Your Temple divorce lawyer will file a petition with the court. This is a document that outlines the reason for the divorce, as well as any issues that need to be addressed.
Ending a marriage is never easy. The process can be emotionally and financially taxing, especially when children, property, or long-term finances are involved. Whether the split is amicable or contested, a knowledgeable Temple divorce lawyer can guide you through the legal system with clarity and compassion.
If you are going through a divorce in Bell, McLennan, Coryell, Lampasas or Milam counties, our Temple law office has a board-certified family law attorney and a team of lawyers who will be your fiercest advocates.
If you are considering filing for divorce in Temple, TX, you should know some important information.
Texas requires that either you or your spouse have been in the state for at least six months and the county where you plan to file has been the home county for at least 90 days.*
*Note: these same rules apply in cases of child custody.
Texas is a no-fault divorce state, meaning a court may grant a divorce even if your spouse doesn’t agree. Your petition must state that there is a conflict in personalities and there is no reasonable expectation of getting back together. In other words, the details of pursuing a dissolution of your marriage are not required in Texas.
In addition to no-fault divorces, a spouse may also file a “fault” divorce in Texas. According to the Texas Family Code, the following are the six fault-based grounds for divorce:
Often, fault-based divorces are more difficult to prove in court. They may also affect child custody, property division and more in a divorce settlement. A free consultation with our Temple Divorce attorneys can help you determine your best strategy.
In Texas, property is looked at in two categories:
Inherited property and assets are considered separate if the inheritance occurred during the marriage.
If children are involved, the courts will try to ensure both parents receive equal time with their children. However, in some child custody cases, an agreement will be impossible if extreme conditions are present. For example, if a spouse was convicted of domestic violence or child abuse, the courts are highly unlikely to grant them child custody.
Our divorce lawyers in Temple, TX can provide specialized and compassionate legal help when you need it most. Schedule a free consultation with a board-certified family law attorney at The Carlson Law Firm.
Typically, you must wait a minimum of 60 days from the date the divorce is filed before the divorce can be granted in Texas. The exception to this is in cases involving domestic violence. In most cases, however, divorces take much longer than 60 days.
Your Temple divorce lawyer will file a petition with the court. This is a document that outlines the reason for the divorce, as well as any issues that need to be addressed.
After the petition is filed, the other spouse must be served with a copy of the document either by personal service or mail.
The other spouse then has 20 days to respond to the petition. They can either agree to the terms of the divorce or contest certain issues.
If necessary, the court may issue temporary orders regarding child custody, support and other issues while the divorce is pending.
If the spouses are unable to agree on issues, the court will require them to attend mediation to try to reach a settlement.
If a settlement cannot be reached, the divorce will proceed to trial.
Once finalized, the court will issue the decree, the document that outlines the terms of the divorce, including child custody and support, as well as property division.
Going through a divorce in Texas becomes even more complex when children are involved. Custody, parenting time, and financial support are not just legal matters. Going through a divorce in Texas becomes even more complex when children are involved. Custody, parenting time, and financial support are not just legal matters—they shape your child’s future and your role in it. A skilled Temple divorce lawyer from The Carlson Law Firm can guide you through these critical issues, working to protect both your parental rights and your child’s well-being. They shape your child’s future and your role in it. A skilled Temple divorce lawyer from The Carlson Law Firm can guide you through these critical issues, working to protect both your parental rights and your child’s well-being.
Texas courts use the term conservatorship to describe child custody. This legal designation defines how parents will share—or divide—the responsibilities of raising their children after a separation. It includes decision-making power over major life issues like medical care, schooling, and religion.
The two main forms of conservatorship are:
Parenting time refers to the structured schedule outlining when each parent spends time with their child. In Texas, the law presumes that frequent contact with both parents is ideal unless evidence suggests otherwise.
Typical visitation schedules fall under two categories:
In most custody situations, one parent is ordered to pay child support to help cover the cost of raising the child. This is typically the non-primary parent, although exceptions exist.
The Texas Family Code provides a formula to calculate support based on several factors:
Child support isn’t negotiable. In fact, it’s a legal obligation. Our Temple divorce attorneys ensure that support orders reflect your family’s financial realities and safeguard your child’s future.
When a judge signs off on custody, support, or visitation terms, those orders carry the force of law. If a parent refuses to comply—by withholding visitation or failing to make payments—the other parent has the right to ask the court for enforcement. Legal remedies may include wage garnishment, license suspension, or even contempt proceedings.
The Carlson Law Firm can assist with enforcing family court orders and filing for modifications if your circumstances have changed.
Located along the I-35 corridor between Austin and Waco, Temple is a growing Central Texas city where families face a range of legal challenges, especially when it comes to divorce and child-related matters. From navigating custody disputes to resolving support issues, family law cases often involve sensitive, high-stakes concerns. In these moments, having a knowledgeable legal team based nearby makes all the difference.
At The Carlson Law Firm, our Temple family law attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and pursuing the best possible resolution for you and your family. With a local office serving Bell County, we bring a deep understanding of the regional courts, judges, and legal procedures that impact your case. When life changes feel overwhelming, our team is here to offer the steady guidance and personalized support you need.
If you’re thinking about divorce in Temple, Texas, working with a local attorney can make a meaningful difference in how your case unfolds. A Temple divorce lawyer understands the local courts, procedures, and community dynamics that can influence your case.
From dividing marital property to establishing child custody and support, an attorney familiar with Bell County family law can offer guidance that’s both strategic and rooted in Texas-specific legal standards. Choosing a local advocate means getting support that’s not just legally sound, but tailored to your life in Temple.
Military divorces in Texas follow the same basic legal process as civilian divorces but have additional legal considerations. Active-duty service members are protected under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which allows them to postpone divorce proceedings while deployed. Residency requirements can also be more flexible, as military members or their spouses may file for divorce in the state where they are stationed, where they claim legal residence, or where their spouse resides. Division of military pensions follows federal laws, specifically the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA), which allows Texas courts to award a portion of military retirement benefits to a non-military spouse if they were married for at least 10 years while the service member was on active duty. Additionally, child custody and support considerations may differ due to deployments and relocation, requiring tailored parenting plans.
The Carlson Law Firm handles cases in the following counties: Bell, Coryell, Milamd, Lampasas, Williamson, Hays, Travis, Bastrop and Burnet.
If your spouse does not respond after being served, the court may proceed with a default divorce, granting the terms requested by the filing spouse.
To file for divorce in Texas, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months and in Bell County for at least 90 days before filing.
Texas is a community property state, meaning assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally. However, the court may order an unequal division based on factors like each spouse’s financial situation, fault in the marriage, and contributions to the household.
Texas law allows spousal maintenance (alimony) in limited cases, such as marriages lasting 10+ years, domestic violence, or if a spouse cannot support themselves due to disability.
No, Texas does not recognize legal separation. However, couples can sign agreements to address property, custody, and financial support while remaining married.
Child support is based on the paying parent’s income and follows these general guidelines:
These percentages adjust based on the number of children and other factors.
While you are not required to have a lawyer, it is strongly recommended, especially for contested divorces involving children, property, or disputes. An attorney ensures your rights are protected and that all paperwork is properly handled.
Our compassionate legal team will handle your case with sound judgment, honesty and dependability.
We have strong ties to our community, which drives us to work tirelessly to get our clients the favorable outcomes they deserve.
Our attorneys consistently helped Central Texas families achieve favorable results that work for their families.
Navigating the complexities of child custody, support, and visitation can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our board-certified family law attorneys at The Carlson Law Firm are here to help you understand your rights, advocate for your child’s well-being, and ensure that your family’s needs are met throughout the process.
If you’re in one of the counties we service and need assistance with child custody or divorce matters, contact our team today. We’re dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for your family.
If you’re facing a family law matter, reaching out to an experienced attorney can provide the guidance and support you need. A Temple Family Law Attorney is ready to assist you with divorce, child custody, support, and other family-related legal issues. Contact The Carlson Law Firm in Temple at 254-771-5688, or fill out a family law consultation form to get started. Our office is conveniently located at 2010 SW H K Dodgen Loop #201, Temple, TX 76504, providing local legal support when you need it most.
With over a dozen locations throughout Texas, there’s a Carlson Law Firm near you. We have law offices located in Killeen, Temple, Waco, Round Rock, Austin, San Antonio, Kerrville, Laredo, Bryan, Lubbock, Midland, and Corpus Christi.
100 E. Central Texas Expy
Killeen, TX 76541
(254) 526-5688
11606 N. I-35
Austin, TX 78753
(512) 346-5688
135 W. Slaughter Ln, Ste A
Austin, TX 78748
(512) 804-7277
6243 I-10 #550
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 696-8600
618 SW Military Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78221
(210) 923-7700
1109 W. Baker Road, Ste A
Baytown, TX 77521
(832) 806-6155
1121 Briarcrest Drive, Ste 200
Bryan, TX 77802
(979) 260-5688
653 Everhart Rd, Ste 105
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
(361) 336-3317
301 Junction Highway, Ste 100
Kerrville, TX 78028
(830) 257-7575
5112 McPherson, Ste 106
Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 712-2588
10101 Quaker Ave
Lubbock, TX 79424
(806) 401-0500
900 Lp 250 Frontage Rd b
Midland, TX 79705
(432) 247-6611
1717 N. I-35 Ste 305
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 671-7277
4282 S Jackson St.
San angelo, TX 76903
(325) 238-4322
2010 SW H K Dodgen Loop, Ste 201
Temple TX 76504
(254) 771-5688
2420 I-35 South
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 772-5653
2909 Garnett Ave
Wichita Falls, TX 76308
(940) 285-6333
1500 Rosecrans Ave Ste 500
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(254) 516-3570
33rd Ave N Ste 220
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 373-4655
100 E. Central Texas Expy
Killeen, TX 76541
(254) 526-5688
11606 N. I-35
Austin, TX 78753
(512) 346-5688
135 W. Slaughter Ln, Ste A
Austin, TX 78748
(512) 804-7277
6243 I-10 #550
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 696-8600
618 SW Military Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78221
(210) 923-7700
1109 W. Baker Road, Ste A
Baytown, TX 77521
(832) 806-6155
1421 S Main St. Ste 113
Boerne, TX 78006
(830) 470-8777
1121 Briarcrest Drive, Ste 200
Bryan, TX 77802
(979) 260-5688
653 Everhart Rd, Ste 105
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
(361) 336-3317
5112 McPherson, Ste 106
Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 712-2588
10101 Quaker Ave
Lubbock, TX 79424
(806) 401-0500
900 Lp 250 Frontage Rd b
Midland, TX 79705
(432) 247-6611
559 S I-35 Frontage Rd Ste 250,
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 671-7277
4282 S Jackson St.
San angelo, TX 76903
(325) 238-4322
2010 SW H K Dodgen Loop, Ste 201
Temple TX 76504
(254) 771-5688
2420 I-35 South
Waco, TX 76706
(254) 772-5653
2909 Garnett Ave
Wichita Falls, TX 76308
(940) 285-6333
1500 Rosecrans Ave Ste 500
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(254) 516-3570
4700 Millenia Blvd. STE 500
Orlando, FL 32839
(727) 373-4655
