Divorce

Waco Divorce Lawyers

Guiding Clients Through The Divorce Process in McLennan County, TX

Are you facing complex divorce matters? Our attorneys represent both men and women in divorce-related cases across Lorena, Waco, McLennan County, and beyond. Our family law attorneys have more than 30 years of experience in a wide array of issues ranging from property division to parenting time agreements.

Divorce Matters We Handle

Our seasoned Waco divorce lawyers can assist you with any of the following:

Marital asset division, including the division of 401(k)s, pensions, real estate, oil and gas interests, and other community property
Business valuations related to sole proprietorships, professional practices, and family-owned companies
Parenting plans involving child custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and other concerns
Spousal maintenance, formerly referred to as alimony payments, for the lesser-earning spouse

It has never been the winning party in a divorce who says having a good attorney didn't matter. In fact, the difference in most divorces is having a voice that tells your story. Don't settle for a "we will work it all out somehow" approach. You will likely be fighting for your children, your property, and perhaps even your dignity. In these situations, aggressive representation is paramount to real success.

Divorce is serious, and the success you see will nearly always be directly related to the effort that goes into the development of your case. Our Waco divorce attorneys take pride in our hard work and diligent preparation. Our approach has resulted in many strong results and satisfied clients over the years.

Are you looking for legal support for your divorce matter? Call Milam & Fanning, PLLC today at (254) 237-5602 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with one of our Waco divorce attorneys. We have offices in Waco and New Braunfels.

Grounds For Divorce in Texas

Divorce is a legally-binding process that ends a marriage. In the state of Texas, there are several grounds for obtaining a divorce, which include:

Cruelty- which is the intentional infliction of physical or mental pain on another spouse;
Abandonment- when a spouse is left for two years in a row without their consent and without good reason;
Adultery - including voluntary sexual intercourse with an individual who is married to someone else;
Living apart - when spouses have been living separately for three or more years and have no intention of reconciliation;
Mental illness - when one spouse has been diagnosed as being mentally ill at least 3 years prior to filing the divorce;
Domestic violence - any psychological or medical abuse that has been committed by one spouse against another;
Felony Conviction - if either spouse has been convicted of a felony offense and has been sentenced to jail for at least 1 year, the other spouse may pursue a divorce.

Is Texas a Community Property State?

One of the greatest fears you may have when contemplating divorce is losing the property you have worked for or not having sufficient assets to move forward after the divorce. This is a common fear for people with varying income levels and net worth. Texas is a community property state, which means that you do not have to fight for your share. There are many ways you could divide the property.

In a community property state, any property you and your spouse acquire during your marriage is deemed a part of the community estate or considered marital property. With limited exceptions, you have a 50% interest in all community property during a divorce proceeding.

What is Included as Marital Property?

Some examples of marital property include:

401(k)s and pensions
Real estate
Oil and gas interests
Mortgage and the marital home
Interest earned through business operations and investments
Wages that either spouse earned while married
Furniture

What is Separate Property?

Separate property, on the other hand, includes any item that either spouse owned prior to getting married or any item that a spouse received as a gift or inheritance. In addition, any money that either spouse earned following their separation date is considered separate property and thus is not subject to the state's community property laws.

Texas is one of nine states, along with Puerto Rico, that has established community property laws. These laws are different from states that follow the principle of equitable distribution, where a judge determines what is a fair division. However, even in a community property state, certain factors might warrant the uneven distribution of debt or property. These factors might include marital fault and disparity of the spouses' earning capacities.

How Our Experienced Waco Divorce Lawyers Can Help

Hiring our experienced Waco divorce lawyer offers numerous benefits, providing essential legal expertise and support during a challenging period. Divorce proceedings can be complex and emotionally taxing, making professional legal guidance invaluable.

We bring in-depth knowledge of Texas family law, ensuring that all legal requirements and procedures are properly followed. Our expertise helps avoid common pitfalls and mistakes that could delay the process or negatively impact the outcome.
Our divorce lawyer can provide objective advice and representation. Emotions often run high during a divorce, and having a lawyer can help maintain focus on legal and practical issues rather than personal conflicts. This objectivity is crucial in negotiating fair settlements, whether it involves division of assets, child custody, or spousal support.
Our team will advocate effectively on your behalf. Whether negotiating settlements out of court or representing you in court, having our skilled Waco divorce attorney increases the likelihood of achieving favorable results. We are familiar with the local court system, and we have experience dealing with judges and opposing counsel, which can be very helpful to us during the legal process.
We can also handle the extensive paperwork and administrative tasks associated with divorce. This includes filing documents, meeting deadlines, and ensuring all legal documents are correctly prepared, which can significantly reduce stress and allow you to focus on personal healing and adjustment.

Consulting with our experienced Waco divorce lawyer ensures expert legal guidance, objective advice, effective representation, and relief from administrative burdens, all of which are essential for navigating the complexities of divorce and securing a fair and timely resolution.

Contact Our Divorce Attorneys in Waco Today

When it comes to your children and your finances, your first meeting with the judge is critical. Many people undervalue the temporary hearing. Our team of Waco divorce attorneys works to establish our clients' cases from the very beginning has led to more success than anything else.

Contact Milam & Fanning, PLLC, today to get started with our Waco divorce lawyers. Give us a call at (254) 237-5602. We have offices in Waco and New Braunfels.