Q1: How long will the divorce take?

Answer:

That depends on a lot of factors. The most important factor is how cooperative your spouse is. If your spouse is willing to sign paperwork which we provide him/her without hesitation or modification, and you have a firm idea of what you want in your decree, you can be divorced in just over two months.  (Texas' mandatory waiting period) If your spouse is not cooperative, the divorce can take up to a year, and possibly longer. But at Bolton & Bolton, PC we will do everything we can to keep your case moving as quickly as possible.  We understand that this is a difficult period in your life, and want to assist you in putting it behind you.

Q2: How much will the divorce cost?

Answer:

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is complex.  Although at Bolton & Bolton, PC we offer a flat fee for an uncontested divorce, there is no way to estimate the cost of a contested case. However, one of our attorneys would be happy to sit down and discuss the matter with you at either our Tomball or Woodlands location.  That way, we can give you a quote based not on averages, but on the facts of your case.

Q3: How much will I get in child support?

Answer:

Texas has simple guidelines to assist the Court in setting child support. As a general rule, 20% of the first $6,000 per month of after  tax income is assigned for the first child, and 5% for each additional child, up to five children.  However, there are exceptions, and other considerations, like additional children which are being supported, and special needs of the child, which may result in a different child support award.  To find out the most likely child support award in your case, please contact our office at 281-351-7897 to schedule an appointment to meet with an attorney in our Tomball or Woodlands locations.

Q4: I don't want a divorce, can I stop it?

Answer:

Ultimately, the answer to this questions is "no". If  your spouse is determined to get divorced, they can. However, if you can make a compelling argument that the marriage remains workable, it is sometimes possible to have the court order you and your spouse to attend marital counseling to determine if divorce is truly inevitable.

Q5: Can I get half of my spouse's retirement benefits in Texas?

Answer:

Retirement benefits accrued during the marriage are community property, and can be split by the Court at the time of divorce. However, there is no requirement that community property be split 50/50. That is why it is important to have an attorney on your side, to make sure that the Judge is aware of all the factors in the case that should affect the split of the property. The attorneys at Bolton & Bolton, PC will explore all the aspects of your divorce with you to make sure that your rights are protected.

Q6: Can a man get custody of young children in Texas?

Answer:

Texas law mandates that the judge not consider the sex of the parents when determining who should get custody of the children. The Court is supposed to consider only the best interest of the child. Attorneys at Bolton & Bolton, PC have assisted parents of either sex to secure custody of their children when it is in the child's best interest. In order to determine how likely you are to prevail in a custody dispute, please contact our office and schedule an appointment to meet with an attorney in person at either our Tomball or Woodlands locations.