When you choose to move forward with a divorce, it could be due to many months, or even years, of disrespect, betrayal, resentment, and other behaviors that made you realize you and your spouse are not as compatible as you had thought. There’s nothing wrong with choosing to get out of a failing marriage, as long as you don’t make any mistakes during the divorce process. It’s important to know what not to do. A Texas divorce lawyer can help you figure things out.

Divorces rarely finalize cleanly without a great deal of emotional or financial devastation. There are many important decisions you have to make to ensure you don’t lose much more than you anticipated. The more mistakes you make, the harder it can be to come out on top in this situation. That’s why it’s so important to have an accomplished lawyer by your side. If your spouse chooses to make things complicated for you, you’ll want that extra support.

Make Sure You Hire a Good Lawyer

Arguably, the most important decision you can make for your divorce is choosing the right lawyer to represent your interests. You will want someone well-versed in Texas divorce laws, as well as someone who has considerable experience handling divorce cases similar to your own. 

The multi-state legal team at Stange Law Firm has years of experience handling countless clients’ divorces in many different states. We can bring a focused and knowledgeable approach to your case.

It may benefit you to understand the rates of marriage and divorce throughout the state of Texas. This statistical information can make you feel less alone or wary about your decision to divorce. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the divorce rate in Texas is very low at 2.1 per 1,000 residents as of 2023. The marriage rate is fairly average at just 49.3% as of 2025, according to recent data from World Population Review. 

There are many different divorce-related support groups and workshops available throughout the state of Texas that can help you determine your next steps in healing from your divorce. You may want to reach out to DivorceCare, Children of Divorce, Healing Heartbreak, or another local group that can provide you with a safe space to vent your frustrations. Having someone to talk to about your concerns can make all the difference at a time when you may be feeling alone.

How Not to Handle Your Divorce

It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, angry, confused, and even a bit vengeful when you decide to file for divorce, depending on the reason behind the divorce. However, there are certain actions you shouldn’t take, as they could result in a substantial loss for you in the divorce settlement or could even result in legal consequences. Your lawyer can help you stay on the right path, but it’s up to you to make the right decisions. Here are some actions you shouldn’t take:

  • One thing you shouldn’t do is try to use your kids as bargaining chips. The family court will always prioritize the welfare of your kids above your needs or your spouse’s needs. If you try to use them in order to get a more favorable settlement for yourself, the court will likely see right through it. If you have kids, focus on being a present parent and don’t give your spouse an opportunity to take legal action against you for parental alienation.
  • Whatever you do, never try to hide assets from your spouse or from the court. The family court expects both parties to show respect to each other and to the court. If either party is caught trying to hide assets, the party responsible will likely face legal consequences that could include hefty fines and possibly even jail time. Hiding assets is illegal in a Texas divorce.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Residency Requirements for a Texas Divorce?

A: If you want to move forward with a divorce in Texas, you must make sure that you or your spouse meets the residency requirements for said divorce. Either spouse must have been living in Texas for a certain period of time prior to filing for divorce and have been a resident of the filing county for a certain period prior to filing. There are many other requirements you must meet for a Texas divorce, including filing the right grounds.

Q: Do I Need My Spouse’s Permission to Divorce in Texas?

A: No, you do not need your spouse’s permission to get divorced in Texas. Texas is a no-fault divorce state, which means that you don’t need to have a reason to get divorced. If you no longer want to be married, regardless of the reason or your spouse’s protests, you can proceed with filing. It’s recommended that you hire an experienced divorce lawyer to help you with the process.

Q: What Are the Grounds for a Texas Divorce?

A: There are seven main grounds for divorce in Texas. Only one of them, insupportability, is considered a no-fault ground. The other six are all based on fault: Cruelty, adultery, felony conviction, abandonment, living apart, and confinement to a mental hospital. Everyone’s divorce will be different, as will the main cause of that divorce. If you want to file on fault-based grounds, your lawyer can help you do that.

Q: Do I Need a Divorce Lawyer?

A: Yes, you need a divorce lawyer. There are so many different ways that your divorce could end up becoming complicated, painful, or downright unpredictable. The last thing you want is for your spouse to have a stronger case than you because you didn’t hire the right kind of legal help. An experienced divorce lawyer’s help can prove to be invaluable during a contested divorce. They can help you build up your position and protect your interests throughout.

Reach Out Today

At Stange Law Firm, our legal team can help you figure out the right steps for your divorce and ensure you don’t get taken advantage of. Contact us to speak to a valued member of our team and learn exactly what we can do for your case.