Texas Divorce Lawyer

Helping Couples End Their Marriage Without the High Cost

The divorces you read about or see portrayed in movies are often highly contentious, drawn out, and expensive in all ways – including the high-priced divorce attorney.

The Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC flips that paradigm upside down. Our client-centered approach aims to conclude the divorce as efficiently and economically as possible without cutting corners in representing our client’s best interests.

Cost-Conscious Divorce Is Possible

Most divorces do not require a trial in divorce court. Some attorneys might encourage that approach, but not at our firm. Litigated divorces have bigger price tags because of the additional time and court filings that are required. We only advise clients to litigate their divorce when other options simply will not work.

Our clients never have to worry about our firm purposely extending the case to create a better attorney payday. We are transparent, so you always know what you are paying for and why the cost is necessary. When litigation is required – and sometimes that is the best way to achieve the desired outcome – our attorneys have extensive experience in the courtroom. We are strategic and methodical, enabling our team to close the case as soon as possible.

Uncontested divorces – those that do not go to trial – are generally exponentially more affordable than litigation. When a couple does not agree on every divorce issue, there are options to court.

Benefits of No-Fault Divorce in Fault Situations

If your spouse cheats on you during the marriage, you absolutely have the right to file for a fault-based divorce on the grounds of adultery (Texas has seven fault grounds). However, if you want to end the marriage as swiftly as possible, your best route may be to use the no-fault option. The details of the affair (or other grounds) can still be leveraged in the negotiation process. Divorce should be first and foremost the means for you to begin life successfully single again, not to punish your wayward spouse.

Lower-Cost Options of Mediation & Collaborative Divorce

When you and your soon-to-be ex cannot reach an agreement on the terms of your divorce, there are options to consider before heading to court. Both mediation and collaborative divorce provide the means for most couples to bridge the gap between their initial demands. Whether you disagree about one or all elements, a skilled mediator or collaborative lawyers can guide sparring spouses to a divorce agreement to present for the court’s approval.

Benefits of Mediation

Mediation, typically the less expensive of the two, is best suited to couples willing to sit down together, listen to each other, and work with the mediator to resolve their differences. The mediator is a neutral third party. This person represents neither party and cannot provide legal advice, even if they are an attorney. They can inform couples of their legal rights and obligations, but they cannot tell either party what they should or should not do.

As the mediator guides the conversation to reveal possible compromises, the couple creates their divorce agreement. Depending on the number of outstanding issues, the couple may only need one or two meetings with the mediator. Neither spouse must have an attorney, but we suggest that an attorney reviews the draft divorce agreement to ensure that all concerns have been addressed.

Benefits of Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative divorce does require each party to have an attorney. This method is often preferred when the couple needs legal advice through every step. If the spouses are antagonistic, collaborative law takes the burden of negotiation off their shoulders and places it with the attorneys. In mediation, the spouses come to their own compromises with the guidance of the mediator. In collaborative law, the lawyers take the reins of representing their client’s interests.

Like mediation, the end goal is to have a written settlement agreement presented to the court for approval.

One notable requirement in a collaborative divorce is that the parties sign an agreement to not take their case to court. There is still the option to litigate, but both attorneys must withdraw from the case. Both parties will need to find new legal counsel. This is not overly common, particularly if you have experienced legal counsel at your side.

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Texas?

According to recent estimates, the average cost of divorce in Texas without children is $15,600. For divorces that involve children, the average cost jumps to $23,500. On both accounts, Texas ranks as the 5th most expensive state in which to get a divorce in the U.S.

Factors that can influence the cost of a divorce include:

• Legal representation: Whether you hire an attorney or pursue a DIY divorce (not recommended) will significantly impact the cost. Attorney fees can vary depending on the lawyer's hourly rate, experience, and the complexity of your case.
• Type of divorce: The type of divorce you pursue, whether it's uncontested, contested, collaborative, or mediated, will affect the overall cost. Uncontested divorces generally cost less than contested divorces because they involve fewer legal proceedings and less attorney involvement.
• Complexity of issues: The complexity of issues involved in your divorce, such as child custody, property division, alimony, and debt division, will influence the cost. Resolving complex issues may require more time, legal expertise, and court proceedings, leading to higher expenses.
• Asset valuation: If there are significant assets to be divided, such as real estate, businesses, retirement accounts, or investments, the cost of valuing and dividing these assets may increase.
• Court costs: Filing fees and other court costs associated with your divorce, such as fees for serving documents, attending hearings, or obtaining certified copies of court orders, will contribute to the total cost.

Fortunately, there are many ways to control the cost of your divorce, especially when you work with the right divorce firm. At the Law Office of Mark M. Childress, our goal is to finalize your divorce as efficiently and economically as possible – without ever cutting corners when it comes to representing your best interests.

Retain a Cost-Conscious Attorney for Your Divorce

Divorce can put spouses through an emotional wringer. We strongly believe that our clients should also not feel overwhelmed by the financial costs of dissolving a union. Our client’s desired outcome is our guiding light. Our tailored approach aims to achieve their goals at the lowest cost possible.

Contact the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress at (817) 497-8148 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your divorce case.