins and outs of both family law and the court system. You couldn’t ask for a better lawyer. Highly recommend.” – Valorie Bravo
“I met with Eric and the hospitality was great. He broke everything down to me perfectly and I greatly appreciated it. He is willing to fight for everything you want to accomplish during your tough times. I would definitely recommend him to anyone needing a Family Attorney!” – Christopher Colter
“I found Mr. Willie both competent and professional. His strategy to address a modification petition was sound and successful. What impressed me most was his matter of fact way of analyzing the issues. He was candid and kept things simple as well as understandable. No confusing legal talk, just a clear, direct and sensible manner of approaching the conflict. Further, if you’re looking for a lawyer that will go the extra mile, Eric Willie is your man. We encountered a filing issue due to the COVID shutdown and he stayed with it until completion, proving himself a loyal and devoted attorney. I remain grateful for Mr. Willie’s services and would recommend him for any family law proceedings.” – Freddy Erdman
These are just some of our 176+ Google reviews.