Divorce Lawyer
Speak to a Divorce Lawyer Today
Men and women in Bryan, College Station, TX, and beyond can schedule a consultation at the Law Office of Randy Michel by giving us a call. You can also fill out our consultation request form. We are ready to help you through any family law matter, including divorce and child support arrangements.
"A deep sense of gratitude."
My gratitude towards The Law Office of Randy Michel knows no bounds as Hailey Harrison, Andrea O’Neil, and Hailee Berry provided me with kindness, assistance, and empathy throughout my separation and child custody agreement. Despite the difficulty of the situation, their unwavering support made it more manageable. I extend my sincere appreciation to Hailey, the rest of the team, and will always hold a deep sense of gratitude towards them.
View on GoogleWe were forced to have to retain an attorney in the state of Texas for a custody dispute. Randy and Andrea went above and beyond and we were successful! The issue was not only intrastate BUT also complicated and time sensitive. I would recommend them to anyone!
View on GoogleFiling For Divorce in the State of Texas
If you are thinking about divorce, it is important to look into your state laws to find out where you are eligible to file. To file in Texas, you must have lived in the state for at least six months and have been a resident in the county of filing for at least 90 days. If you meet these requirements, our College Station divorce attorneys can help you get started on your case as soon as you are ready.
Types Of Divorce Cases
Uncontested Divorce
Both parties can come to an agreement on the terms of a divorce settlement.
Contested Divorce
An agreement cannot be reached and the divorce case must be heard and decided in court.
"Friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive."
"I hired Randy and his staff to represent my interests in creating a prenup with my now, wife. Everyone at his law office was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive to my questions and concerns. I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in retaining their services." Evan Blevins, 5-Star Google Review
Texas Is a No-Fault Divorce State
In a no-fault divorce state, either party can ask for a divorce without having to provide evidence of fault. However, a spouse can choose to provide evidence of fault such as domestic violence, abandonment, and infidelity, which can influence the outcome of the divorce.
Texas is also a community property state, where all the property acquired during the marriage is owned equally by both parties. Property acquired and money earned by either spouse during the marriage is considered communal. For example, if you acquire a vehicle after your marriage, it can be considered communal property, even if the vehicle is in your name.
However, property you owned before the marriage can remain yours after the divorce. Other items like an inheritance or gifts that were given only to you can also remain yours. Legal documents like prenuptial or postnuptial agreements can prevent certain items from becoming community property. Our College Station firm can help establish this documentation to protect what is yours.
Military Divorce
Randy Michel is a veteran who proudly represents military personnel and families at our College Station practice. As a firm dedicated to family law matters, we understand that divorce can be especially complicated for military families. If you have questions about how deployment, state residency, or other military service-related circumstances can affect your divorce, custody, and other matters, please contact our lawyers for a consultation.
Facing High-Asset Divorce? We Can Protect Your Best Interests Every Step of the Way
Do you and your spouse own high-value assets such as businesses, an investment portfolio, or real estate in addition to your place of residence? If so, you likely face a longer-than-usual divorce process that may require investigation of multiple revenue streams, proving or disputing the validity of a prenuptial agreement, and other actions that typical divorces don't require.
When so much is at stake, you need an attorney who is capable of safeguarding your best interests no matter how complicated the divorce process becomes. Divorce lawyer Randy Michel can conduct an in-depth analysis of all assets to make sure you are not shortchanged or exploited when it comes to property division, alimony, and child support. Get in touch with us today to request a case review at our College Station, TX, practice. You can message us online or call:
Hoping to Reach an Amicable Agreement?
Divorce Mediation or Arbitration May Be the Best Path
As a certified mediator and arbitrator, attorney Randy Michel understands the importance of collaboration. When you and your partner can agree to the terms of your divorce, you end up with a solution that works best for your family. In fact, judges often require that you attempt mediation before taking your divorce to court.
During mediation, you and your spouse will meet with a neutral third-party negotiator. You can each have an attorney present during this time. As a certified mediator, Mr. Michel can serve either as your attorney or as a mediator. Together, we will work through the issues and discuss resolutions in a private setting. In addition to saving time and money, mediation often prevents the hostility that can come with courtroom litigation.
Arbitration is similar to a court hearing, but takes place outside a courtroom in a more relaxed atmosphere. Like mediation, this is often a more efficient and cost-effective means of finalizing the terms of a divorce. During a consultation at our College Station firm, we'll help you explore both of these options as a means of reaching an agreement regarding child custody, spousal support (called alimony outside of Texas), and more.
Divorce Litigation
While pursuing a simple uncontested divorce is always preferable, we understand that this is not possible in every case. If you know you are headed toward a contested divorce, contacting an experienced divorce attorney is more important than ever. As a board-certified civil trial attorney, Randy Michel is prepared to fight for your rights through litigation or trial.
Concerned About the Cost of a Divorce Lawyer?
People going through divorces may hesitate to hire a divorce attorney due to cost. But without a divorce attorney on your side, you leave yourself vulnerable to having your best interests go completely unconsidered in the proceedings, placing your livelihood and your relationship with your children in jeopardy.
Our College Station law firm, serving Bryan, College Station, TX, and beyond, charges reasonable fees, and we explain our process thoroughly so you aren't hit with any surprise expenses. Factors like property, high-cost assets, and child custody can all affect your costs. We will analyze your case to help you understand what you can expect to pay for our services.
Even if cost is a concern, request a consultation with our law office today. Our team will be happy to determine if we can work within your budget.
Modifying A Divorce Agreement
When a substantial change affects your circumstances, you may need an attorney to help you pursue a post-decree modification. This legally changes your initial divorce agreement to better fit your current circumstances. Divorce modifications can apply to various terms of your order such as child support, child custody, visitation, spousal support, and spousal maintenance. To qualify for a post-decree modification, there needs to be a significant change in circumstances for you, your ex-spouse, or your child. Some common examples include:
- Job loss or job promotion
- A drastic change in work schedule
- Military service deployment
- You or your ex remarries
- Health emergency
- Increase in child care expenses
If you believe you qualify for post-divorce modification, it is important to discuss your case with a qualified lawyer. Our College Station, TX, law firm can help you navigate these often complex processes and achieve a satisfactory resolution.
"If you are looking for an attorney who can negotiate the complexities of Texas law, you need to employ the counsel of Randy Michel. A court date with serious allegations was looming and, after reviewing the data, he provided sound counsel formulating various scenarios with potential outcomes. As a direct result of this counsel, the best outcome was achieved." Dee Morwood Norton
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Texas
My spouse's infidelity led me to file for divorce. Will that be a factor in property division and other aspects of the divorce process?
The court can take infidelity into account. For example, if a spouse spent a considerable amount of money on an extramarital affair, the courts could choose to award that spouse less in property division. It could also affect custody if a spouse prioritized the extramarital relationship over caring for your child, or if a spouse's extramarital partner poses a threat to your child.
My spouse and I have been separated for a long time. Can we get a no-fault divorce?
If you and your spouse have been separated for at least three years without living in the same home, you can be granted a no-fault divorce in Texas.
How long until my divorce is granted?
It could take months or years depending on the complexity of your divorce, but in most cases, it will take at least 60 days from the date of filing. Texas imposes this waiting period in all cases unless there is a family violence protective order against one spouse, or that spouse has already been convicted of a domestic violence crime.
Can I get married as soon as my divorce is granted?
No. Texas will not allow you to marry someone other than your ex-spouse any sooner than 30 days after your divorce is granted.
"Excellent attorney."
"Prompt resolution to family divorce. Knowledgeable and communicated well. Office staff capable and promptly resolved issues with case. Price was fair. Excellent attorney for uncontested divorce. Would use him again but hopefully won't have too!" Mary Staples, 5-Star Google Review