Divorce Serving Families Throughout McKinney, TX & Surrounding Areas

McKinney Divorce Lawyer

Put Years of Experience in Your Corner

Finding the right divorce attorney is critical to getting the results you want in your case. The McKinney divorce lawyer, Melody Petitt, at Petitt Family Law has years of experience providing legal services to individuals who want to secure their futures and peace of mind.

An attorney who can listen to your story compassionately and apply their knowledge and experience to your greatest advantage is who you need during difficult times like these. We offer legal advice that is solid, researched, and tailored to your specific circumstances. Whether you need help working out alimony, child custody, or any other legal issue, we are confident you will choose Melody Petitt to lead the way as you begin building the next chapter of your life.

Petitt Family Law values strong client-attorney communication and a commitment to integrity in everything we do. We manage the challenging legal aspects of your divorce so you can focus on healing and supporting your children. We will be with you every step of the way as we seek the best possible outcome.

Ready to Start a New Chapter? Contact Our McKinney Law Office Today by going to our online form or by calling us directly at (469) 716-6893 today.

Types of Divorce in Texas

Filing for divorce in Texas can open the door to a number of family law concerns that must be addressed appropriately. Divorces can be uncontested or contested. An uncontested divorce, sometimes called an agreed divorce, requires both parties to agree on the division of their property and rights to children.

 Even if your divorce is amicable and both spouses seem to agree, having someone to advise you on family law matters is highly recommended. You and your children deserve this guidance to safeguard yourselves.

Contested divorces are those in which the parties disagree on the terms of spousal support (alimony), child support payments, child custody, and property division. A contested divorce requires a family law attorney to negotiate a favorable settlement or take your case to trial if agreements can’t be reached.

Understanding the Divorce Process in Texas

Going through a divorce can be a complex and emotional process, especially when navigating the legal system. Our experienced McKinney divorce lawyers are here to guide you through the entire divorce process, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected every step of the way.

Some key aspects of the divorce process in Texas include:

  • Filing for divorce - Understanding the legal requirements and paperwork involved in filing for divorce in Texas.
  • Division of assets - Ensuring that your assets are fairly divided according to Texas community property laws.
  • Child custody and support - Advocating for the best interests of your children and securing a fair custody and support arrangement.
  • Spousal support - Determining if spousal support is applicable and advocating for a fair arrangement.
  • Mediation and litigation - Exploring options for resolving disputes through mediation or, if necessary, through litigation in court.

Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and knowledgeable legal representation to help you navigate the divorce process with confidence and peace of mind.

Protecting Your Assets with a Skilled Divorce Lawyer in McKinney

Texas is a community property state, providing both parties an equitable split of all marital assets. However, you may have significant separate assets you wish to protect from division. If you do not have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement to protect it, your spouse could seek division of those separate assets.

At Petitt Family Law, we can review your financial history and investigate your spouse’s to verify whether an asset is subject to division. This research can include assistance from a forensic accountant to establish separate property or other financial claims. 

Can A Spouse Refuse A Divorce In Texas?

In Texas, a spouse cannot outright refuse a divorce and prevent it from happening. Texas is a "no-fault" divorce state, meaning that either spouse can file for divorce without proving fault, such as adultery or cruelty, by citing "insupportability" or irreconcilable differences. 

Here’s how the process works if one spouse does not agree to the divorce:

  • Filing for Divorce: One spouse (the petitioner) files a petition for divorce and serves it to the other spouse (the respondent). The respondent has 20 days plus the next Monday at 10:00 a.m. to file an answer.
  • Default Judgment: If the respondent does not file an answer within the specified time frame, the petitioner can request a default judgment. This means the court can grant the divorce without the respondent’s participation.
  • Contesting the Divorce: If the respondent files an answer but contests the divorce, they can delay the process but cannot ultimately prevent it. They can contest issues such as property division, child custody, and support, but not the dissolution of the marriage itself.
  • Mediation and Settlement: The court may order mediation to resolve contested issues. If an agreement is reached, it can be presented to the court for approval. If mediation fails, the case proceeds to trial.
  • Trial: If the case goes to trial, both parties present their arguments and evidence on contested issues. The judge then makes decisions based on Texas law.
  • Final Decree of Divorce: Once all issues are resolved, the court issues a final decree of divorce, legally ending the marriage. The process can be delayed by disputes, but a divorce will eventually be granted even if one spouse does not agree.

In summary, while a spouse in Texas can contest various aspects of the divorce process, they cannot refuse the divorce entirely. The legal system ensures that one party’s desire to end the marriage cannot be completely thwarted by the other.

Why You Should Hire a Lawyer When Filing For a Divorce

Hiring a lawyer when going through a divorce in Texas offers numerous benefits such as experienced guidance through the complex legal process as well as having legal representation with a clear understanding of Texas-specific laws and regulations. 

An experienced divorce attorney can help navigate property division, child custody, and support issues, ensuring that their client's rights and interests are protected. They can also handle paperwork and deadlines, reducing the stress and emotional burden on the client. 

Perhaps most importantly, a lawyer can provide strategic advice and negotiate on behalf of the client, potentially leading to more favorable outcomes in settlements and court decisions.

Local Support and Resources for Family Divorce in McKinney

Navigating a family divorce in McKinney can be challenging, but knowing that local resources and support systems are available can make a significant difference. At Petitt Family Law, we understand the unique needs of our community and are here to help you through every step of the process.

One of the common pain points for families in McKinney is the emotional and financial strain that comes with divorce. The cost of living in McKinney, combined with the complexities of dividing assets and determining child custody, can be overwhelming. Our team at Petitt Family Law is well-versed in addressing these concerns, offering tailored legal advice that considers the local economic landscape and community values.

We also understand that McKinney is a growing city with a diverse population. This diversity means that family dynamics can vary widely, and our approach is always personalized to meet the specific needs of each client. Whether you live near the historic downtown area or in one of the newer suburban neighborhoods, we are familiar with the local community and its unique challenges.

By choosing Petitt Family Law, you are selecting a team that not only understands the legal intricacies of family divorce but also the local context of McKinney. We are committed to helping you achieve a fair and just outcome, allowing you to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Commonly Asked Questions

How can Petitt Family Law assist with child custody and support issues during my divorce?

Petitt Family Law provides legal services to help you work out child custody and support issues during your divorce. Our approach is to advocate for the best interests of your children and secure a fair custody and support arrangement. We understand the importance of strong client-attorney communication and are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring the well-being of your children throughout the divorce process.

What are the differences between uncontested and contested divorces in Texas?

In Texas, an uncontested divorce, or agreed divorce, occurs when both parties agree on property division and children's rights. It's a smoother process but still requires legal guidance. A contested divorce happens when spouses disagree on terms like alimony, child support, custody, or property division. This type of divorce often requires more negotiation and potentially a trial to reach a settlement.

Contact Our McKinney Divorce Attorney

Planning for a successful divorce can require even more from you than planning your wedding. We can help you focus on protecting your future and your family’s best interests with help from a McKinney divorce attorney.

Do not delay another day. Contact us online to schedule a consultation or call (469) 716-6893 to discuss your options for divorce proceedings now.

Hear From Our Happy Clients

    "Melody and Stacy are a dynamic pair that you can trust to have your best interests in mind always."
    Responsive, efficient, so knowledgeable about the law and what you need to get through the process. Melody and Stacy are a dynamic pair that you can trust to have your best interests in mind always. Love them.
    - Kayti
    "She was an excellent partner through the whole process."
    Melody handled my case with care & logic. She challenged me when I was leading with emotional rather than logic, and understood when she needed to pull back. She was an excellent partner through the whole process, and I have already recommended her to others.
    - Anonymous
    "Amazing results. My only regret is not hiring her initially several years ago."

    Melody exemplifies everything that I needed in an attorney. She followed through on every aspect of what she said she would do. Along the way, she always kept my interests in mind when following up with the courts and giving me closure. All this in just a few short weeks before closing out the 2020 year during a pandemic.

    In my previous experiences, I’ve always had to chase down my attorney or come up with the solutions on my own. Melody was the exact opposite of that. Replies were very timely, and she came up with solutions prior to discussing with me with any setbacks that would come up.

    My only regret is not hiring her initially several years ago.

    - Anonymous
    "Simply the best lawyer I have ever had."
    Simply the best lawyer I have ever had. I have had the pleasure of having her work on my case for a year. She is full of information and guidance. She is not afraid to tell you if what you think is a bad move and direct you in the right direction. She will not let you down.
    - Anonymous
    "Smart, quick, and thorough."
    Melody Petitt handled my case quickly and thoroughly. I was so happy with her dedication to keeping my family and I safe and getting the proper legal measures in order. She was able to get my Protective Order filed and eventually won while keeping me informed and confident through the whole thing. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
    - Anonymous
    "Excellent, professional and knowledgeable staff."
    Excellent, professional and knowledgeable staff. Always ready to serve your family law requests.
    - Ross
    "Words can’t express my gratitude, thank you Melody!"
    Custody situations are not fun and as a father, it always seemed like an uphill battle but because of Melody I had not the best legal representation but a group of people who had my back and made sure that my son’s best interest was always THE priority. Melody was relentless in ensuring that the job was done right and successfully. Words can’t express my gratitude, thank you Melody! THANK YOU FOR MAKING THINGS RIGHT!
    - Josh
    "Melody saved my case."
    When Melody took over my case, it was going nowhere, the previous attorney had done nothing for months but allow opposing counsel to stall, allowing my case to become dormant, luckily that attorney left the firm. When Melody took over she immediately began filing motions, requesting documents that previously had been denied. The outcome of my case was not all I’d hoped for, but Melody made sure I was able to maximize and make the best out of a bad situation. She was always honest, forthright, and meticulous in her handling of the case. She even pushed for the firm to credit my account for work that the previous attorney had not completed. If you want integrity, honesty, and hard work, definitely hire Melody Petitt as your counsel.
    - Tomas

Why Choose Petitt Family Law?

  • Hundreds of Satisfied Clients
    Work with a dedicated law firm with positive reviews from happy clients.
  • 20+ Years of Experience
    Attorney Melody Petitt has over 2 decades of family law experience.
  • Start with a Quick & Easy Consult
    Meet with Petitt Family Law during a virtual consultation!
  • Family Law Is All We Do
    Our law firm focuses all of our practice on family law.

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