Going through a divorce in Texas is one of the most consequential decisions you will ever face. It changes your finances, your living situation, your relationship with your children, and your daily routine. At Lopez Lawyers, we focus exclusively on helping clients navigate the legal process with clarity, preparation, and purpose. Led by David Lopez, our team handles divorce, child custody, property division, and child support cases throughout Texas, with offices in both Dallas and San Antonio.

Key Takeaways

• Lopez Lawyers is a Texas family law firm with offices in Dallas and San Antonio, concentrating on four practice areas: divorce, child custody, property division, and child support.

• Call David Lopez at (469) 399-0469 or message us online for a confidential consultation about your divorce case in the Dallas–Fort Worth area or anywhere in Texas.

• We handle both contested divorces and uncontested divorce cases, guiding clients through Texas-specific rules including the 6-month residency requirement, the mandatory 60-day waiting period, and community property division.

• Our approach is strategic and cost-conscious, designed to protect children, preserve assets, and reduce conflict wherever possible.

• David Lopez leads our team with a focus on complex divorce proceedings, custody disputes, child support issues, and high-stakes property division for clients throughout the state.

• Over 865 attorneys are board certified in Texas family law statewide, and Board Certification confirms an attorney's extensive experience in family law-make sure whoever you hire has the credentials to back up their claims.

Experienced Dallas Divorce Lawyers Focused on Texas Families

Lopez Lawyers is a Texas-based law firm with primary offices in Dallas and San Antonio. Unlike general practice firms that dabble in everything from personal injury to criminal defense, we concentrate our work on family law matters. That means our four core practice groups-divorce, child custody, property division, and child support-get our full attention every day.

David Lopez serves as the lead divorce attorney. His practice centers on complex divorce in Texas courts, including cases involving business ownership, significant real estate holdings, contested custody, and disputes over spousal support. Clients know him for responsive communication, thorough preparation, and straight-talk advice that doesn't sugarcoat difficult realities. You should always prioritize attorneys with specific experience in Texas family law, and that is exactly what David brings to the table.

Experienced attorneys help navigate complex divorce issues effectively, and that is why our firm exists. We represent clients in Dallas County, Collin County, Denton County, Tarrant County, and surrounding North Texas communities, as well as Bexar County and greater San Antonio.

Ready to discuss your situation? Call (469) 399-0469 or message us online for a confidential case review.

Why Choose Lopez Lawyers as Your Dallas Divorce Attorney

Choosing the right divorce lawyer is not a decision to make based on a billboard or a TV ad. It requires looking at relevant case experience, which is crucial for your specific needs, along with communication habits, local court knowledge, and strategic thinking. Here is why Dallas area families trust Lopez Lawyers:

• Focused legal specialization. We practice Texas family law exclusively. We are not generalists splitting time between unrelated case types. Every case we take involves divorce, custody, support, or property division.

• Dallas County court knowledge. Choose a lawyer familiar with Dallas County judges and court procedures. David Lopez and our experienced attorneys know the local rules, scheduling practices, and tendencies that can influence strategy in family law cases across the Dallas Fort Worth area.

• Trial-ready preparation. Trial experience is important if settlement fails. We prepare every divorce case as if it is going to trial, which strengthens our negotiating position and ensures clients are never caught off guard.

• Alternative dispute resolution. A strong attorney should offer alternative dispute resolution methods. We use mediation, collaborative law, and informal settlement where appropriate to save time and money.

• Clear communication. Focus on communication style and availability during interviews with any attorney you consider. At Lopez Lawyers, clients receive regular updates, realistic expectations, and timely responses by phone, email, and secure messaging.

• Personalized strategy. Whether you are a high-earning executive, a stay-at-home parent, a business owner, or a military spouse stationed in Texas, we build a plan that fits your circumstances-not a cookie-cutter approach.

You can also check the Dallas Bar Association for certified family law specialists and look for attorneys certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization to verify credentials independently.

Schedule a strategy session now. Call (469) 399-0469 or use our online contact form.

Understanding Divorce in Texas: The Basics

If you are considering a Texas divorce, the first thing to understand is that the rules here differ meaningfully from other states. Texas allows no-fault divorces based on insupportability, which means the marriage has become insupportable due to discord or conflict with no reasonable expectation of reconciliation. This is how most divorces in Texas are filed.

However, Texas also recognizes fault grounds-including adultery, cruelty, abandonment, conviction of a felony, and living apart for three years. Citing fault can affect outcomes like property division and, in some situations, spousal support. Texas uses a community property system, meaning most marital property acquired during the marriage is subject to a "just and right" division rather than an automatic 50/50 split.

Parents must also address child custody (called conservatorship in Texas), visitation rights (possession and access), and child support obligation as part of the divorce process. Texas recognizes both contested and uncontested divorces, and your path forward depends heavily on whether you and your spouse can agree on these issues.

Rather than relying on generic information you find online, contact Lopez Lawyers to have your specific situation explained in plain English by a Dallas divorce attorney who knows the law.

Legal Requirements to File for Divorce in Dallas, Texas

Texas has strict residency rules that must be met before anyone can file for divorce in Dallas County or any other Texas county. Missing these requirements can result in your case being dismissed.

• One spouse must have resided in Texas for at least six months continuously before filing the divorce petition.

• At least one spouse must have lived in the county of filing (for example, Dallas County) for at least 90 days immediately before filing.

• A divorce petition must be filed in the county of residence where the residency requirement is met.

If you or your spouse have recently moved between Dallas, Collin County, Denton County, or Tarrant County-or relocated from another state-Lopez Lawyers can advise on where to file first and how to avoid jurisdictional complications. Special rules may also apply for military spouses stationed in Texas under Texas Family Code § 6.301.

Not sure if you qualify to file? Call (469) 399-0469 or message us online for a fast eligibility check.

Is Texas a No-Fault Divorce State?

Yes. Texas is a no-fault divorce state. The most common ground for divorce in Texas is "insupportability," which simply means the marriage has broken down due to conflict or discord and cannot be repaired. You do not need to prove wrongdoing to end the marriage.

No-fault divorce allows one spouse to file without alleging misconduct by the other party, which can reduce conflict, protect privacy, and simplify the legal process. This is how the vast majority of Dallas divorce cases begin.

That said, Texas also recognizes fault grounds such as cruelty, adultery, abandonment, conviction of a felony, and living apart for at least three years. Documented fault-particularly adultery or cruelty-can shift the property division outcome. Courts may award significantly more than 50% of the community estate to the innocent spouse depending on severity.

David Lopez will evaluate whether citing fault in your petition makes strategic sense or whether a pure no-fault approach serves your interests better. If you are facing infidelity, abuse, or serious wrongdoing in your marriage, reach out for a confidential discussion of your options and risks.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in the Dallas–Fort Worth Area

The distinction between contested divorces and uncontested divorce is one of the biggest factors affecting your timeline, cost, and stress level.

An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on all major issues-child custody arrangement, child support, property division, and spousal support. Uncontested divorces involve mutual agreement on all major issues and are best for spouses who communicate openly. They are typically faster, less expensive, and more private. However, even an agreed divorce benefits from having a divorce lawyer draft and review the paperwork to ensure nothing is overlooked.

A contested divorce means there are disagreements that require court decisions on unresolved issues. Common flashpoints include:

• Child custody disagreements

• Disputes over the family home or marital property

• Business ownership and valuation

• Division of large debt or retirement accounts

• Spousal support amounts

Contested divorces are more expensive than uncontested ones, and they are typically longer. Local Dallas County data suggests uncontested cases may cost between $1,500 and $4,000, while contested divorces often run $8,000 to $30,000 or more. Divorce fees can start as low as $495 for simple agreed cases.

Lopez Lawyers handles both contested and uncontested cases, using negotiation, mediation, collaborative divorce, and when needed, litigation and trial to pursue the best result.

Call (469) 399-0469 to find out whether your situation can realistically be handled as an uncontested divorce.

How the Texas Divorce Process Works

Understanding the divorce process from start to finish can reduce anxiety and help you make better decisions. Here are the core stages, step by step:

1. Filing the Original Petition for Divorce. One party files the petition in the appropriate county court. Hiring an attorney ensures correct and timely legal filings from the start.

2. Serving the other spouse. The petition must be formally served on your spouse, who then has time to file an answer.

3. Temporary orders. If urgent issues need resolution-such as who stays in the home, temporary child custody, or temporary spousal support-the court can hold a hearing for temporary orders.

4. Discovery and information exchange. Both sides exchange financial documents, records, and other relevant information. This phase is critical in contested cases involving business valuation or complex assets.

5. Negotiation and mediation. Most cases settle during this phase. Attorneys present proposals, negotiate terms, and work toward a mediated settlement agreement.

6. Trial or agreed decree. If settlement is reached, both parties sign an agreed divorce decree. If not, the case goes to trial and a judge decides the outcome.

Texas has a mandatory 60-day waiting period after filing before most divorces can be finalized, with limited exceptions for certain family violence cases. A divorce is final when the decree of divorce is signed by the judge.

The total length of a Dallas divorce can range from a few months for simple agreed cases to a year or more for complex, heavily contested matters. Lawyers must navigate Texas Family Code requirements throughout every stage.

Lopez Lawyers manages every deadline, drafts all necessary filings, and prepares you thoroughly for hearings, mediation, and trial.

Child Custody (Conservatorship) in Dallas Divorce Cases

Child custody is often the most emotional aspect of divorce for Dallas and San Antonio families. Understanding how Texas handles it can make a significant difference in your case outcome.

Texas uses specific terminology: conservatorship refers to legal rights and decision-making authority over a child, while possession and access is the legal term for visitation and physical time schedules. Under Texas Family Code § 153.131, there is a statutory presumption favoring appointment of both parents as joint managing conservators unless evidence shows that arrangement would significantly impair the child's well-being.

Courts determine child custody based on the best interests of the child, considering factors including:

• Stability of each parent's home environment

• Each parent's involvement in the child's daily life

• Ability of parents to cooperate

• Any history of domestic violence, abuse, or substance issues

• The child's preferences (if age-appropriate)

• Geographical proximity of the parents

Texas courts make child custody rulings based on the child's home state, which is where the child has lived for six consecutive months. Parents can agree on custody arrangements and present them to the court for approval. Split custody arrangements work best when parents can co-parent effectively, and lawyers should negotiate child custody arrangements focused on family interests.

Lopez Lawyers crafts detailed parenting plans for clients in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, tailored to school schedules, work shifts, holidays, and travel needs.

Worried about losing time with your children? Call (469) 399-0469 or contact us online for immediate guidance on protecting your parental rights.

Child Support in Texas Divorces

Texas uses child support guidelines tied to the paying parent's net monthly resources and the number of children being supported. Child support calculations accompany child custody and visitation orders in virtually every divorce involving minor children.

Here is how it works:

Number of Children	Guideline Percentage of Net Resources
1 child	20%
2 children	25%
3 children	30%
4 children	35%
5+ children	40%

Effective September 1, 2025, Texas raised the cap on net resources used in guideline calculations from $9,200 to $11,700 per month. For example, a parent with one child and net resources at or above the cap would pay child support of approximately $2,340 per month. Courts may deviate from guidelines in high-income cases, special-needs situations, or when the standard percentage would be unjust.

Medical support-including health insurance, dental coverage, and uninsured medical expenses-is typically allocated between parents as part of the final order. Child support orders can be enforced and modified when there is a material and substantial change in circumstances, such as job loss, a significant promotion, or major shifts in parenting time.

Lopez Lawyers helps clients in Dallas, San Antonio, and across Texas establish, enforce, and modify child support orders so that each parent can pay child support amounts that are fair, workable, and protect the children's financial future.

Property Division and Community Property in a Dallas Divorce

Texas is a community property state, but that does not mean everything gets split down the middle. Under Texas Family Code § 7.001, the court orders a "just and right" division of the community estate, taking into account factors like fault, earning capacity, age, health, and child needs. Asset protection is essential in any divorce involving community property.

Common community property items subject to division include:

• The marital home and other real estate

• Vehicles

• Retirement accounts (401(k), pensions, IRAs)

• Stock options and bonuses

• Closely held businesses

• Bank accounts and investment portfolios

• Debts and liabilities

Separate property-assets owned before the marriage, inheritances, and gifts received by one spouse only-remains that spouse's property if properly proven. The catch: all property in either spouse's possession at divorce is presumed to be community property. The spouse claiming separate property must prove it by clear and convincing evidence, which is a high standard. Attorneys will identify, value, and divide marital property and debt as part of the process of dividing assets.

Divorce costs vary based on property division complexity. David Lopez works with financial professionals when needed to value businesses, trace separate property, and address tax implications for Dallas area clients.

Own a home, business, or significant investments? Schedule a consultation to protect what you have built.

Protecting Your Business, Retirement, and Investments

Professionals, entrepreneurs, and executives in Dallas and San Antonio need careful planning to protect high-value assets during a high net worth divorce. Without a strategic approach, you risk losing more than necessary to an uninformed settlement or an unfavorable court ruling.

Family-owned businesses, medical or law practices, and partnerships may need to be formally valued. Valuation experts assess fair market value, and the court may award the business to one spouse with offsetting assets going to the other. Rachel Li and other financial professionals may be brought in to assist with complex tracing and valuation issues.

Retirement assets, pensions, and 401(k) accounts are divided using Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) and similar documents to ensure proper tax treatment and avoid penalties.

Lopez Lawyers uses a strategic approach to negotiate property division that considers taxes, cash flow, and long-term financial stability. We help clients understand what they are actually giving up in settlement-not just the face value of an asset, but its after-tax, after-division worth.

Business owners and high-asset individuals: Call (469) 399-0469 for a confidential strategy session before making financial moves during your divorce.

Spousal Maintenance and Contractual Alimony in Texas

Texas spousal maintenance-often called alimony-has strict eligibility rules and caps on both amount and duration. It is not automatically granted in any divorce case.

A court may award spousal support when the requesting spouse cannot meet minimum reasonable needs and at least one of the following applies:

• The marriage lasted 10 or more years and the requesting spouse lacks earning ability due to age, disability, or lack of work skills

• A spouse is caring for a child of the marriage who requires substantial care due to a disability

• The other spouse committed family violence (with conviction or deferred adjudication) within two years of filing

• The parties agree to contractual maintenance as part of their settlement

Divorcing spouses can also negotiate contractual alimony in settlement agreements, which can help balance income and property distribution in ways that statutory maintenance cannot. Attorneys can manage temporary spousal support and custody issues during the pendency of the case.

Lopez Lawyers evaluates whether seeking or opposing maintenance makes sense given income, work history, health, and the overall settlement picture. Planning for post-divorce budgets is part of our compassionate approach, especially for stay-at-home parents re-entering the workforce in North Texas.

Domestic Violence, Safety, and Divorce

Some Dallas and San Antonio divorces involve domestic violence, threats, or coercive control. If that is your situation, your safety-and your children's safety-comes first.

Texas courts can issue temporary ex parte protective orders and longer-term protective orders in cases of family violence. These orders can require the abusive spouse to leave the home, stay away from you and the children, and surrender firearms.

Proven cruelty or violence can affect custody decisions significantly. Under Texas law, a finding of family violence permanently removes the statutory presumption for joint managing conservatorship. It can also influence possession schedules, property division, and in some cases eliminate the 60-day waiting period requirement.

Lopez Lawyers helps victims of abuse discreetly plan for safe exits, protective orders, and emergency temporary orders regarding children and finances. We understand the sensitivity of these cases and handle them with the discretion they demand.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 first. Then contact our office at (469) 399-0469 or message us online from a safe device.

Mediation, Settlement, and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Most Dallas divorce cases settle before trial, often through mediation or informal settlement conferences. This is typically a good thing for everyone involved, especially children.

In Texas family law, mediation involves a neutral mediator who helps both sides reach a binding Mediated Settlement Agreement covering custody, support, and property issues. The mediator does not make decisions-they facilitate negotiation.

Advantages of settlement over trial:

• Lower cost

• Faster resolution

• More control over the outcome

• Less emotional stress for parents and children

• Greater privacy

Lopez Lawyers prepares clients thoroughly for mediation by identifying goals, must-haves, and acceptable compromises ahead of time. We develop a personalized strategy for either litigation or collaboration, depending on what the case demands.

While we work hard to settle cases reasonably, we also prepare every case as if it could go to trial. That way, clients are never negotiating from a position of weakness. Collaborative law and other ADR methods are tools in our toolbox-not substitutes for readiness.

The Cost of Divorce in Dallas and How to Manage It

Cost is a real concern for most people seeking a divorce lawyer in Dallas or San Antonio. Being upfront about this topic is part of how we build trust with clients.

Factors that influence cost:

• Whether the divorce is contested or agreed

• Contested custody battles and the need for custody evaluations

• Extensive discovery (financial records, depositions, subpoenas)

• Business valuations and expert witness fees

• High-conflict personalities requiring more court hearings

• Harris County, Tarrant County, or other venue-specific procedures

Lopez Lawyers uses a cost-conscious approach. We encourage efficient communication, early information gathering, and good-faith negotiation to keep fees reasonable. We are transparent about retainers, hourly rates, and expected phases of work so clients can plan and avoid surprises.

Payment plans are available for divorce legal fees. In some cases, legal fees may be ordered to be paid by one spouse-particularly when there is a significant income disparity. Legal representation can lead to better outcomes in divorce cases, and divorce attorneys can minimize emotional stress during proceedings. The investment in experienced legal counsel almost always pays for itself.

Call (469) 399-0469 to discuss fee structures and realistic budgets based on your specific divorce case.

How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Dallas Divorce Lawyer

Good preparation makes your initial consultation more productive and helps your attorney give more precise advice. Clear communication throughout the case is critical in divorce proceedings, and that starts with the first meeting.

Bring or gather the following:

• Recent pay stubs (yours and your spouse's, if available)

• Last 2–3 years of federal and state tax returns

• Bank, investment, and retirement account statements

• List of all assets and debts (real estate, vehicles, credit cards, loans)

• Any existing court orders (protective orders, prior custody orders)

• Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements

• Documentation of fault or abuse if relevant (police reports, medical records, text messages)

Also prepare a written summary of your key concerns about children, housing, finances, and safety. The more organized you are, the more value you will get from the meeting.

Lopez Lawyers offers confidential consultations where you can ask questions, understand likely timelines, and get a clear picture of the following steps.

Schedule your first meeting by calling (469) 399-0469 or through our online contact form.

Serving Clients in Dallas, San Antonio, and Across Texas

Although this page focuses on Dallas divorce, Lopez Lawyers represents clients throughout Texas in both urban and rural counties.

Primary service areas include:

• Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex: Dallas County, Collin County, Denton County, Tarrant County, Park Cities, Fort Worth, and nearby cities

• Greater San Antonio: Bexar County and surrounding counties

• Statewide: We handle Texas family law cases across the state, from Houston area courts to West Texas

We can often manage parts of the case virtually-video calls, e-signatures, secure document uploads-while still appearing in person in local courts. Distance does not prevent effective representation for out-of-area clients who have cases pending in Dallas or San Antonio courts.

Our team of experienced attorneys, including those recognized among Texas Super Lawyers listings, brings vast experience to every case. Whether your case involves a straightforward agreed divorce or a complex multi-county dispute, we are equipped to represent clients at every level.

Reach out online or by phone to determine if Lopez Lawyers is the right fit for your Texas family law matter.

What to Expect When You Work with Lopez Lawyers

Our philosophy is straightforward: strategic, honest, and compassionate representation that keeps your long-term future in focus. We are helping clients navigate difficult transitions, not just processing paperwork.

Here is what the typical client experience looks like:

1. Initial consultation. We review your situation, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment of your case.

2. Goal-setting. We identify your priorities-children, assets, timeline, safety-and build a roadmap around them.

3. Case roadmap. You receive a clear plan with expected phases, milestones, and cost projections.

4. Regular updates. We communicate proactively so you never have to wonder what is happening with your case.

5. Collaboration on decisions. Major decisions-settlement offers, trial strategy, mediation positions-are made together.

We treat every client with respect and confidentiality, particularly regarding sensitive details about children, finances, or abuse. We balance aggressive advocacy in court with practical problem-solving, and we focus on your financial future, not just today's argument.

Start the process today. Call (469) 399-0469 or request a consultation via our contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas Divorce

How long will my divorce take in Dallas if everything is agreed?

The minimum timeframe is 60 days from the date the Original Petition for Divorce is filed, due to the statutory waiting period under Texas Family Code § 6.702. For a truly uncontested divorce where both spouses sign all documents promptly and there are no scheduling delays, the case may finish shortly after the 60-day mark. Court calendars and the complexity of documents-especially when children or real estate are involved-can add additional weeks. If you want a faster, agreed resolution, contact Lopez Lawyers early to start drafting terms and documents right away.

Do I have to go to court in person for my Texas divorce?

In many Dallas and San Antonio courts, at least one brief appearance is traditionally required, especially when children are involved. Some uncontested divorces or prove-ups can be handled with short hearings or remote proceedings, depending on current local rules and the judge assigned to your case. Contested cases often require multiple court appearances for temporary orders, status conferences, and trial if settlement is not reached. Lopez Lawyers prepares clients carefully for any required hearings and explores every option to streamline the process.

Can I move out of the marital home before filing for divorce in Texas?

Moving out may have practical and strategic consequences for custody, finances, and access to property. Leaving the home does not automatically forfeit ownership rights, but it may influence temporary possession orders or parenting schedules that a judge sets early in the case. In situations involving conflict, safety concerns, or children, Lopez Lawyers can help plan a safe and strategic move-out if appropriate. We strongly recommend discussing timing and documentation with an experienced divorce attorney before taking action.

What if my spouse lives outside Texas or even outside the U.S.?

Texas courts can still grant a divorce if the residency requirements are met by the filing spouse, but jurisdiction over property, child support, or custody may depend on specific facts. Special procedures may be needed to serve a spouse who lives in another state or country, which can affect the timeline. Issues like international travel with children and enforcement of orders across borders require careful planning. If you are in a cross-border or interstate situation, schedule a consultation so Lopez Lawyers can map out a customized strategy.

Can we use the same lawyer if we agree on everything in our divorce?

Under Texas ethics rules, one attorney cannot represent both spouses in a divorce, even if it is uncontested, due to conflicts of interest. One spouse may hire Lopez Lawyers to draft documents while the other spouse is encouraged to seek independent legal advice if desired. We can only give legal advice to our client, not to both parties. Many amicable divorces are handled this way, and we keep the process respectful and efficient. Uncontested divorces are best for spouses who communicate openly, and having your own attorney ensures your rights are fully protected.