Converse, TX Divorce Lawyers

Skilled Divorce Attorneys Representing Spouses in Converse

The divorce process comes with equal parts emotional baggage and legal complexity. A divorce in Texas can involve disputes over how property should be divided, who should get custody over the children, and whether maintenance should be paid. For legal assistance and counsel at every stage of your case, reach out to a Converse, Texas divorce lawyer.

As a highly experienced divorce and family law firm, Brandon Wong & Associates can provide you with strong advocacy to protect your rights. Attorney Brandon Wong has received many awards for his straightforward guidance and trusted representation, including recognition as one of the Top 50 Family Attorneys by S.A. Scene Magazine.

How Is Property Divided in a Converse, TX Divorce?

Texas follows a community property system, meaning most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are assumed to belong to both spouses. This includes income earned during the marriage, real estate purchased together, retirement contributions, and most debts taken on while the couple was married. Separate property, such as assets owned before the marriage, gifts, or inheritances, usually stays with the spouse who owns it, provided that property was kept apart from shared accounts and assets.

Texas courts divide community property in a manner considered just and right, which does not always mean an even split. Judges can weigh factors such as each spouse's earning capacity, health, age, and fault in the breakup of the marriage when deciding how to divide the marital estate. Disputes often arise when a business, retirement account, or piece of real estate has both community and separate components, making a clear valuation more difficult. Our attorneys work with financial professionals and appraisers when needed to help present an accurate picture of the marital estate.

Conservatorship in a Texas Divorce

Texas law uses the term conservatorship to describe the rights and duties a parent holds over decisions involving a child, including education, medical care, and religious upbringing. Courts can award joint managing conservatorship, where both parents share these rights, or sole managing conservatorship, wherein one parent holds the primary decision-making authority. Joint conservatorship is common, though it does not always mean equal time with the child, since possession schedules are handled separately from decision-making rights.

A court will look at the history of each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and any evidence of family violence, neglect, or substance abuse when deciding how to allocate these rights. Parents who can agree on a parenting plan often avoid a lengthy court process, while disputed cases may require mediation or a hearing before a judge. Our firm can help parents pursue an arrangement that reflects their family's circumstances and protects their relationship with their children.

Handling Disputes Over Maintenance

Spousal maintenance, sometimes referred to as alimony in other states, is not automatically awarded in a Texas divorce. A spouse generally must show eligibility under specific circumstances, such as a marriage lasting 10 years or more paired with an inability to earn sufficient income to meet reasonable needs, a family violence conviction against the paying spouse, or a physical or mental disability that limits the requesting spouse's ability to work. A spouse caring for a child with a disability that requires substantial care may also qualify.

Even when eligibility is established, the amount and duration of maintenance depend on factors including the requesting spouse's education, employment history, and the length of the marriage. Disputes frequently center on whether a spouse truly needs maintenance or whether the requested amount is reasonable given both parties' financial circumstances. Our attorneys can help clients present evidence supporting their position, whether pursuing maintenance or contesting a request from the other spouse.

Meet With Our Converse, Texas Divorce Attorneys

Divorce can raise difficult questions about property, children, and financial stability. At Brandon Wong & Associates, we help clients throughout the Converse area work through these issues with a clear strategy suited to their circumstances. Contact our Converse, TX divorce lawyers or call 210-201-3832 to set up an initial consultation.