In Texas, the divorce process begins when one spouse files a petition for dissolution of marriage with the court. The other spouse will be notified that the divorce has been initiated, usually by having a process server provide them with a copy of the petition. At this point, the non-filing spouse has the option to file an answer to the petition. In many cases, a couple will work to negotiate a settlement and complete an uncontested divorce. However, if a case involves high levels of conflict, or if a couple cannot reach agreements on certain issues, they may need to resolve matters in court. In these situations, couples will need to understand what steps how a contested divorce will be handled.
Steps Followed in a Contested Divorce
A contested divorce will usually involve the following phases:
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Temporary orders - During the divorce process, the court has the authority to issue temporary orders to address important matters that need immediate attention. These orders can cover issues such as child custody, child support, alimony, and other relevant matters. Temporary orders issued by a judge may remain in place until the divorce has been finalized, although they may be superseded by subsequent orders as needed.
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