North Richland Hills Divorce Lawyer
Divorce Lawyer North Richland Hills
If you are facing a divorce in North Richland Hills, then you are likely dealing with a significant amount of emotional weight. Add to that the legal complexity of dividing property, sorting out custody, and figuring out what comes next, it quickly becomes clear why having the right attorney in your corner matters. Our North Richland Hills, TX divorce lawyer is here to help you move through this process with clear guidance and focused representation. Contact us at Brandy Austin Law Firm to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Brandy Austin Law Firm for Divorce in North Richland Hills, TX?
Rooted in Texas Family Law
Brandy M. Austin founded this firm in 2013 with $300 and a clear vision to provide a full-service firm where legal professionals could find genuine value in their work while delivering real results for clients. She has been licensed to practice in Texas since 2008 and is admitted to the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, and Southern Districts of Texas. Her family law background is broad and thorough, allowing her to truly make a difference for clients who are in need of help.
As a family lawyer in North Richland Hills, TX, Brandy’s understanding of how Tarrant County courts handle divorce is influential, from temporary orders hearings to final decree negotiations. Her success is built from years of actual practice, not just theory. She currently serves as President-Elect of the Tarrant County Trial Lawyers, and holds memberships with the Tarrant County Bar Association and Arlington Bar Association. She has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2015 through 2018, named a Top Attorney by Fort Worth Magazine for those same years, and received the 10 Best Client Satisfaction distinction from the American Institute of Legal Counsel.
Transparent Approach for Family Law
Divorce cases are handled with a transparent fee structure so clients understand what they are paying for. We do not believe in surprises, as our focus is on making quality legal representation accessible to people in North Richland Hills and throughout Tarrant County. Please contact us today to learn more.
What Our Clients Say
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“I enjoyed using Brandy Austin Law Firm for my divorce..I mean.. it’s not a fun situation but they got it done! Sharon was my main point of contact and she was always very nice and answered all of my questions.” — Katie Snell
Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.
Types of Divorce Cases We Handle in North Richland Hills
Divorce is not a single, uniform process, so the right approach depends entirely on your circumstances. We can discuss your assets, children’s wellbeing, and spouse’s willingness to cooperate as you navigate a divorce and new life path.
- Contested divorce. When spouses cannot reach agreement on major issues like property division, custody, or support, the case becomes contested. We prepare for litigation while remaining open to a resolution that avoids a prolonged court battle. Texas courts apply community property principles, and knowing how judges in Tarrant County approach these disputes is impactful.
- Uncontested divorce. If both parties are aligned on the key issues, an uncontested divorce can move significantly faster and at lower cost. We help clients document their agreements properly so the final decree is undisputable.
- High-net-worth divorce. When significant assets are involved, such as real estate, business interests, retirement accounts, and investments, the financial complexity increases substantially. Hidden assets, business valuation disputes, and qualified domestic relations orders all require careful handling.
- Child custody and support. Divorce involving children almost always raises questions about conservatorship, possession schedules, joint custody, and child support calculations. Texas uses specific statutory guidelines, and deviating from them requires a sound legal argument.
- Divorce involving domestic violence. If you are in a situation involving abuse or threats, the legal approach changes. Protective orders and emergency motions may be necessary. Please remember that your safety comes first.
- Legal separation. Texas does not recognize formal legal separation the way some other states do, but there are legal options for couples who want to live separately and formalize their financial arrangements without full dissolution.
- Other family law matters. If you are going through a separation, divorce, custody dispute, or other family law matter in Richland Hills, then we can guide you through the process with more ease and sense of confidence.
Texas Legal Requirements for Divorce
Texas has a 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized. That is a minimum, not a typical timeline, as most contested divorces take considerably longer. The Texas Family Code, Chapter 6 governs the grounds and process for divorce in the state.
To file for divorce in Texas, at least one spouse must have been a Texas resident for six months and a resident of the county where the suit is filed for 90 days. For a North Richland Hills divorce attorney filing in Tarrant County, your client needs to have lived in the county for at least 90 days prior to filing. This is a threshold requirement, and not meeting it means the court lacks jurisdiction over your case.
Texas is a community property state, meaning most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are subject to division. But “community property” does not mean a guaranteed 50/50 split. Courts divide the marital estate in a manner deemed “just and right” under Texas Family Code § 7.001, which means judges have discretion based on the circumstances of each spouse. Fault in the breakup of the marriage, including adultery or cruelty, can affect that division.
Spousal maintenance in Texas is not automatic. Under Texas Family Code § 8.051, it applies in specific situations, including marriages of 10 years or more where one spouse lacks sufficient property or income to meet minimum reasonable needs. The duration and amount are capped by statute.
Important Aspects of a North Richland Hills Divorce Case
Property Division
Texas courts start with the presumption that all property acquired during the marriage is community property. But what you owned before the marriage, inherited, or received as a gift, is considered separate property. So protecting it requires documentation and, oftentimes, a strong legal argument. The distinction is meaningful when it comes to homes, retirement accounts, and business interests.
Child Custody and Conservatorship
Texas uses the term “conservatorship” rather than custody. Joint managing conservatorship is the default in most cases, but it does not automatically mean equal possession time. The standard possession order under the Texas Family Code is the baseline, but it can be modified based on the child’s best interests, each parent’s work schedule, and other relevant factors. Courts take the best interest of the child seriously, and so does our team.
Temporary Orders
When a divorce is filed, we know that life does not pause. In reality, someone still has to stay in the house, pay the bills, and children need to maintain a consistent schedule. Temporary orders hearings can happen very early in the process, sometimes within weeks of filing, and the results can set the tone for the entire case. Being unprepared at this stage can be a real risk. Our mediation attorney can also help if you and the other parent want to resolve these issues outside of court.
Spousal Maintenance
Whether spousal maintenance applies, how long it lasts, and how much it amounts to are questions with specific statutory answers in Texas. Clients often overestimate or underestimate what they are entitled to. We walk through the relevant factors early on when handling alimony and spousal support cases so there are no surprises when negotiations or hearings happen.
Division of Retirement Accounts
Retirement accounts acquired during a marriage are community property. Dividing them correctly requires a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), a separate legal document that must be drafted carefully to avoid tax consequences and plan administrator rejection. This is a step many divorcing spouses overlook until it becomes a problem. If you recruit help from our team, we can watch out for these variables as you focus on continuing to live your life as normal as you can.
Post-Divorce Modifications
A final decree is not always the end, as circumstances may change, income may increase or decrease, and a parent may relocate. When those changes are substantial and material, a post-judgment modification may be appropriate. Texas courts will consider modifications that serve the best interest of any children involved.
Contact Brandy Austin Law Firm
If you are ready to talk to a divorce attorney in North Richland Hills, TX, we are prepared to listen. You can expect compassionate, yet direct and honest guidance about your options. We understand that divorce can be difficult, and we are here to alleviate the burden of this process and life change. Please contact us to get started.