Divorce vs. Dissolution: Understanding Your Options in Texas

Divorce vs. Dissolution: Understanding Your Options in Texas

When you decide to end your marriage, you might be curious about the exact meanings of a few words you come across, like “dissolution.” What is a dissolution, and how is it different from divorce? 

Your knowledgeable and experienced Fort Worth divorce lawyer from Mims Ballew Hollingsworth (MBH) can help you understand every aspect of the divorce process, breaking down legal jargon into everyday language. With a strong reputation for managing complex divorces featuring significant assets and a unique commitment to collaboration among attorneys, MBH puts your interests first.

Divorce Explained: The Legal Path of Marital Termination

So what do we mean when we talk about a dissolution of marriage versus a divorce? The meaning of these two legal terms varies from state to state. In Texas, “divorce” and “dissolution” are used almost interchangeably to signify the legal process of ending a marriage.The only difference to note is that Texas law uses “dissolution” to refer to both divorce and annulment.

The divorce process starts with filing a petition for divorce with the district court in the county where you live or the county where your spouse lives. Next, you must serve your spouse with a formal notice of the filing and await an answer, which they must file with the court within 20 days of service.

There is a 60-day waiting period (from the filing date) before you can have a hearing before a family court judge. This waiting period may be waived in cases of family violence.

If both parties agree to the terms of a divorce, the process could be finalized at this hearing, with the judge issuing a final divorce decree. A contested divorce may take longer to settle and include negotiations, formal mediation, or a trial.

Unique Complexities of High-Net-Worth Divorces

A high-net-worth Texas dissolution of marriage can involve a complex web of assets, including substantial property holdings, investments, and businesses owned by one or both parties. When the stakes are this high, you need a Southlake divorce lawyer who has experience handling high asset divorces with success. 

Your high-net-worth divorce lawyer might start by conducting an in-depth inventory and valuation of assets. They’ll review any pre- or postnuptial agreements, trusts, retirement accounts, and insurance policies, using the information they gather to protect your best interests and advocate for a fair and equitable division of assets. 

With high-net-worth divorce, tax implications can be a major concern and factor heavily in negotiations. In that case, your lawyer can advise you on potential alternatives to divorce, such as a separation.

Legal Separation: A Distinct Option From Divorce and Dissolution?

You may have legal, financial, religious, or personal reasons for wanting to stay married but live separately from your spouse. Unfortunately, there is no option for legal separation in Texas vs. divorce: Legal separation is not recognized by the state.

If you wish to live separately, you can create legal agreements that define your rights and obligations regarding issues like finances or parenting time. These could include temporary orders, separation agreements, or suits affecting the parent-child relationship (SAPCRs).

How MBH Facilitates the Divorce Process

The team at MBH has a long history of supporting high-net-worth couples through the divorce process. When you choose MBH, you’ll benefit from our collaborative approach to meeting our clients’ needs, which means that we place the resources of our entire firm at the service of each client. 

Consult MBH Law for Personalized Divorce Representation

When you have questions about divorce vs. dissolution of marriage, MBH helps you make informed decisions and creates tailored strategies to promote your best interests. Contact us now to schedule a consultation and gain access to exceptional legal support services.