Contested Divorce Attorney in Round Rock, Texas
Practice Areas
A contested divorce attorney in Round Rock, Texas, can protect your rights when a marriage ends and one spouse refuses to cooperate on major decisions. At the Law Office of Katy M. Lovett in Round Rock, Texas, we represent individuals facing high-conflict divorces involving child custody, financial support, and property division, with a focus on long-term outcomes and local experience you can rely on.
Every divorce case is different, and Texas allows both no-fault divorce and fault-based divorces depending on the facts. Whether you are filing first or responding to a petition, the choices you make early in the process matter. As a seasoned Round Rock divorce attorney, Katy M. Lovett helps you take the right steps from day one, working to protect your family, your finances, and your child’s well-being.
Call (512) 956-5356 or contact us online to schedule your confidential consultation with a trusted family law attorney serving Round Rock, TX, and surrounding areas.
What is a Contested Divorce in Texas?
Under the Texas Family Code, a divorce case becomes contested when one spouse refuses to agree on key matters such as child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, or the division of marital assets. These are the most common issues that lead to custody disputes, financial disagreements, and extended litigation.
When the parties cannot reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation, the court decides the outcome. A contested divorce may also arise when the other spouse challenges fault-based grounds for divorce, or when the case involves allegations of domestic violence or family violence. In these situations, legal strategy and detailed preparation become essential.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Texas
Key differences in the divorce process come down to agreement. In uncontested cases, both spouses resolve child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and property division without court involvement. An uncontested divorce attorney in Round Rock can help finalize these cases quickly and affordably.
Contested divorces happen when one spouse disputes any key term. These cases may involve custody disputes, hidden marital assets, or fault-based grounds like cruelty or abandonment.
Contested divorces require stronger legal representation because the court decides the outcome. Under Texas law, a clear strategy and solid evidence are critical when responding to the other spouse.
What Is a Contested Divorce Hearing?
A contested divorce hearing is where the court reviews disagreements over custody, support, and property. The purpose is to evaluate evidence, clarify positions, and determine what orders are necessary to move the divorce case forward.
Both sides present testimony, documents, and legal arguments. The attorneys may question witnesses, introduce financial records, and outline proposed outcomes based on Texas law.
The judge reviews the facts and issues rulings to resolve disputes. Depending on the stage of the case, these decisions may be temporary or final.
What Happens at a Contested Divorce Hearing?
Each side presents evidence through documents, testimony, and witness statements. Contested issues may include child custody, property division, spousal maintenance, and family violence concerns. The court may hear from teachers, medical professionals, or financial experts to evaluate what serves the child’s well-being and each spouse’s position.
Your family law attorney will prepare you to testify clearly, respond to questions, and support your case with a strategy grounded in Texas law. This includes organizing records, identifying witnesses, and building a plan that aligns with your parenting role and day-to-day life in Round Rock, TX.
The Contested Divorce Process in Texas
A contested divorce case begins with a petition and moves through several steps. Each phase affects how the court decides parenting, finances, and property issues.
Filing Requirements and Initial Pleadings
A contested divorce case begins when one spouse files a petition for divorce in the proper county. The petition outlines the requested orders and must follow the Texas Family Code requirements, including disclosure and residency rules.
After filing, the other spouse must be formally served with the petition and given a deadline to respond. Proper service is required before the case can move forward in court.
Temporary Orders and Hearings
The court can issue temporary orders to address custody, child support, and property use while the divorce case is pending. These orders stabilize your situation by setting rules for parenting schedules, who lives where, and who pays what bills. Interim orders may also address issues such as temporary spousal support.
Temporary hearings let both spouses present evidence or testimony about urgent needs. The judge uses that input to protect the child’s well-being, guard against financial hardship, and maintain fairness until the final decree.
Mediation and Settlement Opportunities
Courts encourage mediation to resolve divorce disputes without going to trial. It allows both parties to reach custody agreements, settle financial responsibilities, and divide assets without relying on a judge.
When an agreement is reached, the terms are submitted for court approval and included in the final order. Mediation can reduce legal fees, shorten the process, and give each side more control over the outcome.
Trial When Settlement Is Not Reached
If mediation fails, the case proceeds to trial. Both sides present evidence, call witnesses, and make legal arguments on unresolved issues like parenting, finances, and asset division.
The judge reviews the testimony and issues a final decree that outlines all court-ordered terms. This decree ends the divorce case and resolves all contested matters.
How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Texas?
In Williamson County, most contested Texas divorce cases take six months to over a year. The timeline depends on court availability, how much the spouses agree, and whether temporary orders or hearings are needed.
Cases take longer when custody disputes, hidden assets, or business valuations occur. When both sides cooperate and respond promptly, the process moves faster and may avoid a trial.
Does It Matter Who Files for Divorce First in Texas?
Filing first can offer strategic benefits. The petitioner sets the pace of the case, frames the initial requests, and often appears first at hearings. This can shape how the court views early disputes.
Texas law requires proper service of the petition to the other spouse, which gives them a deadline to respond.
Filing first may also impact temporary custody orders or who keeps control of certain assets during the case. Early action gives your attorney time to prepare and present a stronger initial position.
Why You Need a Contested Divorce Attorney in Round Rock, Texas
Contested divorces in Williamson County require more than general legal knowledge. A local attorney who understands how judges handle parenting disputes, property issues, and financial records can give you a clear advantage.
Katy M. Lovett has experience with both fault-based divorces and no-fault divorce cases. She knows when fault matters, how to present evidence, and how to apply the right legal strategy for your situation.
With a focused family law practice in Round Rock, she works to protect your parental rights, financial stability, and long-term interests at every stage of your divorce case.
Child Custody in a Contested Divorce
Texas courts use the best interest of the child standard when determining custody. Under Texas Family Code 153.074, parents have legal rights and responsibilities unless limited by safety concerns or other factors.
In most cases, the court prefers a joint managing conservatorship, where both parents share authority. If one parent has a history of abuse, family violence, or a felony conviction, the court may order a sole managing conservatorship instead. These decisions directly affect who becomes the custodial parent and what rights each parent retains.
Parenting plans and visitation schedules are customized to fit the child’s school calendar, holidays, and developmental needs. A child custody lawyer in Round Rock helps you present a clear plan and advocate for your parenting role.
Child Support in a Contested Divorce
Texas child support guidelines are based on income and family size. Courts may adjust amounts for shared parenting time, income differences, or added expenses like health insurance and social security benefits for a child. You can estimate payments using the official Attorney General of Texas monthly child support calculator.
Support orders are enforceable through wage garnishment, license suspension, or contempt. A Round Rock child support lawyer can help ensure the calculation is accurate and take action if payments are missed.
Property Division in a Contested Divorce
Texas follows community property law, which means most assets acquired during the marriage are presumed to belong equally to both spouses. The court decides how to divide them fairly.
Disputes often arise over whether property is classified as marital assets or separate property. Income earned during the marriage usually counts as community property, while inheritances or gifts may remain separate if properly traced.
The process becomes more complex in a high-asset divorce. Business ownership, retirement accounts, and investment portfolios may require financial experts to determine value before division.
No-Fault Divorce and Fault-Based Divorces in Texas
In Texas, couples may file for a no-fault divorce when their marriage is no longer workable. This option avoids blame and can speed up the process when both spouses agree to move forward.
A fault-based divorce is different. Grounds such as adultery, cruelty, or abandonment place responsibility on the spouse who caused the breakdown. Judges can award a larger share of property or increase spousal support when a spouse engages in misconduct.
The choice between no-fault and fault-based grounds is strategic. It can influence financial outcomes, affect parenting arrangements, and shape the court’s view of your case.
Other Practice Areas in Family Law
Unlike some other states, Texas does not allow legal separation, but temporary orders can address custody, support, and property use while a divorce is pending.
A Round Rock family law attorney can also seek modifications when custody or support needs change, and file enforcement actions if court orders are ignored.
FAQ About Contested Divorce in Texas
How Much Does a Contested Divorce Cost in Texas?
Costs vary depending on attorney fees, filing fees, and whether experts are needed for custody or property division. The more issues in dispute, the higher the overall cost of the divorce process.
Can I file For a Legal Separation Instead of Divorce in Texas?
Texas does not recognize legal separation. Spouses remain legally married until a divorce is finalized, though temporary orders may be used to address custody, support, and property while the divorce is pending.
Do I Need an Attorney For a Contested Divorce in Texas?
While you can file on your own, Texas divorce law is complex. Working with a contested divorce attorney in Round Rock, Texas, helps ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled properly in court.
How The Law Office of Katy M. Lovett Can Help With Your Divorce Case
Katy M. Lovett is a Round Rock divorce lawyer who knows that contested cases demand more than forms and deadlines. She studies the details that matter, financial records, parenting histories, and local court expectations, and uses them to build your case.
She is direct and prepared in the courtroom, presenting evidence with precision and challenging the other side’s claims. Clients turn to her because she explains the process without jargon, keeps communication open, and balances determination with compassion.
Why Choose Katy M. Lovett as Your Contested Divorce Attorney
Katy M. Lovett brings local experience in Round Rock and Williamson County, giving her insight into how judges handle disputes between parents and spouses. She focuses exclusively on family law and has guided clients through contested divorce cases involving custody battles, property division, and financial disputes.
Clients trust Katy because she delivers personal service, not cookie-cutter solutions. She looks at the details of your unique situation, from disagreements with the other parent to complex financial records, and builds a strategy that protects your rights today while safeguarding your future.
Move Forward With Confidence. Schedule a Consultation With Contested Divorce Lawyer Katy M. Lovett in Round Rock, TX
Katy M. Lovett offers confidential consultations to review your case and outline immediate next steps. She is ready to protect your rights from the first filing to completing the final decree. Waiting gives the other side more time to build their case. The sooner you act, the stronger your position will be.
Call 512-956-5356 or contact us online today to schedule your consultation with a Round Rock divorce attorney who can protect your future.
At the Law Office of Katy M. Lovett, PLLC, you are not just a case number. Our family law attorney takes the time to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and develop a strategic approach that aligns with your needs under Texas law.