When a client meets with an attorney for the first time to discuss a divorce, that attorney will estimate how much money they believe the retainer will be. The retainer works like a checking account in that the money is deposited into a trust account and the funds are drawn on as they are earned by the attorney for work that is done.

Any interest earned while the money sits in trust is collected by the Texas State Bar and used to help fund legal services for the underprivileged.

No. The Texas family code prohibits the use of a step-parent’s income in the calculation of child support. In the court’s eyes, step-parents have no financial obligation to support their step-children.

Judges typically require each party to be responsible for their own legal fees. There are some situations, however, where the court may allow you to use community property to cover legal expenses during the divorce.

The first step is filing a written complaint with the Child Support Division of the Texas Office of Attorney General. From there an attempt will be made by the state to locate the non custodial parent and collect the back support owed. If the situation requires further action, the state will then determine whether to do one or more of the following:

• Garnish wages
• Suspend and refuse to renew licenses such as driver’s, fishing and hunting, and other professional licenses
• Place liens on property and other assets
• Withhold money from any refunds received for income taxes, and any other federally or state issued checks
• Jail time

No. Although step-parents may play a significant role in the lives of their step-children, the court cannot hold them financially responsible for them. In fact, Texas family code prohibits the use of a step-parent’s income when calculating child support.

Yes, we do. Go here to find out more about our Flat Fee No Nonsense™ Divorce.

If you and your spouse are in agreement about the division of property and there are no children, a divorce can often be done for as little as $1,200 to $1,500. This includes filing fees and an attorney will accompany you to court to prove up the final divorce decree. However, the costs for your specific situation may be more or less. We can give you a better idea of the cost during an initial consultation.

All of our work is billed by the hour in 6 minute increments instead of industry standard 15 minute interval. That means if you have a 6 minute phone call with us, you get billed for 6 minutes instead of 15 minutes.

We understand that you want to finalize your divorce without breaking the bank. We use Associates, Paralegals and other support staff for as much of the work as possible to keep the costs down.

We also offer a flat fee option for agreed divorces. Check out our No Nonsense™ Divorce to see if it makes sense for your situation.