Divorce Attorneys Serving Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties
Divorce is one of the most significant legal and financial events in a person’s life. The decisions made during the process have lasting consequences for your finances, your children, and your future. Getting the right representation from a divorce lawyer in Collin County, TX matters more than most people realize.
At Hanshaw Kennedy Hafen, we handle divorce cases ranging from straightforward uncontested matters to high-conflict, high-asset disputes. For cases involving a business, significant property, or complex financial holdings, our team includes in-house civil and business law counsel, which gives us a real advantage in the cases where the details matter most.
We serve clients across Collin, Dallas, and Denton counties from our office in Frisco.
Types of Divorce We Handle
Contested Divorce
When spouses cannot agree on key issues like property division, custody, or support, the case becomes contested. This is where having an experienced, prepared contested divorce attorney Frisco families rely on makes the biggest difference. Our attorneys build thorough case strategies, handle discovery, and are fully prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Uncontested Divorce
When both spouses are in agreement on all major issues, an uncontested divorce can move through the court system more quickly and with less cost. We make sure the final decree is properly drafted and that nothing is overlooked before it is signed and filed.
High-Asset and Complex Divorce
When significant assets are involved, including businesses, real estate portfolios, investment accounts, retirement funds, or deferred compensation, the divorce process requires a higher level of financial and legal scrutiny. As a high asset divorce attorney serving North Dallas, HKH has in-house civil and business law counsel to handle these cases without outsourcing the complex parts.
Business Owner Divorce
Divorcing as a business owner involves questions around business valuation, community versus separate property within the business, and protecting your ownership interest going forward. Our business owner divorce attorney in Frisco is built for this. Learn more on our Business Owner Divorce page.
The Texas Divorce Process
Understanding the basic steps helps you know what to expect from the start.
Filing
One spouse files an Original Petition for Divorce with the district court in the county where either spouse has lived for the past 90 days. Texas requires at least one spouse to have been a state resident for six months before filing.
The Waiting Period
Texas has a mandatory 60-day waiting period after the petition is filed before a divorce can be finalized. Most contested cases take significantly longer depending on the complexity of the issues and the level of dispute between the parties. If you’re wondering how long does a divorce take in Texas, the answer depends heavily on whether your case is contested or uncontested.
Temporary Orders
During the divorce process, temporary orders can be put in place to address living arrangements, access to funds, child custody and support, and use of property. These orders govern how things work while the case is pending.
Discovery
In contested cases, both sides exchange financial and other relevant information through the discovery process. This includes disclosures of all assets, debts, income, and financial accounts. In high-asset or business cases, discovery is often one of the most critical phases of the case.
Settlement or Trial
Most divorce cases are resolved through negotiated settlement or mediation before reaching trial. When settlement is not possible, our attorneys are fully prepared to present your case before the court.
Things to Consider When Going Through a Divorce
- Keep your children’s routines as stable as possible during the process.
- Make copies of important financial documents including tax returns, bank statements, mortgage documents, and insurance policies.
- Know where you stand financially before any negotiations begin.
- Avoid making major financial decisions or large purchases while the case is pending.
- Start thinking about a post-divorce budget early.
- Update your will and beneficiary designations once the divorce is final.
- Do not navigate the process without experienced legal counsel from a divorce attorney in McKinney, TX or divorce attorney in Plano, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Texas has a mandatory 60-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized. Uncontested divorces where both parties agree on everything can sometimes be completed shortly after that period ends. Contested divorces involving property disputes, custody disagreements, or significant assets typically take 6 to 18 months or longer depending on the complexity of the case.
Texas allows no-fault divorce on the grounds of insupportability, meaning the marriage has become insupportable due to conflict or discord. Texas also recognizes fault-based grounds including adultery, cruelty, abandonment, felony conviction, and living apart for at least three years. Fault can be considered by the court in dividing property.
An uncontested divorce means both spouses have reached full agreement on all issues including property division, custody, support, and any other relevant matters. A contested divorce means one or more issues remain in dispute and require either negotiation, mediation, or a court decision. Most divorces fall somewhere in between, starting contested and resolving through settlement before trial.
Yes. Texas does not require both spouses to agree to the divorce. One spouse can file and pursue the case to final decree even if the other spouse refuses to participate or contests the divorce.
Cases involving a business, large investment portfolio, or other complex financial holdings require a higher level of legal and financial preparation. HKH includes in-house civil and business law counsel for exactly these situations. Visit our Business Owner Divorce and Complex Asset Divorce pages to learn more about how we approach these cases.
Our Services
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